Oleksandr Usyk has respect for Anthony Joshua even after his infamous outburst
Two-time world champion Anthony Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs) has addressed his surprising outburst that came after he lost to Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) fir the second time back in September 2022.
The two heavyweights squared off in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, following their first encounter in 2021, when Usyk came away with a unanimous decision victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London.
Their rematch ended in a split decision, with Usyk holding onto his three world titles.
Devastated with the result, AJ expressed his frustration after seizing the microphone from his opponent, only to look back with regret on his decision to steal the Ukrainian’s spotlight.
Speaking with the BBC, he said: “Look, I’m not perfect and it’s not the right thing to have done. I didn’t speak to Usyk, but I spoke to Wladamir Klitschko and said: ‘give Usyk a pat on the shoulder and tell him well done, and that I apologise.’”
Accepting the Brit’s apology, Usyk praises his former opponent’s achievements, but remains concerned about Joshua’s control over his emotions.
Speaking with Seconds Out, he said: “I don’t have bad feelings about Joshua, because I respect this man. He’s great man, he’s great boxer, he’s Olympic champion, [he’s] two time world champion. I think it’s emotion.”
The rawness of Joshua’s words show that he was genuinely gutted not to win the rematch, but the 34-year-old has bounced back with several emphatic wins since his third defeat as a professional.
He comes off a brutal second-round stoppage over former UFC champion Francis Ngannou, which headlined a blockbuster show out in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in March.
Now, the man from Watford looks to take on the winner of Tyson Fury vs Usyk, who will both collide for the undisputed heavyweight crown on May 18 in Riyadh.