Boxing world explodes over 'embarrassing' Anthony Joshua meltdown
The boxing world has lost it over heavyweight Anthony Joshua's bizarre post-fight speech after losing for the second time against Oleksandr Usyk.
In the heavyweight title rematch, Usyk dominated like he did in the first fight to defeat Joshua on a controversial split decision.
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The Ukrainian fighter showed his class as he outboxed the bigger and taller Joshua throughout the 12 rounds, despite one judge handing the British boxer the win.
However, plenty of the drama happened post-fight when Joshua took out his frustration with the microphone.
The heavyweight initially grabbed two of the heavyweight belts and threw them out of the ring, before he was overheard talking to Usyk.
"How did you beat me? You're not strong,"Joshua was heard asking Usyk.
Joshua then took the microphone and entered into a bizarre rant that had everyone stunned.
The 32-year-old showed his class and asked the crowd to give Usyk a round of applause.
However, the defeated British heavyweight took a dig at his critics about the way be fights.
He then brought up the war in Ukraine and appeared to miss the mark.
The commentator asked 'why' Joshua was reacting with such anger during the broadcast.
Anthony Joshua's post fight speech 😳pic.twitter.com/Mkp5GoXGqv
— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) August 20, 2022
What is going on here??? #JoshuaUsyk
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) August 20, 2022
Feel for Anthony Joshua so much emotion and pain in the struggle of being at the top of the tree for as long as he has been, that was a very emotional interview but can you blame him? he was the man who made British boxing massive! #UsykJoshua
— Charlie Edwards 🦅 (@CEdwardsBoxing) August 20, 2022
Anthony Joshua interrupting the celebration for Usyk #UsykJoshua2 pic.twitter.com/kjnPRYlVcF
— Fun Guy (@FunGuyBurner) August 20, 2022
Everyone in the ring looking at Joshua on the mic pic.twitter.com/XQsmihWLRh
— Lucas (@LucasAblett) August 20, 2022
Anthony Joshua with the most embarrassing post fight speech I’ve seen in about 15 years 🤣 pic.twitter.com/Iu5EC6YK10
— Michael Torres Gair (@MichaelTG91) August 20, 2022
Anthony Joshua has had a bit of a meltdown here. I feel sorry for him a bit here. I really hope those close to him band around him because his emotions are going to be all over the place. I actually found that to be really sad to see. The pressure he's under. #JoshuaUsyk2
— Chris Andre Boxing (@BetBoxing) August 20, 2022
The drama didn't end there.
After his speech, Joshua was annoyed at something that went on in the ring.
He was seen being calmed down by his camp.
Joshua then stormed out of the ring, before throwing his towel on the ground.
He then appeared to enter into an argument with a member of the crowd.
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
However, despite the strong words from Joshua, many defended the boxer.
Former boxer Tony Bellew claimed fighter shsouldn't be judged on their actions immediately afte ra fight when emotiions are high.
Others agreed.
Don’t ever judge a boxer on a post fight interview! I can’t explain to you how much emotion and tiredness are both working AGAINST you! I’ve known AJ a long time and he’s nothing but respectful, honest and decent to everyone! He’ll be back.. 👊
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) August 20, 2022
Feel for Anthony Joshua so much emotion and pain in the struggle of being at the top of the tree for as long as he has been, that was a very emotional interview but can you blame him? he was the man who made British boxing massive! #UsykJoshua
— Charlie Edwards 🦅 (@CEdwardsBoxing) August 20, 2022
After the fight, Usyk dedicated the win to his homeland, Ukraine, as he held up the flag in support of those fighting back at home.
Oleksandr Usyk defeats Anthony Joshua
Usyk cemented his spot as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world after defeating the British superstar for the second time.
While one judge gave the fight to Joshua, for most, it was clear the Ukrainian did enough to win the fight on points.
Joshua employed a different tactic from the outset in the rematch as he worked away at Usyk's body.
However, the speed and footwork from the Ukrainian was superior as he outscored the bulking British fighter for 12 rounds.
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