Boxing news: Anthony Joshua reveals if he had panic attack ahead of Andy Ruiz Jr loss
ANTHONY JOSHUA has dismissed suggestions he suffered a panic attack ahead of his ill-fated fight with Andy Ruiz Jr.
Anthony Joshua suffered a stunning seventh-round KO loss to the Mexican-born American last Sunday at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Joshua was dropped a staggering four times before referee Mike Griffin waved off the contest, which meant the Olympian lost his grip on the WBA (Super), WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight titles.
In the days following AJ’s devastating loss - the first of his career - rumours began to swirl about his wellbeing before the fight.
First, it was suggested the former unified heavyweight champion was knocked out in sparring ahead of his American debut.
It was claimed the 29-year-old began suffering from anxiety moments before his ring walk.
Joshua addressed that claim in a candid video interview on his official YouTube channel and was adamant he faced Ruiz Jr in tip-top condition.
“I warmed up really well,” said Joshua. “I had no panic attack – I’m not that type of person, you know me.
“I have to take my loss like a man. No blaming anyone, no blaming anything.
I had no panic attack – I’m not that type of person, you know me
“I’m the one who went in there to perform and my performance didn’t go to plan.”
Team Joshua have exercised a rematch clause in their contact with Ruiz Jr, with the bout expected to take place in the UK in November or December.
Joshua would more than happily face ‘The Destroyer’ again in ‘The Big Apple’, saying: “I would not mind if it was in New York again, I would not mind if it was in England.
“But New York opened their arms for me and my whole team and it was phenomenal.”
Joshua, 29, knows it won’t be an easy task to reclaim the belts he lost and admits he'll have to make some changes to his game-plan.
He added: “I’m the one who has to adjust, analyse and do my best to correct it and get the job done in the rematch.
“Boxing is a part of my life and I’m a champion at heart.
“Congratulations to Andy Ruiz, he has six months or so to be champion because the belts go in the air and he has to defend them against myself.”