In a tearful post-fight news conference following his second loss to Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua confesses that he is “upset” and that his performance “wasn’t good enough” while being comforted by promoter Eddie Hearn.
Anthony Joshua broke down in tears during his post-fight press conference after his devastating defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
After losing to his Ukrainian opponent at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September, the British boxer challenged him again in Saudi Arabia and was defeated by split decision.
And after the bout, the 32-year-old couldn’t hold back the emotions when asked whether he still feels ‘proud’ of himself.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn consoled the British heavyweight during the press conference
It’s quite difficult for me to say I’m proud of myself, said Joshua. I’m just not feeling anything. I’m angry. In the depths of my heart.
The heavyweight boxer then visibly struggles to say anything else while Eddie Hearn, who is seated right next to him, comforts him and he hides his face with his hands.
‘I tried a different style. Previously in my career what got me through when I was beating people I have been beating… I was beating them off sheer hungry and passion,’ Joshua continued.
‘In the last fight I wanted to compete as a boxer but it wasn’t good enough and tonight wasn’t good enough.’
After the bout, Joshua flung two of Usyk’s belts off the top of the ring and into the floor. He then stormed inside his changing room before returning to shake Usyk’s hand.
Now that he has experienced the most devastating defeat of his career, it is anticipated that Joshua would take a break from boxing as he decides what to do next.
After Usyk’s triumph over the Brit last year and Joshua’s unexpected loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019, which he made up for with a victory later that year, it marks his third defeat in five fights.
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