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Anthony Joshua was still in fight mode well after his loss to Oleksandr Usyk - and one fan bore the brunt of his anger.

The Brit put in a valiant effort in his second meeting with Usyk, but it was not enough, as the Ukrainian once again boxed his way to a points victory, keeping the belts in the process.

Usyk was too good for Joshua on the night
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Usyk was too good for Joshua on the nightCredit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom
There was initially respect after the final bell
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There was initially respect after the final bellCredit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom
But then Joshua threw two belts out of the ring before storming off
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But then Joshua threw two belts out of the ring before storming offCredit: Twitter: @skysportsboxing

Usyk defended his WBA, WBO and IBF titles, while he also added the Ring Magazine belt to his collection and understandably emotions got the better of AJ.

In the immediate aftermath of the fight, Joshua threw two of the belts out of the ring, which included the WBA and Ring Magazine titles, and then appeared to exchange angry words with the champion.

AJ then delivered an impassioned speech to the fans in attendance.

Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, said this was down to how much it meant to him, telling talkSPORT: "AJ, you saw his reaction, it's passion. But, he wanted to win so bad and he wasn't quite good enough.

"He lost a split decision to the pound-for-pound number one. So, I hope he's not too ashamed of that because it was a much better performance than the first fight."

Frazer Clarke, Joshua's sparring partner and former Team GB teammate, expressed that AJ's support network should have done a better job of tempering his emotional reaction to the loss.

“He might be mad at me for saying this and the whole team might be mad at me for saying this, but I feel like he was left out to dry by the team," he told Sky Sports.

“I feel like someone should have saved him.

“It's words but in the true reflection of boxing, that was Oleksandr Usyk's time to celebrate that victory and he didn't get to do it straight away.

"I just don't think that was right but once again, Anthony is a great person, he does a lot for a lot of people, he's done a lot for me, but I feel like he had a bit of a bad one there and it was out of character. There were no excuses, that was Oleksandr Usyk's time.

“To the people around him, where were you? Someone should have jumped in there. Someone should have stopped him and saved him from himself. It was only words, but it was the wrong time.”

Joshua was persuaded to return to the ring, but then took the microphone and delivered a bizarre speech, which Eddie Hearn said highlighted his passion and disappointment at losing
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Joshua was persuaded to return to the ring, but then took the microphone and delivered a bizarre speech, which Eddie Hearn said highlighted his passion and disappointment at losingCredit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom
As Joshua returned to his dressing room, he took issue with the comments of one bystander
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As Joshua returned to his dressing room, he took issue with the comments of one bystanderCredit: YouTube: IFL TV
And he turned to him shouting, "Who are you talking to?"
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And he turned to him shouting, "Who are you talking to?"Credit: YouTube: IFL TV

Joshua's emotions were clearly still running high backstage as he walked through the corridors to his dressing room.

A number of fans were shouting out words of encouragement, but he took exception to one bystander telling him to "keep it professional."

"What? Who are you talking to? Who are you talking to? Shut your f****** mouth."

He was quickly ushered away by his team.

Joshua himself admitted he acted out of 'pure passion and emotion' but told Usyk: "You are a class champ."

And Hearn said the Brit is far from done even throwing up the possibility of him fighting again in December.

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