Following his split decision defeat against Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua has explained why he stormed out the ring in Saudi Arabia. Watch what he had to say below:
Shortly after Usyk was confirmed to retain his titles, AJ took the microphone to vent his frustration at the fight, which ends any possibility of him fighting the Undisputed Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury.
Advert
Speaking on his outburst, Joshua explained during his post-fight press conference: "When you try and do things from the heart... it was from the heart.
"I knew I was mad at myself, not at anyone, just at myself.
"I thought I had to get out of there because I was mad.
"Like anyone, when you're mad you might do stupid things.
"Then I realised, 'S*** it's a sport, let's do the right thing and come back'."
Advert
.png)
AJ put on a much better performance against Usyk in the second bout between the heavyweights in Jeddah.
The fight was a tough one to call, and a split decision in favour of Usyk was awarded.
In the aftermath Joshua bizarrely threw two of Usyk's belts out of the ring and then proceeded with his speech that has got everyone talking.
AJ's speech took a turn down memory lane where he discussed how if it wasn't for boxing, he would be in prison.
Advert
He said boxing placed him on the right path and allowed him to train hard every day.
"I am giving you my story," Joshua told the crowd.
"I was going to jail. I got bailed and started training my arse off, because if I got sentenced then I would not have been able to fight.
"I could have done better, but it showed the hard work he must have put in to beat me.
"Please give him a round of applause as our heavyweight champion of the world."
Advert
.png)
AJ then continued to the crowd saying he is not the typical heavyweight: "I’m not a 12-round fighter. I am a new breed of heavyweight, Mike Tyson, Sonny Liston – they say. 'He doesn’t throw combinations like Rocky Marciano', because I am 18 stone, I am heavy.
"It is hard work. This guy here is a phenomenal talent. We are going to cheer for him."
As for Oleksandr Usyk, the fight came less than six months after he had been defending his country against Russian troops as part of the territorial defence battalion.
He dedicated his win to his family and his country in his post-fight conference: "I want thank everyone who prayed for me. I want to thank God for the help that he gave me today because he did give me a lot today. My Lord is Jesus Christ."
Topics: Anthony Joshua
Callum Jones