Oleksandr Usyk gives instant reaction to Anthony Joshua's IBF title fight loss after attending event live at Wembley
Anthony Joshua's bid to become a three-time heavyweight champion came undone as he suffered a KO loss to Daniel Dubois in an IBF title fight this weekend. Oleksandr Usyk for one was surprised by the outcome.
Joshua came into the fight with a lot of momentum, and rightfully so. He had looked spectacular in his recent outings. The Briton's wins against Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou had helped elevate his profile since his back-to-back losses against 'The Cat'.
The former unified heavyweight champion was the favorite per most bookmakers leading into the contest. However, on Saturday night at Wembley, things started going wrong quickly for 'AJ'.
After being dropped in the first round and wobbled multiple times during the fight, Joshua was knocked out in the fifth as Dubois landed a perfect counter right hook to the button.
Watch Daniel Dubois knock out Anthony Joshua below:
Usyk who had caught the action live at Wembley has wins against both men. He holds two decision victories against 'AJ' and a ninth-round KO win against Dubois. However, the Ukrainian was banking on Joshua to beat 'Dynamite'.
In an instant reaction given to Sky Sports Boxing following the event, Usyk said:
"I thought Anthony should've won, [but] it's boxing, I don't know. For me, it was a surprise."
Check out Oleksandr Usyk's comments about Anthony Joshua's loss below:
The KO loss could have dire consequences for the 34-year-old's career. However, as revealed by Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn, he will activate an immediate rematch clause.
Anthony Joshua shuts down retirement talks
In the light of his back-to-back losses against Oleksandr Usyk and now a KO loss to Daniel Dubois, many believe it's time for Anthony Joshua to hang up his gloves. However, the former world champion is not ready to bid adieu to the pugilistic arts.
In a statement given to the press following the loss, 'AJ' dismissed retirement talks, doubling down that he fully intends to return to the ring:
"Probably you're asking, do I want to continue fighting? Of course, I want to continue fighting. That's what I said, we took a shot at success and we came up short. And what does that mean now? We are going to run away or we are going to live to fight another day? And that's what I'm, I'm a warrior."
Catch Anthony Joshua's comments below (1:35):