At one point, Anthony Joshua was on top of the world. He was leading the heavyweight division. He endured setbacks but managed to adapt. In his rematch Saturday against Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua could not reclaim his former glory.
Usyk beat Joshua via split decision in Saudi Arabia to retain the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles. He also won the vacant The Ring magazine belt. One judge scored the fight in favor of Joshua, who was outstruck by Usyk 170-124, per CompuBox.
Joshua, who appeared rattled by the loss, hijacked the post-fight interview. At first, he held the Ukraine flag around him. The former champion then talked about his journey in boxing.
MORE: What if COVID didn't prevent fight vs. Fury?
"I'm stealing this, Usyk. I'm sorry, but it's because of the passion we put into this,” Joshua began. "This guy to beat me tonight, maybe I could have done better, but it shows the level of hard work I put in. So please, give him a round of applause as our heavyweight champion of the world."
JOSHUA CONFRONTS USYK AFTER DEFEAT 😳😳 pic.twitter.com/vFTYbgCoPb
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) August 20, 2022
Following that, Joshua got the crowd to chant for Usyk. He mentioned that he would try to help Usyk in his cause for fighting for Ukraine. He mentioned the country's troubles and brought up when Vasiliy Lomachenko also fought.
But while he praised and supported Usyk, he also tried to puff himself up.
"I'm not a 12-round fighter. Look at me, I'm a new breed of heavyweight. Mike Tyson, Sonny Liston, Jack Dempsey, 'You don't throw combinations like Rocky Marciano.' I'm heavy, it's hard work," Joshua went on to say. "This guy here (Usyk) is a phenomenal talent. We're going to cheer for him three times."
Before he left, Joshua threw down two heavyweight title belts as he appeared angry with the outcome of the fight.
Anthony Joshua throws two belts out of the ring as he loses temper after defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. 😲😲 pic.twitter.com/PHDIe2FWGh
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) August 20, 2022
It took a while for Usyk to deliver his post-fight speech. He didn’t discuss Joshua’s comments, but he did call out the recently retired Tyson Fury, who still holds the WBC title.
MORE: What is Tyson Fury’s status as WBC heavyweight champion?
"I'm sure Tyson Fury is not retired yet,” said Usyk. “I'm convinced he wants to fight me. I want to fight him. If I don't fight Tyson Fury, I'm not fighting at all.”
Fury replied on Instagram: "Get your f—ing checkbook out because The Gypsy King is here to stay...forever!"
Joshua's promoter, Matchroom's Eddie Hearn, also didn't acknowledge the fighter's speech.
At the post-fight press conference, an emotional Joshua vowed that he would become a three-time heavyweight champion before all is said and done. He is not leaving the sport just yet, but he was deeply disappointed in how the fight turned out.
👏 A very emotional Anthony Joshua can't hold back the tears after an impressive performance ended in defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. #UsykJoshua2 pic.twitter.com/PSU4ukY6SY
— Sporting News Boxing (@sn_fights) August 21, 2022
It is unknown what is next for Joshua. He signed a $100 million contract with DAZN. The Brit became a shareholder, special advisor and brand ambassador for the streaming service. He also joined DAZN's strategic advisory board for its global expansion of boxing content.
The next available fight for him could be against Deontay Wilder, who will face Robert Helenius in October.