Former WBA, IBF, WBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has recounted his defeat experience at the hands of Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk claimed a stunning unanimous decision win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London with scores of 117-112, 116-112, and 115-113 being rewarded after a near-masterclass from the unbeaten Usyk.
He became only the third fighter after Evander Holyfield and David Haye to win world titles at cruiserweight and heavyweight.
Joshua was obligated to face WBO mandatory challenger Usyk after a bout against Fury fell through earlier this year.
While narrating how Usyk beat him, Anthony Joshua said he saw nothing in the ninth round.
His words, “I couldn’t see in the ninth round. I couldn’t see anything really. But it was a good experience because in adversity you just gotta learn to control yourself. Stay on top of things.
“When I couldn’t see anything, it’s the first time it’s happened in a fight. I was thinking ‘all right, cool…this is the first time my eye’s closed up in a fight. I can’t see anything and I’m looking out of one eye.’ But it got better as the rounds went on.
“We’ll be back 100 (percent). I’m ready to get back to training. Because of the twelve rounds, my lungs and everything, it was a good twelve-rounder so I’ll be in a good place when I get back into training to pick up where we left off.”
