Anthony Joshua issues statement after bizarre behaviour following world heavyweight title defeat to Oleksandr Usyk

Anthony Joshua has taken to Twitter to address his bizarre post-fight behaviour following his world heavyweight title defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua put on a much better display in the rematch than he did in the first fight in September but it wasn't enough to become a three-time heavyweight champion.

Usyk outclassed AJ on the way to a split decision victory in Saudi Arabia and his excellent performance was overshadowed by the unusual behaviour of his opponent.

Emotions took over as Joshua threw the Ukranian's belts, stormed out of the ring before returning and delivering an x-rated speech.

The mask very much appeared to slip and Joshua has now issued a full statement explaining his actions.

"I wish @usykaa continued success in your quest for greatness," he wrote on Twitter.

"You are a class act champ. Yesterday I had to mentally take myself into a dark place to compete for the championship belts! "I had two fights, one with Usyk and one with my emotions and both got the better of me.

"I’ll be the first to admit, I let my self [sic] down. I acted out of pure passion and emotion and when not controlled it ain’t great.

I love this sport so so much and I’ll be better from this point on. Respect."

After hijacking the microphone, Joshua passionately discussed his journey from jail to world champion, as well as hailing Usyk's quality, firing back at criticism of his abilities and also discussing the situation in Ukraine.

He also fumed at three-weight world champion Vasyl Lomachenko for trying to console him, shouting "F*** that s***, good boxing has to win. F**K this s**t.” 

There was another explosion backstage when a bystander told him to "keep it professional", with security having to hold Joshua back and calm him down.

In the press conference, Joshua broke down in tears in what was a new side fans had not seen from the 32-year-old.

He's now suffered back-to-back defeats to Usyk but wants to return to the squared circle in November and has vowed to reclaim the world heavyweight titles.

Featured Image Credit: Image: Alamy

Topics: Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua, Boxing

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@joshlawless_