Despite an improved performance in the unified world heavyweight title rematch, which took place in Saudi Arabia, Joshua fell short against the smooth Ukrainian and lost via split decision in a defeat that happens to be his third professional defeat.
Joshua in his post-match behavior was very different this time around the two-time world heavyweight champion threw two of Usyk’s belts on the floor in a disrespectful act, looked incredibly angry, and stormed out of the ring.
Then, he headed back into the ring, grabbed the microphone, and delivered an emotional, expletive-filled speech about his journey from jail to being a world champion, as well as hailing Usyk’s quality, firing back at criticism of his abilities and also discussing the situation in Ukraine.
In his words “Usyk is one hell of a f***ing fighter, let’s give him a round of applause,” Joshua said, addressing the fans.
“Sorry guys, look if you knew my story you’d understand the passion. “I ain’t no amateur boxer from youth, I was looking at jail. “I’m stealing this Usyk, I’m sorry but it’s because of the f***ing passion.
“I’m not a 12-round fighter, I’m a new breed of heavyweight, Mike Tyson, Sonny Liston – they say ‘he doesn’t throw combinations like Rocky Marciano,’ because I’m not f***ing 14-stone.”
Although it was an incredible fight between two warriors, Joshua’s actions afterward were the huge talking point online.
Ada Peter
