OLEKSANDR USYK has leapt to the defence of Anthony Joshua – insisting the Brit turned in a ‘brilliant’ display in their Tottenham tussle.
Slick southpaw Usyk ripped the unified heavyweight titles from Joshua’s grasp with a boxing masterclass at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last month.
Joshua, 32, was ridiculed for trying to out-fox the wily Usyk, but the Ukrainian reckons AJ has been wrongly criticised.
He told DAZN: “It’s unfortunate to hear that they are being harsh on Joshua’s performance, because I was there in the ring with him and he was very good.
“I really do not know where they find grounds for criticism. It was truly a brilliant fight.
“I am now preparing for another challenging match against him next year and I will need to be at my best to keep my championships.”
Uysk and Joshua will renew their rivalry early next year, although a date for their rematch has not been finalised.
Joshua has been urged to axe head coach Rob McCraken for the potentially do-or-die bout.
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But the prospect of facing a new and improved AJ doesn’t faze the former undisputed cruiserweight king.
He said: “I am not sure who will train Joshua for the rematch.
“I have seen the speculation about who he may hire for next year but it does not matter to us who trains him.
“Our goal is to be prepared for everything and I train to improve my own chances, not based on my opponent.
“He also promised to be more aggressive and dangerous in the rematch.
“If that is the case, great. I’d be glad to experience that side of Joshua. I am sure it will be another brilliant fight.”
Joshua is champing at the bit to settle the score with Usyk and avenge his second professional loss, telling iFL TV: “I’m done with losing.
“I’m done with trying to learn the sweet science. [Usyk] might get thrown on the floor in the next fight because this is war.”
He added: “I’m heading into my 12th world title fight now and the learning is done. It’s done. It’s just war.
“I’m annoyed. I’m boiling up just speaking about it.”
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