Anthony Joshua can have no regrets about his spirited performance in losing to Oleksandr Usyk. What the former two-time world champion will wish he could go back and change is his petulant reaction to the split decision defeat. Enraged by losing his heavily-hyped rematch for the heavyweight championship of the world, ‘AJ’ proceeded to throw the WBA and The Ring belts out of the ring. He then stormed out of the squared circle, before returning to take the microphone. The result would do more damage to him than even the slick, speedy punching of Usyk.
Joshua embarked on a confused and expletive-ridden rant. In his meandering speech he touched upon the plight of Ukraine, admitting he didn’t know anything about the situation beyond the fact it was “not very nice”. There was a mention of Rocky Marciano, contrasting his own large frame and status as a “new breed” of heavyweight with the diminutive ‘Rock’. He touched upon his jail term and how amateur boxing saved him from a life behind bars. The entire spectacle was unedifying, as Usyk stood respectfully by, though he was clearly hurt by having his crowning moment selfishly stolen.
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Usually after a defeat, it is customary to speculate on who the beaten party should fight next. There is an argument to be made in this case that the London 2012 gold medalist should not fight anyone. ‘AJ’ is still a supremely gifted fighter and there is no shame in losing a competitive and entertaining fight to a boxer with the supernatural talent of Usyk. He certainly remains formidable enough to challenge much of the heavyweight elite. But the question remains, should he?
‘AJ’ said he would look to return this winter during his post-fight press conference. But between now and then, some mental health stock-taking needs to take place in the Joshua camp. His team were as culpable as him as they did little to intervene when their man embarrassed himself in the Usyk aftermath. Joshua needs help and, if needs be, he needs to cut those from his team who do not serve his best interests. Only then can he move forward inside the unforgiving pressure cooker of the boxing ring.
With that being said, if his mental wellness is secure then ‘AJ’ absolutely should fight again. Usyk is a special talent and there are few like him in the heavyweight division. Tyson Fury probably hasn’t decided whether he’s retired or not this week but he would be the only other name to come close to the genius Ukrainian. ‘AJ’ has plenty of options to begin his journey towards a third world title.
The first fight back will need to be a confidence-builder. Joshua has lost three of his last five bouts. Winning is a habit and it is one that the beleaguered boxer must get back into, lest he become a gatekeeper. A solution may have lay on the undercard of Saturday’s defeat.
Unbeaten prospect Filip Hrgovic looked tremendously laboured and sloppy as he nicked a unanimous decision against Zhilei Zhang. The bout was an IBF title eliminator but the Croat proved he is not yet at the level needed to challenge Usyk. A bout with Joshua would give Hrgovic the platform to try and prove his worth at world level. For ‘AJ’ it would provide a chance to battle an opponent who looks a firm level or two beneath him, but who possesses a lofty world ranking.
Another time-tested cleansing technique in boxing after a defeat is the homecoming fight. Having travelled to Saudi Arabia for the Usyk rematch, perhaps a return to British rings can help Joshua’s great reset. There are fine fighters in this country who would jump at the chance to face one of the biggest stars in world boxing.
WBA ‘regular’ champion Daniel Dubois would make for a thrilling foil, as well as offering a chance to recapture some sort of “world” title. Derek Chisora sells tickets by the bucketload and would provide a thrilling build-up. ‘Del Boy’ is faded enough to make the actual boxing part close to a formality in Joshua’s favour. Unbeaten star Joe Joyce goes in with former Joshua victim Joseph Parker next month. Should the winner come through relatively unscathed they would present a tough, but winnable, challenge for Joshua.
While Usyk plans for a possible showdown with serial-retiree Tyson Fury for the undisputed title, Joshua swims in a different pond. He must look to establish himself among the best of the fighters on their way up. He also cannot afford to slip up again. Losing to the elite is a reality of boxing and to be expected once in a while. Losing to a hungry prospect or fading veteran while trying to manoeuvre another title shot would be fatal to Joshua’s career hopes. ‘AJ’ blamed the pressure when explaining his bizarre outburst on Saturday. But if Joshua wants to get back to the top, then the pressure is only just beginning.
Pictures: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
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