Anthony Joshua is held back by security as he reacts furiously to being told ‘keep it professional’

‘Who the f**k are you talking to? Are you mad?’: Raging Anthony Joshua has to be held back after being told ‘keep it professional’ as he walks backstage in Saudi Arabia after losing to Oleksandr Usyk

  • A fuming Anthony Joshua blew his cool backstage and was held back by security
  • The British boxer exploded after a bystander told him to ‘keep it professional’
  • Joshua lost to Oleksandr Usyk in his Saudi rematch by way of split decision
  • His backstage explosion mirrored the temper he showed straight after the fight 
  • Joshua threw two of Usyk’s belts out of the ring before returning to speak to fans 

A furious Anthony Joshua blew his cool backstage during the aftermath of his rematch defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, after a bystander told the British boxer to ‘keep it professional’.

Joshua lost by way of split decision to Usyk, who successfully defended his IBF, WBO and WBA heavyweight belts in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.

Having staged a memorable and impassioned speech to the crowd after the bout, the 32-year-old was captured in a seemingly jovial mood as he headed backstage with members of his team.

Angry Anthony Joshua exploded backstage after a bystander told him to ‘keep it professional’

The 32-year-old Brit reacted by shouting: 'Who the f*** are you talking to? Are you mad?'

The 32-year-old Brit reacted by shouting: ‘Who the f*** are you talking to? Are you mad?’ 

But the mood suddenly turned sour when a bystander called out to Joshua to ‘keep it professional’, which prompted the former world champion to lose his temper and react explosively. 

As security held him back and escorted him towards his dressing room, Joshua shouted: ‘Who are you talking to? Who the f*** are you talking to? Are you mad?’ 

His reaction backstage mirrored the fit of temper he displayed directly after losing the fight. 

Joshua (left) suffered a split decision loss to Oleksandr Usyk - his second defeat in a row

Joshua (left) suffered a split decision loss to Oleksandr Usyk – his second defeat in a row

Joshua threw two of Usyk’s belts out of the ring and stormed off, before returning to square up to the victorious Ukrainian. 

Grabbing the microphone to address the crowd, the 2012 Olympic gold medallist said:  ‘If you knew my story you would understand the passion. 

‘I ain’t no f***ing amateur boxer from five-years-old that was an elite prospect from youth.

‘I was going to jail, I got bail and I started training my a*** off, because if I got sentenced I wanted to be able to fight.

‘I’m stealing this Usyk, sorry, but it’s because the f*****g passion we put into this s**t.’

Having seemingly calmed down, Joshua went on the praise Usyk on his victory.

The former world champion delivered an impassioned speech after storming out of the ring

The former world champion delivered an impassioned speech after storming out of the ring

He continued: ‘This guy, to beat me tonight – maybe I could have done better – but it shows the levels of hard work he must have put in so please give him a round of applause for our heavyweight champion of the world.

‘I’m not a 12-round fighter. Look at me, I’m the new breed of heavyweights. 

‘All those heavyweights, Mike Tyson, Sonny Liston, Jack Dempsey… “Oh you don’t throw combinations like Rocky Marciano” – because I ain’t f***ing 14-stone, that’s why. 

‘I’m 18 stone, I’m heavy. It’s hard work. This guy here’s a phenomenal talent.’

Joshua later broke down in tears during his post-fight press conference. 

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