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Anthony Nlebem.
Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk on Sunday defeated British-Nigerian boxer, Anthony Joshua, in a rematch by split decision to retain the IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO titles in Jeddah, Saudia Arabia.
Commenting on Joshua’s second defeat to Usyk, ex-Nigerian boxing champion, Jerry Okorodudu, believes Joshua still has a lot to prove and does not agree it’s the end of his boxing career after losing his rematch with Usyk.
He advised the 32-year-old not to be distracted by the defeat, but to stay focused.
“In boxing, you win some and you lose some, but I don’t think he lost that fight, the fight was too close. It was a split decision. But he can also go back and train harder to redeem his titles.”
The Olympian also played down suggestions calling for Joshua’s retirement.
“I don’t think it’s time for Joshua to retire from boxing. At 32 years, he is still a very young boxer, except when he gets to 39 years. He needs to relax and stay focused on what is next for him,” Okorodudu added.
Meanwhile, Joshua says he has the “hunger” to fight again and hopes to return to the ring in December.
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn wants Joshua to have three or four fights in 2023 to reclaim his heavyweight titles.
“I spoke to Eddie and asked him if it’s possible to get out in November because momentum is important in boxing – Eddie said December,” Joshua said.
“If it’s about who I fight, it’s come one, come all. Whoever wants it can get it, I don’t mind.”
