Anthony Joshua has vowed to make a comeback following a fourth profession defeat and more unusual conduct within the aftermath.
AJ hit the canvas 4 instances in opposition to Daniel Dubois and was finally knocked out chilly earlier than making a startling in-ring risk post-fight.
“Credit score to him and his crew. We rolled the cube of success, however we got here up quick,” mentioned Joshua. “You understand I’m able to kick off within the ring, however I’m going to maintain my cool, maintain very skilled, and provides respect to my opponent.
“I’m all the time saying to myself, I’m a fighter for all times. We maintain rolling the cube. I had a pointy opponent, a quick opponent, and a whole lot of errors from my finish, however that’s the sport.”
After reflecting on his loss for 48 hours, Joshua launched a press release vowing to make a comeback. Nonetheless, he didn’t apologize for his outburst.
“We got here up quick, however we’ve obtained to have a look at all of the positives,” mentioned the two-time heavyweight champion. “That’s the mindset. That’s the angle we’ve obtained to have – a constructive one, all the time.
“Take a look at what we’ve achieved within the final 11 years. It’s phenomenal. I wish to thank each single one in all you who has been driving with me.”
He added, “What a rollercoaster journey, however what the issue is? It’s removed from over but. We’ve finished it as soon as, we’ve finished it twice, and doing it a 3rd time hasn’t been straightforward, but it surely’s one thing I can obtain.
“It’s about making the suitable steps ahead, working laborious and enhancing. It’s obtained to come back from the guts greater than something. It might’t come from any exterior voices or influences; it’s obtained to come back from the guts.
“It’s solely been a day, however once I sit again and suppose, I do know I’ve obtained a whole lot of coronary heart. Thanks to your help, thanks for being on this rollercoaster journey with me.
“Maintain your seatbelt tight as a result of deep, deep, deep down in right here, I do know I’ve obtained much more to convey to the sport, and lengthy could it proceed.”
Earlier than his risk to ‘kick-off’ throughout his interview, Joshua pulled tongues at Dubois all through his beating. He additionally branded his opponent ‘sh**’ – which doesn’t align with the ‘respect’ angle the Londoner talked about afterward.
It appears Joshua will once more get let off with none repercussion, as his promoter, Eddie Hearn, talked about nothing about any of these incidents or conduct when talking instantly after.
“It was the primary spherical; after that, he was combating on coronary heart and need. I’m so proud as a result of he by no means gave up; his legs had been deceiving him, and he stored on attempting.
“When you find yourself in there with an enormous puncher, that is what can occur. He by no means stopped attempting to stand up, even when he couldn’t stand up. Daniel deserves credit score. He’s an actual world champion. Congratulations to him,” said Hearn.
Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay. Study extra in regards to the creator, skilled boxing author, and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010. Comply with on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
