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“There’s Always That Question Around the Stamina”: Anthony Joshua Reflects on His Loss to Oleksandr Usyk

Published 09/27/2021, 12:38 AM EDT

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via Reuters

Anthony Joshua took the loss to Oleksandr Usyk in his stride. Sadly for him, the former British heavyweight champion lost his belts to Usyk on Saturday night. Remarkably, the Ukrainian dominated his taller and heavier opponent with his superior head movement and quick feet.

Post the fight, Joshua also claimed that in round nine, he could not see properly. Usyk swung a punch that landed on Joshua’s eye socket, causing it to swell up. When an interviewer asked Joshua what he learned from his second career loss, the former champion made some brutally honest admissions.

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Loss calls for questions around the stamina

Joshua opened up on his feelings following his infamous defeat. Reflecting upon the match, he said, “It’s good to go to twelve rounds,there’s always that question around the stamina. So it was like a good twelve round, I get someone that’s lighter. I feel like it was a normal fully blown heavyweight, they probably wouldn’t last the full distance. Usyk done well with his movement. Like the eye as well, that didn’t make it easy.” 

via Reuters

‘AJ’ will look to invoke his rematch clause and fight ‘The Cat’ Oleksandr Usyk again. The Ukrainian now holds the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO world titles after scoring a unanimous decision victory, winning 117-112, 116-112, 115-113 on the judges’ scorecards.

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WATCH: Oleksandr Usyk Returns Anthony Joshua’s Titles After Massive Win

Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight doubtful, says Frank Warren

In other news, Tyson ‘The Gypsy King’ Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, feels the highly awaited clash between Fury and Joshua may not take place. After watching Joshua fight against Usyk, Warren feels Fury would annihilate Joshua.

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“I don’t see it happening now,” Warren told BBC Sport. “If it did happen, what would Tyson have done to him? It wouldn’t have gone 12 rounds. Tyson would have destroyed him. Absolutely. The unification fight was there, such a big fight. Heartbreaking. What would Tyson Fury had done to Joshua? A better chin, bigger puncher,” he added.

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However, if Joshua ends up winning his titles back from Usyk in the rematch, would you want to see him take on Tyson Fury? Who do you think would win?

Watch this story: Event Recap: Best Moments From Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk

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Written by:

Allan Binoy

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Allan Binoy is a Combat Sports Author at EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in English Literature. Allan is a semi-professional football player for Diego Juniors FC.
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