If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.
That’s the adage Oleksandr Usyk is offering Anthony Joshua after besting the Brit for a second time via decision.
“If he needs my help, I will go to his camp and help him. He is not 40 years old, he is 33, so he should keep working – Anthony, don’t stop,” Usyk told Sky Sports. “I understand that he wanted to win against me, but Anthony can’t give up. He must go forward.”
Usyk convincingly conquered Joshua in August, weathering a ninth-round onslaught to close the show in the 10th, 11th, and 12th rounds. Usyk was awarded a split decision win despite outlanding Joshua 170 to 124 in the rematch.
In Sept. 2021, Usyk beat Joshua via unanimous decision to capture the heavyweight crowns.
Joshua was clearly frustrated by the second beating and had a bizarre post-fight outburst in the center of the ring during Usyk’s celebrations.
Usyk described Joshua’s outcry as “a mistake.”
“It’s wrong to think that he had stolen my moment,” said Usyk. “He said what he wanted. Thank God the victory was mine. Anthony cannot be judged by what he did – he is a top-level athlete and a good person. He made a mistake. I’m sure he did it with no anger. He was disappointed with his defeat and he was sad.”
The WBO, WBA, IBF, IBO, and Ring Magazine heavyweight champion of the world Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs) is now focused on fighting WBC titlist Tyson Fury next year once he takes some time off to allow injuries to heal.
If a Fury fight falls through the cracks, Usyk has stated that he’d be open for a third fight with Joshua.
By Manouk Akopyan