Oleksandr Usyk has revealed that he has no resentment for Anthony Joshua for his behaviour after their rematch back in 2022.
After suffering a second successive defeat to Usyk, Joshua threw Usyk’s belts on the ground and went on an impassioned and somewhat bizarre rant whilst on the mic.
Many felt ‘AJ’ had stolen the Ukrainian star’s moment from him, especially given what’s been taking place in his homeland over the past few years.
Joshua since apologised for the antics – and Usyk has said it’s all water under the bridge now.
When asked by Seconds Out if he had forgiven his old adversary, the 37-year-old was quick to extend the olive branch.
“Yes, definitely. Listen, I have no bad feelings about Joshua because I respect this man.
“He is a great man, a great boxer, an Olympic champion and a two-time world champion.
“It was emotion and I respect him, no problem Anthony.”
🙌 The respect Oleksandr Usyk has for Anthony Joshua 👏#Boxing #OleksandrUsyk #AnthonyJoshua (via @guardian) pic.twitter.com/gNChqiorKj
— Pro Boxing Fans (@ProBoxingFans) February 9, 2023
So taken aback was the boxing world by Joshua’s actions, that many questioned whether he still had the mentality to compete at the highest level.
Those fears have been substantially alleviated over the past 12 months, as the two-time world champion looks to be back to his best under the tutelage of new coach Ben Davison.
In his two outings under Davison thus far, the 34-year-old dispatched of Otto Wallin after five rounds before absolutely poleaxing recent Tyson Fury opponent Francis Ngannou last month.
(Photo Credit: Mark Robinson, Matchroom)
As for Usyk, he has his eyes set on the greatest prize of them all, as he takes on Fury for the undisputed heavyweight world championship on May 18th
The pair had been due to lock horns in February, however this was pushed back after ‘The Gyspy King’ suffered an eye injury in sparring less than two weeks out.
Though a contractual rematch clause is in place, there are rumours that a deal could be agreed for Joshua to take on the victor – particularly if it’s his countryman Fury.
