Anthony Joshua addressed the crowd in an impromptu outburst after his heavyweight world title fight against Oleksandr Usyk.
The Ukrainian claimed a split-decision victory over Joshua in Jeddah after a fascinating rematch following Usyk’s comfortable victory 11 months ago.
This contest was far more even but few onlookers expected the challenger to win on points and he gave a respectful embrace to his opponent after the final round.
However, soon after the decision was announced, Joshua grabbed two belts and held them aloft before hurling them out of the ring. He then attempted to leave the arena before being brought back by his team.
After returning, Joshua spoke to Usyk and appeared baffled at his defeat before grabbing the microphone in front of Usyk, stating that he does not see himself as a “12-round fighter” given his stature.
“I ain’t no amateur boxer from five years old that was an elite prospect from my youth [like Usyk],” he stated. “I was going to jail, I got bail, and I started training my arse off - because if I got sentenced, I wanted to be able to fight.
“I’m stealing this Usyk, sorry, but it’s because the f****** passion we put into this s***. This guy [Usyk], to beat me tonight - maybe I could have done better - but it shows the levels of hard work he must have put in so please give him a round of applause for our heavyweight champion of the world.
JOSHUA CONFRONTS USYK AFTER DEFEAT 😳😳 pic.twitter.com/vFTYbgCoPb
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) August 20, 2022
“I’m not a 12-round fighter. Look at me, I’m the new breed of heavyweights. All those heavyweights, Mike Tyson, Sonny Liston, Jack Dempsey... ‘Oh you don’t throw combinations like Rocky Marciano’ - because I ain’t f****** 14 stone! I’m 18 stone, I’m heavy. It’s hard work.”
“This guy here’s a phenomenal talent,” he added before paying tribute to Usyk winning amid the crisis in Ukraine. “Under those circumstances, he’s managed to become champion!”
A number of pundits criticised Joshua for stealing the victorious Usyk’s moment. Eddie Hearn said afterwards Joshua had “exploded because he lost... he’s devastated”.
