Fans baffled by message in corner from Anthony Joshua’s trainer in Oleksandr Usyk loss

On Aug 21, 2022

Fans took to social media to criticise Anthony Joshua’s trainer who claimed the Brit was winning on points during his world heavyweight title rematch with Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night.

Joshua was soundly defeated by Usyk at the Jeddah Super Dome in Saudi Arabia, with the Ukrainian retaining his WBA (Super), WBO, IBO and IBF world titles in front of 30,000 fans. He also took home the Ring Magazine title after it was vacated by Tyson Fury following his retirement.

In a clash billed as the Rage on the Red Sea, Joshua showed aggressiveness but could not match the strategic wiliness of Usyk, who is unbeaten in his 20 professional contests. Two judges scored the fight 115-113 and 116-112 to Usyk, while the third gave it to Joshua 115-113.

Joshua got off to a good start as he began the bout with intent but Usyk’s tactics were brilliant and thwarted the Brit. During a break between rounds, the broadcast of the bout captured a moment when Joshua’s trainer appeared to tell him he was winning each round again after the same issue happened in the first fight – and AJ sacked his coaching team as a result.

However, it happened again and fans were furious online. Prab Sandhu (@prabhh19) said: “Usyk is the more active fighter, when he throws he lands. Why is Anthony Joshua ’s corner telling him he’s winning this fight?!”

Rob of Autumn (@robreecesongs) placed the defeat on the shoulders of Joshua’s team, writing: “Shame for @anthonyjoshua but 100% blame his corner who kept saying his was winning rounds when he wasn’t. They are to blame for AJ losing not him.”

Anthony Joshua held an emotional press conference where he re-iterated his desire to continue boxing at the highest level
(Image: Getty Images)

Do you think Anthony Joshua will ever be world champion again? Let us know in the comments section.

Jamie (@jamiestephen43) was more to the point, criticising Joshua for believing his corner. He posted: “Absolute cringefest from Anthony Joshua!!! His corner constantly telling him he was winning every round too!

“Surely he doesnt think he won that fight, Schooled again!”

One fan suggested Joshua’s post-fight breakdown came after he realised his team had once again fed him different information instead of telling him the truth. Londonbxgdr (@londonbxgdr) added: “Great fight tonight.

“I wonder if Anthony Joshua’s frustration at the end came from being told he was winning each round again by his corner team. Same problem as last time.”

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