Deontay Wilder’s new trainer Malik Scott has spoken out in defence of Anthony Joshua following his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night.
Britain’s unified heavyweight champion was outboxed and dethroned by the Ukrainian, who put on a magnificent performance to make history at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Usyk’s speed, movement and accuracy troubled AJ all night long.
Joshua had moments of success throughout the fight, but could not maintain this for long enough to emerge victorious.
Usyk ultimately outclassed Joshua and had him out on his feet in the final round, with the bell saving AJ from being knocked out.
The scores were 117-112, 116-112, 115-113, crowning Usyk a two-division king of the world as the former cruiserweight champion took hold of the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles.
In the immediate aftermath, many fans of AJ’s rivals celebrated his defeat.
Wilder was no doubt inundated with messages, as was his trainer Scott.
However, Scott posted: “FYI – if anybody sends me a message calling Anthony Joshua a bum or talking derogatory about him because he lost to a great fighter, I’m blocking you immediately. Fickle humans.”
Soon afterwards, a fan of course replied: “AJ is a bum.”
To which Scott responded: “At least he’s a history making, rich bum. And now you’re [a] piece of s*** that just got blocked.”
Regarding what Joshua was missing in the fight, Scott said: “Common sense, respectfully.”
When asked if AJ should take the rematch, he replied: “YES!”
And finally, asked whether he’d train Joshua for the second fight, Scott responded: “Joshua doesn’t need a new trainer.
“Mr Robert McCracken is actually a very underrated trainer. Collectively his team just need another game plan.”
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