Boxing legend Wladimir Klitschko trusts that Anthony Joshua can overcome the adversity to regain the IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight championship belts.
Joshua lost all of his belts last weekend at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to Oleksandr Usyk on a points decision.
It came as a huge blow for the British-born star, who had hopes of facing WBC World Heayvweight Champion Tyson Fury in an undisputed all-British championship bout.
Joshua was upbeat following the defeat: “I’ve watched the fight, analysed my preparations and identified my mistakes. I’ve learnt my lesson. Don’t worry about me. My spirit is strong!”
Klitschko, who suffered a first shocking defeat of his own to Ross Purrity in 1998, had his say on Anthony Joshua’s defeat.
Per a report from Sky Sports, Klitschko outlined that is far from over fro Joshua.
“We have seen AJ challenged. I remember my time. I lost two fights within [13 months in 2003 and 2004],” he said
“To bounce back? To eventually become one of the longest reigning champions? AJ can still have his time, absolutely. It is all about how to overcome the challenge.”
Klitschko went on an 11-year unbeaten run, following two defeats to Corrie Sanders and Lamon Brewster, which also saw him win and retain the IBF, WBA and WBO titles.
The Ukrainian boxer reinvented his style and saw off opponents such as David Haye, Alexander Povetkin, Kubrat Pulev and Tony Thompson on two occasions.
He eventually retired with 64 wins and five losses to his name, but is strongly considered one of the best heavyweight boxers of his generation.
Klitschko continued: “Usyk made history. Since 2012, I watched Usyk winning his gold and I watched AJ winning his gold.”
“Usyk has been undefeated for such a long time, winning all the titles as a cruiserweight and now with the heavyweights. This man is something special.” He concluded.
For Anthony Joshua, he has tasted defeat before losing to Andy Ruiz Jr. in June 2019, and came back stronger to defeat the Mexican in a rematch. There’s no doubt Joshua will do all it takes to get back on track in the ring.
Credit: Givemesport
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