Anthony Joshua absolutely lost his head after losing to Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia

Anthony Joshua stunned fans with his bizarre antics after losing to WBA, IBF & WBO heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk for the second time.

Despite an improved performance in the unified world heavyweight title rematch, which took place in Saudi Arabia, Joshua fell short against the slick Ukrainian and lost via split decision.

It was a third professional defeat for Joshua and his post-match behaviour was very different this time around.

The two-time world heavyweight champion threw two of Usyk's belts on the floor in a disrespectful act, looked incredibly angry and stormed out of the ring.

Then, he headed back into the ring, grabbed the microphone and delivered an emotional, expletive-filled speech about his journey from jail to being world champion, as well as hailing Usyk's quality, firing back at criticism of his abilities and also discussing the situation in Ukraine.

And though it was an incredible fight from two warriors, Joshua's actions afterwards was the huge talking point online.

"Usyk is one hell of a f***ing fighter, let's give him a round of applause," Joshua said, addressing the fans.

"Sorry guys, look, if you knew my story you'd understand the passion.

"I ain't no amateur boxer from youth, I was looking at jail.

"I'm stealing this Usyk, I'm sorry but it's because of the f***ing passion.

"I'm not a 12 round fighter, I'm a new breed of heavyweight, Mike Tyson, Sonny Liston - they say 'he doesn't throw combinations like Rocky Marciano,' because I'm not f***ing 14-stone."

British prospect Frazer Clarke, Olympic bronze medalist and a friend of Joshua, apologised on AJ's behalf during Sky Sports' post-match comments.

He also said that someone from his team should have stepped in and "saved him from himself" - claiming he would have even taken a dig from Joshua if it meant it stopped him.

Meanwhile former super middleweight Carl Froch said Joshua "stole the moment" from Usyk as his emotions boiled over.

Featured Image Credit: Image: Sky Sports

Topics: Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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