
via Getty
DIRIYAH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 07: Anthony Joshua looks on with a cut to his left eye during the IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO World Heavyweight Title Fight between Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua during the Matchroom Boxing ‘Clash on the Dunes’ show at the Diriyah Season on December 07, 2019 in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

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DIRIYAH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 07: Anthony Joshua looks on with a cut to his left eye during the IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO World Heavyweight Title Fight between Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua during the Matchroom Boxing ‘Clash on the Dunes’ show at the Diriyah Season on December 07, 2019 in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
A storm is brewing in the boxing world. Yet, no punches are thrown. No gloves laced up. The battleground? Public perception. The warriors? Former heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, and talkSPORT, a radio station known for its impartial coverage of sports. Here’s the odd bit: Simon Jordan, a popular talkSPORT host, has now accused Joshua of playing the victim.
This unexpected accusation is like a left hook from nowhere, landing a resounding blow. It has left fans puzzled. What did Joshua say to trigger such a response? Why did Jordan launch such an accusation? As we unpack this intriguing scenario, we’ll reveal the blows traded outside the ring.
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Joshua takes a jab at talkSPORT: His controversial statement unveiled
Renowned former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua did not shy away from expressing his discontent, firing back at the popular radio station, talkSPORT. He believes the station has been unduly critical of him, voicing concerns of partiality towards Tyson Fury. “It just makes me curious… why do you think it is?” questioned Joshua, indicating an alleged bias against him.

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DIRIYAH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 04: Anthony Joshua speaks to the media during the Clash On The Dunes Press Conference at the Diriyah Season Hospitality Lounge on December 04, 2019 in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
In his view, the analysis and critique he receives from talkSPORT differ substantially when compared to those directed at Fury, particularly when both fighters go the full 12 rounds. Joshua’s passionate comments hint at deeper issues within the sport’s coverage and his place in it. Could this be a sign of tension brewing within the boxing community or simply an athlete’s venting of frustrations?
As these words echo, it’s clear that Joshua is not one to stay silent. His vocalized thoughts raise many questions about the portrayal of boxers and the perceived favoritism in sports reporting.
talkSPORT host responds to Joshua’s accusations: Claims of playing the victim
Simon Jordan, the talkSPORT host, responded strongly to Joshua’s claim, refusing to accept his accusations. He advised Joshua to “grow up” and “be a man”, making it clear that being a prominent figure in boxing naturally invites scrutiny.
“He’s not been held to any different standards than other people have,” Jordan stated, indicating that Joshua’s claims are baseless. He went on to challenge Joshua’s perception of bias, specifically detailing criticisms aimed at other boxers like Tyson Fury. “When Tyson Fury puts in an inauspicious performance against Otto Wallin, he gets criticised,” he emphasised.
Jordan didn’t stop at defending talkSPORT’s neutrality. He went on the offensive, accusing Joshua of being the one at fault. “This is a former heavyweight champion of the world, he should not be getting a WBC belt, he should be getting the ‘Whining BC’ belt,” he said.
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By the end of his response, Jordan made his stance clear, dismissing Joshua’s comments as an attempt at “victim-hood and redirection from some of the constructive observations that are made about fighters and they don’t like it.”
Also read: Eddie Hearn Reveals Anthony Joshua Is Risking a Lot of Money to Fight Dillian Whyte
Ultimately, the conversation surrounding Joshua’s accusations adds another chapter to the high-stakes world of professional boxing. Despite the harsh back-and-forth, it’s clear both parties remain passionate and invested in the sport. As the saga unfolds, will this altercation impact Joshua’s future relationship with talkSPORT and the boxing community at large?
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We would love to hear your take on this. Do you think Joshua’s claims are valid, or is he just diverting from constructive criticism? Do you think this saga will affect his performance against Whyte? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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