“Given to a stronger opponent.” Joshua has finally looked back on the fights against Usika with a cool mind

In their first duel, which took place in London in September 2021, Usyk won by decision of the judges (117-112, 116-112, 115-113), taking possession of the World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Organization (WBO), International Boxing Organization (IBO) championship belts.

The second fight in August 2022 unfolded a little more similarly, but the Ukrainian boxer was also superior in it. Immediately after the fight, Joshua could not control his emotions. He left after the fight, but then returned to the ring and took the microphone to address the local crowd. Joshua received widespread criticism on the Internet for his speech and for pulling the Ukrainian flag from Usik’s hands.

Now the British boxer looks back on the losses he experienced with a much cooler mind.

“In the first fight, my performance was very bad. In the rematch, it was better, but not enough. It showed me a new level that I have to aim for, and it’s not an easy task. I lost to him in the last rounds. I think I gave Usyk the last two or three rounds. But I lost to a strong opponent, Usyk is very good,” said Joshua in a conversation with “iD Boxing”.

The British boxer made it clear that he would be ready for a third fight.

“Could we have a third fight? Ask him. Usyk knows my answer, but you have to go to him first. I think he’s busy with other things now because there’s a chance to catch a much bigger fish,” Joshua said.

Usyk is likely to face another British boxer, Tyson Fury, in one of his next fights.

36-year-old Usik is undefeated in his career as a professional boxer – 20 victories, 13 of which were won by knockout.

Joshua, who is 33 years old, has three losses in 27 fights in his career.