Anthony Joshua Admits His Second Defeat To Oleksandr Usyk Still Hurts

Nigerian-born British heavyweight boxer, Anthony Joshua has reflected on his loss to Oleksandr Usyk in 2022, acknowledging that it was a deeply disappointing defeat.

Known for his dedication to improvement, Anthony Joshua admitted that the back-to-back losses were particularly painful, despite his subsequent wins.

Describing the rematch against Usyk as a setback that lingers in his mind, Joshua expressed his determination to learn from the experience and come back stronger.

“Usyk 2. Massively. I respect Usyk, yeah, but it just hurt the defeat. It was a weak performance. I wasn’t supposed to lose in my head. I give my life to this game, man. I give everything,” Joshua told DAZN Boxing.

Joshua remains focused on his upcoming IBF title clash with Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on September 21, viewing it as the next challenge in his career.

While still feeling the emotional impact of the defeat to Usyk, Joshua is committed to regaining momentum and confidence through his recent victories.

Looking ahead, he is also open to the possibility of a potential third fight with Usyk, should the opportunity arise after Usyk’s rematch with Tyson Fury later this year.

As Anthony Joshua prepares for the Dubois showdown, he appears to be channelling his disappointment into renewed determination, recognizing that his best efforts were not enough in his previous encounter.