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Anthony Joshua told to stop being ‘good loser’ after Oleksandr Usyk defeat

Usyk defeated Joshua by unanimous decision in September

Sarah Rendell
Thursday 14 October 2021 11:50 BST
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FILE: Joshua triggers rematch with Usyk, bout set for March 2022

Trainer Teddy Atlas says Anthony Joshua needs to be less gracious in defeat after losing to Oleksandr Usyk.

Usyk beat Joshua by unanimous decision in their heavyweight title bout in September and the British star was seen joking with Usyk afterwards.

This was in direct contrast to how Deontay Wilder reacted to being knocked out by Tyson Fury in their fight on Saturday night.

The ‘Bronze Bomber’ refused to shake Fury’s hand and Atlas has compared the reactions to the losses.

“I’m not here to make excuses, but I will say that there’s something to be said about being a sore loser,” Atlas told Submission Radio.

“And I’m walking a fine line here, but I know what I’m walking. How many of you – I know if you were involved with him – would you rather see Joshua just a little less of a good loser?

“Just a little less of a good loser when he lost to [Andy] Ruiz and then when he recently lost to Usyk? A little less accepting. So graciously of losing.

“I’m not saying don’t be a gentleman, I’m not saying that. But there is something to be said about being too gracious, giving it up too easily, too casually, as though it’s not that important. And there’s something to be said about that.”

Joshua has triggered the rematch clause to face Usyk again, likely in spring 2022. The Briton refrained from criticism of Usyk or trash talk when speaking about the the second loss of his professional career.

“I’ve watched the fight, analysed my preparations and identified my mistakes. I’ve learnt my lesson. Don’t worry about me. My spirit is strong!”

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