Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Sporting ExcitementSporting Excitement

Boxing

Eddie Hearn reveals Anthony Joshua would ‘hate’ him if he exposed the REAL reasons why he lost to Andy Ruiz Jr

, Eddie Hearn reveals Anthony Joshua would ‘hate’ him if he exposed the REAL reasons why he lost to Andy Ruiz Jr

ANTHONY JOSHUA would “hate” Eddie Hearn if the promoter revealed the real reasons he underperformed in his loss against Andy Ruiz Jr.

AJ was dropped four times during his first career defeat, which ended in round seven, with mystery surrounding what happened to the Brit star pre and post fight and rumours suggesting the heavyweight was concussed. 

Anthony Joshua would ‘hate’ Eddie Hearn if the promoter revealed the real reasons he underperformed in his loss against Andy Ruiz Jr
Hearn admits Joshua had his reasons for coming into the fight sluggish and off his game

Joshua was forced to deny being dropped in sparring and even refute claims he had a panic attack before the headliner on his US debut in New York.

But Hearn admits Joshua had his reasons for coming into the fight sluggish and off his game but unlike Deontay Wilder – who blamed his loss to Tyson Fury on his ring costume – those excuses will not be aired.

Hearn told Sky Sports: “It’s nothing to do with sparring or panic attacks but there are reasons that he wasn’t firing on all cylinders. He will never tell you, and he would hate for me to tell you.

“He doesn’t want excuses like we’ve seen with Deontay Wilder.

“When I look back now, knowing what was wrong, I can look at his face and say: ‘You knew you weren’t 100 per cent, didn’t you?’.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

“But all week he was fine, smiling. At no point did anyone say, ‘He doesn’t seem himself’. Looking back now there is something in his eyes that says, ‘I’m not best prepared’.”

, Eddie Hearn reveals Anthony Joshua would ‘hate’ him if he exposed the REAL reasons why he lost to Andy Ruiz Jr

Joshua stayed silent after his setback, but came out triumphant six months later as he enacted revenge on Ruiz in Saudi Arabia to reclaim the WBA, IBF and WBO titles.

But after that career defining win, the 30-year-old hinted that he suffered a health problem before the stunning loss.

Joshua told BBC Sport: “I had some issue with my health which I was going through for a long time.

“I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I felt so tired and drained and thought it must be down to training.

“In the changing room before the fight I got a bucket of ice and was putting my head in it thinking ‘why do I feel so tired?’

“The responsibilities of being world champion are difficult. All that stuff, feeling so tired, dealing with obligations.

“Now I have energy, I haven’t missed a session.”

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

 

Joshua admitted to last year requiring an operation as well as treating the mystery ailment that hasn’t affected him since.

He added: “After my check-ups it showed what the problem was and this is what you have to get sorted.

“Even in this camp I had an operation done but as I’d started training in June I had no issues.”

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest

Premier League

Arsenal and Tottenham vying for Wolves Winger Arsenal and Tottenham are gearing up for a showdown in the race to secure the signature of...

Golf

Augusta National, the prestigious golf club that hosts the Masters tournament every April, is known for its beauty and exclusivity. However, behind the scenes...

Premier League

Pochettino Questions Southgate's Decision Mauricio Pochettino has subtly criticized Gareth Southgate after Ben Chilwell returned from England duty with a knee injury, casting doubt...

Premier League

Gary Neville's Opinion Manchester United legend Gary Neville has urged his former club to stick with Erik ten Hag this summer as he is...

Premier League

Chelsea Fans Concerned Chelsea fans are growing increasingly frustrated as the club's injury list continues to expand. The team is currently facing a crisis...

Premier League

Larry Lloyd's Football Career Former England and Nottingham Forest star Larry Lloyd has passed away at the age of 75. The legendary defender played...

Advertisement
Advertisement

Facebook

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement