Eddie Hearn Says Anthony Joshua Is Too Hard On Himself Over Defeat To Usyk

Eddie Hearn, the British boxing promoter who is currently promoting Nigerian-born British boxer, Anthony Joshua, believes the boxer is being too harsh on himself.

Eddie Hearn stated this while reacting to Anthony Joshua’s comment over the outcome of the world title rematch between him and Oleksandr Usyk in August of last year.

Naija News recalls that Anthony Joshua and the Ukrainian world heavyweight champion met for a rematch in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on August 20, 2022.

Unfortunately, the judges declared the Ukrainian boxer the winner by a split decision after nine thrilling rounds.

Usyk, the undefeated heavyweight champion, defeated Joshua in the opening round by scores of 117–112, 116–112, and 115–113. The overall score that ended the bout was 115-113 in favor of the Ukrainian.

Afterward, the Nigerian-born British boxer described the defeat as a “disaster” but his promoter, Eddie Hearn, stressed that Joshua had a decent chance of winning the match.

“I thought he performed very well against Usyk in the second fight. Still could’ve done more, but after nine rounds I think he’s winning the fight,” Hearn told Boxing ID.

“And then Usyk closes out unbelievably and was brilliant. But he felt it was a disaster, and I keep saying to him, ‘You did all right. You lost 115-113 to pound-for-pound No.1. Forget the first fight – tactics wrong. And you still could’ve done more.’”

Anthony Joshua, a former two-time heavyweight champion, will attempt to return to the reckoning in the heavyweight category by defeating American boxer Jermaine Franklin. The bout is scheduled to take place at London’s 02 Arena, on April 1, 2023.