WBA, WBO, IBF, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight champion, as well as co-founder of Ready To Fight, Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs), in a comment for Seconds Out, discussed his relationship with Anthony Joshua after their second fight. At that time, Anthony delivered a lengthy speech about dealing with defeat and the criticism from fans.
- Anthony Joshua lost his composure after the second loss to you, taking the microphone. Later, he said he hadn't spoken to Usyk but had talked to Wladimir Klitschko and asked him to pass on an apology. Did you receive this apology from Wladimir Klitschko and did you accept it?
- Yes, absolutely. Listen, I hold no ill will towards Joshua. I respect this man. He's a great guy, a great boxer, a great person. An Olympic champion, a world champion. It's emotions. I respect him. No problems, Anthony.
- Did you want him to apologize?
- No, no. No hard feelings.
Usyk and Joshua have fought twice. In their first encounter, Oleksandr won by unanimous decision, and in the second, by split decision.