Anthony Joshua: A living hero of sportsmanship amidst defeat

Anthony Joshua has recently sent a sportsmanship message to the world with his display after being defeated by the world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk again in Saudi Arabia.

Losing the battle to reclaim his title via split decisions, the Nigeria-born UK boxer was livid but quickly gain his composure to congratulate the Ukrainian boxer.

He lost his temper moments after Usyk had been declared the winner – dropping two of the champion’s belts over the top rope of the ring and then arguing with the opposing team.

Having put a lot of hard work into this, Joshua was determined to get his belts back but met a resolute Usyk who finished the bout on high.

Anthony Joshua lost his temper after losing his rematch to Oleksandr Usyk and reacted angrily by throwing two belts out of the ring. 🚨pic.twitter.com/VjS8z3UrGl

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 20, 2022

Showing a high level of sportsmanship and respect for his opponent, Joshua returned to the ring to congratulate him.

Thumbs up to Joshua who would have been imprisoned but took such aggression into the sport that has given him fame and money.

Showing respect for an opponent whose country is in a crisis (war) with Russia is a big step and an example to the world that sportsmanship can be shown in a highly contested affair as this.

Although we have seen the likes of Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury where sportsmanship is little as there are usually exchange of words between camps.

“𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍!” 💯

Anthony Joshua takes the microphone to vent his frustrations before congratulating Oleksandr Usyk 🎤pic.twitter.com/1v7YS8Sl2y

— Sky Sports (@SkySports) August 21, 2022

But one can be proud of Joshua and he will be a hero to many upcoming boxer. His message seem to be that you can still be a winner in a battle you lose.

‘Upset’ Anthony Joshua should be proud of himself

“It’s really, really hard for me to say I’m proud of myself. I’m upset, really, deep down in my heart,” he said.

Joshua should be proud of himself for a better performance than the last one that led to a split decision.

What is now left to Joshua who seemed dazed that he lost the fight will be to take his time and reflect on his future.

Money and fame have been made, but he will need a lot of time out to rebuild his career again. Definitely, he can be the world champion again.

Definitely, he won’t be fighting Usyk again very soon as the world heavyweight champions is only interested in facing Fury.

Joshua, an Olympic gold winner, has now lost three of his past five fights, all of them for world titles.

According to him, the pressure and intrusion he faces “comes at a cost”, which he said will never break him.

“It takes real strength not to break me and there is a little crack in the armour because that took a lot”, he added.

So, one should not be surprised if Joshua didn’t get his belts back very soon or forever. But such a conduct deserves a huge accolade from a boxer.

Nonetheless, one can congratulate both boxers for their impact and giving viewers value for their money.