Anthony Joshua has refused to make any excuses for the first loss of his boxing career to Andy Ruiz Jr.
Anthony Joshua has played down claims that he suffered food poisoning or had a panic attack before the first loss of his boxing career to Andy Ruiz Jr this past weekend.
Joshua (22-1, 21 KOs) shockingly lost by seventh-round stoppage to Ruiz Jr (34-1, 22KOs) this past Saturday, dropping his WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight titles in the process. Despite the big upset, Joshua has refused to make any excuses for the loss in a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel.
“There was no contaminated food. I know there’s a lot of accusations or worries about what was wrong with me. (Transcription via The Guardian)
“I warmed up really well. I had no panic attack – I’m not that type of person, you know me. I have to take my loss like a man. No blaming anyone, no blaming anything. I’m the one who went in there to perform and my performance didn’t go to plan.”
In his statement, Joshua continued by stating he will stay with his trainers and not jump ship because of the loss. The Brit’s promoter Eddie Hearn, head of Matchroom Boxing, recently revealed a rematch with Ruiz Jr will take place in either November or December later this year.
“This hasn’t really changed me, my work ethic, my mindset, what I stand for, the people I’m still loyal to – my trainer Rob McCracken, my amateur coach at Finchley ABC. I’m still going to work with these guys, they’ll teach me everything I need to know.
“I’m the one who has to adjust, analyse and do my best to correct it and get the job done in the rematch. Boxing is a part of my life and I’m a champion at heart. Congratulations to Andy Ruiz, he has six months or so to be champion because the belts go in the air and he has to defend them against myself.”