Anthony Joshua admits 'I let myself down' with bizarre post-fight rant after loss to Usyk

Anthony Joshua has admitted he let himself down with his bizarre post-fight antics in the immediate aftermath of Saturday's split decision defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia.

Following the announcement he had failed in his bid to become a three-time heavyweight champion, a furious Joshua grabbed Usyk’s WBA and Ring Magazine belts and dropped them outside the ropes before he stalked towards the changing in a fit of rage.

The 32-year-old Briton then returned to the ring in Jeddah and confronted Usyk, saying: "You’re not strong, how did you beat me? How? I had character and determination", before addressing the crowd with a confused rant about his past and his own shortcomings as a boxer.

Taking to Twitter on Sunday evening, Joshua posted: “I wish @usykaa continued success in your quest for greatness. You are a class act champ.

“Yesterday I had to mentally take myself into a dark place to compete for the championship belts! I had two fights, one with Usyk and one with my emotions and both got the better of me.

“I’ll be the first to admit, I let myself down. I acted out of pure passion and emotion and when not controlled it ain’t great.

“I love this sport so so much and I’ll be better from this point on. Respect.”

I’ll be the first to admit, I let my self down. I acted out of pure passion and emotion and when not controlled it ain’t great.I love this sport so so much and I’ll be better from this point on. Respect

Many observers accused Joshua of stealing Usyk’s moment, with the Ukrainian clearly emotional himself at his victory which he dedicated to his compatriots in their fight against Russian invasion.

Hours after the end of the fight, as he reflected on a third professional defeat that places him on the periphery