World Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has defended Anthony Joshua following his wild rant after his second defeat to the Ukrainian in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua who lost by points to Usyk appeared surprised and threw tantrums by two of the world titles out of the ring in disbelief.
However, Usyk took to the 32-year-old’s defence when asked about Joshua’s bizarre behaviour, saying that the British-Nigerian was “overwhelmed” and “emotional” after losing their rematch.
Usyk said, “I cannot say his behaviour was a disgrace, it was just emotional.
“I don’t think he wanted to offend me.”
Joshua apologised in the post-fight media conference for what happened and Usyk, who retained the WBO, IBF and WBA (Super) titles with the victory, encouraged people to stop criticising his rival.
“I think he was just overwhelmed, it was too much to take, and he just started ranting,” said the Ukrainian, 35.
“But I don’t have any rancour towards him and I want to tell people that they shouldn’t hold it against him – he didn’t do anything bad.
“Emotions took over him and he just spurted those words, but later he told me it was OK. Don’t judge him for that. Instead, he needs support and reassurance.”
Usyk also revealed what he said to Joshua when the two-time world champion confronted him in the ring about how he could have lost again, following another points defeat in September 2021.
“He was simply asking how he, the strong guy, could have lost to me, the weak one,” Usyk added.
“I wanted to talk to him, I said, ‘ease up, man, let’s just calm down, when I have time I could come to see you in the UK, come to your gym and we could spar together and stuff’.”
Asked if Joshua still has a boxing future after suffering a third defeat of his career, Usyk added: “Of course, he does. Why not? What nonsense.
“OK, he has lost, so what? It’s not lethal. It’s just a small respite to do some homework.”
