Anthony Joshua ‘angry’ and ‘fuelled every day’ by hurt of Oleksandr Usyk defeat
Anthony Joshua admits he remains “angry” at how he performed in defeat to Oleksandr Usyk and is using the hurt to “fuel” him in the rematch.
The Briton lost his heavyweight world titles to the Ukrainian at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September.
But after triggering a rematch clause, AJ can become a three-time world heavyweight champion.
But despite a chance at redemption, Joshua admits he is still upset at how he performed.
“I know I can be better than that night,” Joshua told BBC Sport. “It’s easier to say than it is to do, but within my heart and soul, my brain and body, I truly feel I’ve got a lot more to give.
“I’m angry. It’s growing, but it’s fuelling me every day.
I’m angry at myself and the only way I can be in a better place is to get myself right by going out there and performing. It’s going to be like this for a few months.
Joshua’s admission comes after admitted for the first time that he would consider step aside money to clear the way for Tyson Fury and Usyk to meet in an undisputed world heavyweight title fight.
"I think people know not to approach me with that rubbish,” Joshua told IFL TV when asked if he has been approached with an offer to step aside. “That is bulls***. It may have come to my team, but they know not to bring that to me.
“Let me be real, it's not about the money, it's about the respect. What I want out of this game, number one is respect. You don't have to like me, but you will respect me. Second thing is to go down as a throwback fighter, somebody who was willing to fight the best in their division so people know me as a true fighter.
“Step aside in terms of, I don't know if that goes in line with what I morally stand for. But let me be real, I want to be known as one of the smartest businessmen as well.
“I used to watch Tyson, Holyfield, Bowe, we all know the stories of NFL players, basketball players, they make bad decisions. I wanted to make sure I make the smart moves when it comes to this business. If the money is right, you have to look at it.
“You have to look at it. But respect to me has a lot more value than money. Respect first, what I'm known for when I leave this division, then being the smartest businessman in my career. That step aside thing, it may not go with what I stand for in terms of bringing me respect, fighting the best, but it may make sense for business.”
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