OLEKSANDR USYK has urged “handsome” Anthony Joshua to “grow” by ditching the “freeloaders” in his camp – in time for a potential trilogy.
Usyk beat AJ for the second time in the space of a year by emerging with a split-decision in Saudi Arabia.
Oleksandr Usyk speaking after returning to Ukraine
But much of the Ukrainian’s heroic performance was overshadowed by Joshua’s post-fight outburst.
It saw the British star take the microphone to produce a bizarre speech, all after chucking two of Usyk’s belt out of the ring.
But the unified world champion has spoken out to defend AJ, who also apologised for his actions a day after the heartbreaking loss.
Usyk said at a press conference: “I don’t hold a grudge against him. He was upset. I’d be upset if I lost twice.
“Joshua has potential to grow, he needs to get some people away from him because he has a lot of freeloaders.
“Joshua is a handsome man, well done.”
Joshua, 32, now faces a rebuilding job following the consecutive defeats to boxing’s pound-for-pound best.
Meanwhile Usyk, 35, is lined up with a historic heavyweight undisputed title decider with Tyson Fury, 34.
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Initially, Fury claimed he would only put up his WBC belt if he was guaranteed £500MILLION and a deal in place by September.
But Usyk has insisted the division’s first ever four-belt unification must wait until next year.
He said: “Fighting Tyson Fury in December is impossible. First, I have old injuries.
“Second, I just don’t want to box in December. I haven’t left the gym for half a year, I want to be with my children, my family.
“Boxing can wait a little. Next year I think it will happen.”
Usyk has already named an unlikely trilogy fight with Joshua as an alternative if the famously unpredictable Fury is ruled out.
He said: “If Fury floats away, then maybe we will agree on a third fight with Joshua.”
Anthony Joshua was twice beaten by Oleksandr Usyk
