British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua lost to Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk via split decision early on Sunday morning at the King Abdullah Sports Arena in Jeddah with Usyk retaining his IBF, IBO, WBA, and WBO titles.
Nigerians took to social media to react to the defeat after the former champion lost his chance to regain the titles from Usyk in Saudi Arabia.
African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, sympathised with Joshua’s loss and voiced her continued support for him, writing, “I felt AJ had like 2 occasions where he could’ve gone in for a KO but he was too tired. Omo na we wey no too understand the sport Dey analyze pass….. Anyway, we are coming back, NAIJA FOR LIFE STILL.”
Florence Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy, added, “So PROUD of Femi! WITH or WITHOUT belts, ALWAYS my CHAMP. Oh and before I forget, F*CK the HATERS!”
Former BBNaija housemate, Erica Nlwedim, showed her support for the two-time heavyweight champion writing, “Anthony Joshua you’re still a champion.”
Kehinde Oluwayemi reacted to the backlash Joshua got from boxing fans in the media and encouraged Joshua not to give up.
“It’s crazy that some grown men & women can be big bullies than kids and it is something that organizers never thought to pay attention to, especially at the sports centers. It’s sad. Great fight @anthonyjoshua. Never stop, and keep going. AJ, you have improved a lot.”
Another Twitter user, @deadFTP_, was shocked at the reality of Joshua’s new standing in boxing, “Crazy how Anthony Joshua is now a finished boxer and no one rates him.”
Reacting to Joshua’s rant after the fight, a user @Pmoney_Ent wrote, “Anthony Joshua, you lost the fight, accept and move on.”
Another user @Kay2Ceee believes Joshua’s drop in form originated from his first loss to Andry Ruiz Jr in 2019.
“Since AJ lost to this Andy Ruiz dude, his career has had enough already. Make AJ kuku retire abeg.”
