Oleksandr has had his say on Anthony Joshua’s post-fight reaction in Saudi Arabia. On the night, the Ukrainian beat the Brit to keep his heavyweight titles.
Once the score cards were read out in Usyk’s favour, Joshua was frustration personified. He took control of the microphone and made a speech about expectations and pressure. It’s understandable – it had just been confirmed the former-champion had come up short against his opponent for the second time in a row.
Today, Usyk released an extended interview via his YouTube channel. Addressing the way that his opponent reacted to defeat, the Ukrainian was understanding – highlighting that beneath it all is a good person.
“Yes, he was freaked out and I think, no one should blame him for it. He has been training, has believed in something, and then lost the bout for the second time.
I guess his physical condition was pretty good, but, thanks God, ours was a bit better. It might be a reasonable explanation for the outbreak of his verbal diarrhoea. But, I believe, he is a good person.”
Speaking specifically on Joshua taking the belts and dropping them from the ring, Usyk was less sympathetic.
It’s understandable given how much work he has put in to getting to where he is, having gone undefeated and undisputed at a lower weight class before taking on the heavyweight division. It turns out that he’s not only an elite boxer, but a bit of an analogist, too.
“You know: I thought ‘what a poor fool.
I thought ‘why should Anthony be doing that?’ He reminded me of a little boy who wanted to play with a ball, but it was taken away from him. Being angry, eventually decided to throw it over the neighbour’s fence, so that the ball landed next to the fierce dog. So was it such a smart decision in the end?”
Talk of an undisputed fight for Usyk next has been paused for negotiations on an all-British clash between Joshua and Tyson Fury. He addressed this elsewhere in the interview.