Anthony Joshua Couldn’t Keep His Cool When Mentioning Usyk-Dubois: Is It Related to His Past Loss?

Anthony Joshua, once the reigning king of the heavyweight division, has been steadily climbing back up the ladder since suffering back-to-back defeats against Oleksandr Usyk. But in a recent interview, fans noticed a flash of frustration—and maybe even some lingering resentment—when Joshua was asked about the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois bout. That reaction has reignited speculation: Is AJ still haunted by his losses to the Ukrainian champion?

Joshua’s Reaction Raises Eyebrows

During a recent media appearance promoting his next bout, Anthony Joshua was asked to weigh in on the controversial Usyk vs. Dubois fight from 2023. For those who may not recall, Usyk won that bout via stoppage after recovering from a questionable low blow that sparked debate across the boxing world.

But it wasn’t the content of Joshua’s words that drew attention—it was the tone and body language. The usually composed former unified champion visibly tensed up, his voice sharpened, and he curtly dismissed the topic.

“You lot keep bringing that up,” Joshua muttered, before shifting the conversation. “That’s not my business anymore.”

The comment might seem offhand to some, but for boxing fans and pundits, it struck a deeper chord—because Joshua’s history with Usyk is far from over, at least emotionally.

The Usyk Defeats Still Linger

Anthony Joshua lost his WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles to Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021, and then again in their August 2022 rematch. Both bouts were not only defeats—they were comprehensive outclassings. Joshua’s usual physical dominance and explosive combinations were neutralized by Usyk’s footwork, intelligence, and counterpunching.

The second fight was particularly emotional. After the final bell, Joshua threw down the belts, stormed out of the ring, then returned and delivered a bizarre, rambling post-fight speech. The moment was widely interpreted as the boiling point of months—if not years—of frustration.

So when the Usyk vs. Dubois fight came around in 2023, and Usyk once again escaped with a win amid controversy, many believed Joshua was watching through a deeply personal lens. Now, nearly two years later, his short-tempered reaction to the topic hints that the wounds may not have healed.

Why the Dubois Fight Struck a Nerve

In the Usyk vs. Dubois clash, Daniel Dubois landed a punch in the fifth round that dropped Usyk—only for the referee to rule it a low blow, granting Usyk time to recover. That decision infuriated Dubois’ camp, with many insisting it was a legal body shot. The outcome preserved Usyk’s unbeaten record and set the stage for future unification plans.

For Joshua, watching Usyk struggle—perhaps even controversially escape—against a fighter many see as less accomplished than him may have been a trigger. The implication? Had things gone differently in his own fights, AJ might still be on top.

It’s not just a matter of pride. It’s about legacy. And for a man who once reigned supreme over the heavyweight division, the idea that his career-defining losses were against someone who may not be invincible is a bitter pill to swallow.

Joshua’s Career After Usyk

Since the back-to-back defeats to Usyk, Anthony Joshua has gone on a rebuild mission. He secured wins against Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius, regaining some momentum and working under different trainers to evolve his style. His knockout win against Otto Wallin in December 2023 showcased a more patient, calculated AJ—suggesting he’s learning from past mistakes.

But while the victories are stacking up, there’s an unmistakable sense that he hasn’t truly moved on from Usyk. Each win inches him closer to redemption, but as long as Usyk remains unbeaten and carries the belts, Joshua’s path to reclaiming dominance is blocked.

Is a Third Fight Possible?

Technically, yes. Should Usyk defeat Tyson Fury in their anticipated undisputed bout, and Joshua continues to win, a third clash is possible. But it’s also complicated.

A third bout with Usyk might require Joshua to once again navigate mandatories, promotional politics, and the challenge of mentally preparing to face a fighter who’s already outboxed him twice. And that’s if Usyk doesn’t retire undefeated—an increasingly likely scenario depending on how the Fury fight plays out.

Still, Joshua vs. Usyk III would be one of the most compelling stories in modern boxing. It’s about more than titles—it’s about unfinished business.

AJ’s Mental Game Remains a Key Factor

What’s clear from Joshua’s reaction is that he’s still wrestling with his past. While he’s shown impressive resolve in rebounding from defeat, the psychological scars are evident. That flash of frustration when Usyk’s name comes up—especially in the context of controversy—shows that this chapter in his career isn’t truly closed.

His mental state will be key as he continues his comeback. For Joshua to reclaim the top spot, he’ll need to let go of the past—at least emotionally—and focus entirely on what’s ahead. Whether that means eventually avenging his losses to Usyk, or charting a new course altogether, remains to be seen.

Conclusion: A Champion’s Pride Never Rests

Anthony Joshua’s quick temper when referencing the Usyk-Dubois fight isn’t just a throwaway moment—it’s a revealing glimpse into a champion still processing what those defeats meant to his legacy. While he remains focused on rebuilding, there’s no denying that Usyk still lives rent-free in AJ’s mind.

And if the stars align for a third showdown between the two, it won’t just be about belts. It will be about pride, redemption, and a final answer to the question that’s haunted Joshua ever since: Could things have gone differently?