"I respect Usyk, but it was painful": Joshua makes a frank confession

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (25-3, 22 KOs) has called his defeat in the rematch to Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs) the most painful of his career. The Watford native believes that the main reason for his fiasco was his mentality, as he was unable to overcome himself psychologically.

Joshua spoke frankly about this in an interview with DAZN Boxing. The British boxer stressed that he has incredible respect for Usyk, and also called his performance on the evening of 20 August last year, when the Ukrainian won a split decision (113-115, 115-113, 116-112), weak.

"I have three defeats. It's crazy. The most painful? The rematch with Usyk. It was devastating. Of course, I respect Usyk. I respect him. But it was painful. Because I give my all to this sport. I think it was a weak performance on my part. I shouldn't have lost to him in my head," Joshua said.

It should be noted that on 12 August, Anthony will fight Finnish veteran Robert Helenius (32-4, 21 KOs). For his part, Usyk will defend his belts against the British Daniel Dubois (19-1, 18 KOs) on 26 August in Wroclaw.

In case of victory, Oleksandr hopes to fight for the title of absolute world champion against Tyson Fury (33-0-1, 24 KOs), to whom the Ukrainian made an unexpected compliment. Tyson himself ridiculed the Ukrainian for fighting his compatriot.

Saudi Arabia intends to organise the fights Usyk - Fury and Joshua - Deontay Wilder (43-2-1, 42 KOs) on the same night. The media published the boxers' fees for the grand show. At the same time, Anthony has already confirmed his fight against Deontay.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, the famous Russian promoter Vladimir Khryunov wished Oleksandr Usyk defeat in the fight with Daniel Dubois. The Briton himself spoke about the fear he saw in the Ukrainian's eyes during the duel of the eyes.

In addition, Usyk has a spectacular fan in Britain. And Tyson Fury attacked Oleksandr with humiliation and threats.

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