Anthony Joshua has revealed he’s ready to ‘kick off’ after his defeat to Daniel Dubois – but managed to keep his cool after being outclassed at Wembley on Saturday night.
The Watford-born star was floored in four of the five rounds in the capital as his 27-year-old rival secured the biggest victory of his career.
Joshua was quizzed on his defeat in the immediate aftermath of the fight.
And though he said he was ready to ‘kick off’, the 34-year-old showed a touch of class by congratulating Dubois on his win.
Anthony Joshua has revealed he’s ready to ‘kick off’ after his defeat to Daniel Dubois – but managed to keep his cool after being outclased at Wembley on Saturday night
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“Credit to him and his team. We rolled the dice of success, but we came up short,” he said.
“You know I’m ready to kick off in the ring, but I’m going to keep my cool, keep very professional, and give respect to my opponent.
“I’m always saying to myself I’m a fighter for life… We keep rolling the dice.
“I had a sharp opponent, a fast opponent and a lot of mistakes from my end, but that’s the game.”
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has also reacted.
He says AJ will go for a rematch – while also revealing he was proud of his man for how he performed.
“I’m sure he’ll exercise that rematch clause, it’s a given,” he said.
“It’s a dangerous fight because he’s growing in confidence all the time but he’ll believe he can beat him.”
“It was the first round [that was his undoing], after that he was fighting on heart and desire.
“I’m so proud because he never gave up, his legs were deceiving him and he kept on trying.
“When you are in there with a massive puncher this is what can happen. He never stopped trying to get up, even when he couldn’t get up.
“Daniel deserves credit, he’s a real world champion. Congratulations to him.”
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Anthony Joshua was second best throughout his boxing match with Daniel Dubois
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While it was a crushing defeat for Joshua, it was a stunning night for Dubois.
And the younger man was delighted after his victory, saying: “I am the man.
“A mix of emotions. I can’t say too much right now.
“I’m fighting to get all the glory. To me I’m the hunter and I need to hunt.”
Anthony Joshua’s boxing future is now up in the air following his defeat to Daniel Dubois
REUTERS
He added: “I’ve only got a few words to say: Are you not entertained?!
“It’s been a long journey, I’m grateful to be in this position.
“I’m a gladiator, I’m a warrior to the bitter end. I want to reach the top level of this game and reach my full potential.
“I’ve been on a rollercoaster ride. This is my time, this is my redemption story, and I’m not going to stop until I reach my full potential.”