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Oleksandr Usyk Harbors No Hard Feelings Against Anthony Joshua for His Infamous Meltdown

Published 04/06/2024, 9:49 PM EDT

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via Reuters

In August 2022 after Anthony Joshua lost to Oleksandr Usyk for the second time with the unified Heavyweight title on the line, the British boxer had an infamous meltdown while still in the ring. Besides throwing the belts out of the ring, ‘AJ’ confronted Usyk and asked, “How did you beat me?” Later, the former two-time unified Heavyweight champion grabbed a microphone to speak about his life.

After calling Usyk, one “hell of a f***ing fighter,” Joshua said he was going to jail. Additionally, ‘AJ’ emphasized the kind of hard work he had put in. At this, while Oleksandr Usyk remained silent, ‘AJ’ also spoke about the war in Ukraine. “I ain’t never been there, but at the same time, what’s happening there is — I don’t know what’s happening, but it’s not nice at the end of the day,” he had added.

Later, in February 2023, Joshua told BBC that he was not perfect. And while he did not speak to Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua sent an apology to ‘The Cat’ through former Ukranian unified Heavyweight champion, Vladimir Klitschko. “I spoke to Vladimir and said give yourself a pat on the shoulder and tell him ‘well done and I apologise’, that’s man-to-man,” Joshua had said. On that note, Usyk was asked if he had received Anthony’s apology.

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Yes, definitely. Listen, I have no bad feelings about Joshua because I respect this man. He’s a great man, he’s a great boxer. Olympic champion, two-time world champion. I think it’s emotion. No problem Anthony,” Oleksandr Usyk told Seconds Out.

However, when asked if he wanted an apology from Joshua in the first place, Usyk, who had considered ‘AJ’ a “poor fool replied, “No.” Soon, he moved on and focused on his upcoming fight against Tyson Fury.

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Oleksandr Usyk to use everything against Tyson Fury

On May 18th, Oleksandr Usyk will finally face Tyson Fury for the undisputed Heavyweight title. On that note, during the same interview on Seconds Out, the Ukrainian boxer was asked about Fury’s biggest asset. To which, ‘The Cat’ said, “His biggest asset is that he’s very big. But, under different circumstances, it could not be an asset.” Moving on, Usyk was asked if he would like to use Fury’s size against him.

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In their reply, Usyk’s translator said, “He would use everything against him.” On being asked about the WBC Heavyweight champion’s heart, Usyk added, “Yes, Tyson Fury is a great fighter. Even if he falls, he stands. It makes him one of the belt holders.” With that said, what do you make of Usyk accepting Joshua’s apology through Klitschko? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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Written by:

Samrat Sardar

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Samrat Sardar is a senior boxing writer at EssentiallySports. With 1600+ articles in 2 years, he is just getting started as his coverage of Mike Tyson has already received widespread recognition. However, his interest lies in stories of any shred of injustice or corruption happening in the world of boxing.
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Edited by:

Abhishek Manikandan