Anthony Joshua reflects on his loss to Andy Ruiz Jr!
On June 4 (late at night for American fans), former Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua spoke for the first time since the upset stoppage loss to Andy Ruiz Jr on June 1, using social media as the platform to give his reaction.
Joshua provided his opinion on the fight and his performance in a four minute video on his YouTube channel. He would also respond to some of the rumors following the bout, as well as his current mind state.
He began talking about the “drama” in terms of making the fight with original opponent Jarrell Miller dropping out (due to three consecutive failed drug tests) and Ruiz stepping in as a substitute opponent. Next, “AJ” discussed his camp and his preparation. He claimed no issues leading up to the fight.
“I’m a soldier. I have to take my ups and my downs, and on Saturday I took a loss and I have to take it like a man.”
“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.
My game plan didn’t go to plan. So I have to readjust, analyze, do my best to correct it and get the job done in the rematch.”
The former champ emphasized keeping things in perspective; not letting success get to your head while not letting failure break you and maintaining your balance and moving forward. Acknowledging that the loss has been tough for him, Joshua said he’s going to keep his head high. The former champion also says he will maintain his trainer and his team.
Addressing the rumors of suffering a panic attack prior to the fight, Joshua said that didn’t happen. While congratulating Ruiz, the video ended with “AJ” saying there is a rematch clause with a date and location.
He also mentions he doesn’t care whether a return bout with Ruiz happens in either England or the U.S., Joshua said there’s no one to blame but himself.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
