Anthony Joshua was reportedly hurt badly during one training session leading up to his US debut on Saturday against Andy Ruiz Jr.
Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua suffered his first career defeat on Saturday when he was stopped by Andy Ruiz Jr. in the seventh round of a massive upset. But apparently, the 29-year-old British boxer entered the fight a bit compromised.
A report by WorldBoxingNews.net stated that Joshua had been badly hurt during his preparations for his United States debut on Saturday. It was claimed that training partner Joey Dawejko dropped Joshua hard during one of their sparring sessions, which apparently did not sit well with Anthony’s father, Robert coming into the contest.
Father Robert wanted Joshua removed from the headlining fight on June 1. His calls were not subsequently acted upon.
In the post-fight ring melee after Ruiz had inflicted a horrendous loss on Joshua, Robert could be seen waving his finger and hurling abuse at promoter Eddie Hearn.
It’s fair to say, Robert didn’t want his son anywhere near Madison Square Garden that night.
Joshua was seen asking his dad to calm down and mouthing the words, ‘I’m the one fighting’ as Robert attempted to get his point across.
Joshua dropped to a record of 22-1 after Saturday night, and he also lost the WBA, IBF, IBO and WBO titles.