Anthony Joshua admits he had to ‘fight my emotions’ during defeat to Oleksandr Usyk

Anthony Joshua took to social media for the first time following his split decision loss Oleksandr Usik in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.

The Briton was emotionally charged as he delivered a bizarre post-fight monologue from the ring following a devastating defeat that cost him the chance to regain his heavyweight championship belts.

Joshua then broke down in tears at the post-fight press conference when asked if he was proud of how he performed against the Ukrainian.

Joshua praised his rival (pictured) in a short statement posted on his Twitter account

The British boxer (right) said he had to go to a ‘dark place’ to fight Usyk

The former champion revealed he had to drive to a ‘dark place’ for his rematch with Usyk, explaining he was overcome by emotion in a short statement posted online.

Less than 24 hours later, Joshua wrote on his Twitter: ‘I wish Usyk continued success in his pursuit of greatness.

“You are the ultimate acting champion. Yesterday I had to mentally drive myself into the dark to compete for the championship belts!

Joshua watched the fight angrily and threw Usyk’s belts out of the ring after the outcome

The Englishman broke down in tears during the press conference after the match in Saudi Arabia

“I had two fights, one with Usyk and one with my emotions, and both of them beat me.”

The orthodox Watford-born boxer then provided a further update in a later tweet, admitting his disappointment:

‘I’ll be the first to admit that I was disappointed. I was acting out of pure passion and emotion and when I’m not in control, it’s not great.

“I love this sport very much and I will be better from now on. Respect.’

Joshua was hoping to regain his status as heavyweight champion of the world during a rematch against another Ring magazine pound-for-pound fighter when the bout at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena went a long way.

However, his actions after the result attracted slightly more attention than the result itself, as Joshua was heavily criticized for his response to the defeat.

Joshua ended up throwing two of Usyk’s belts out of the ring and onto the floor as he headed for his dressing room before storming back and shaking Usyk’s hand.

Anthony Joshua (left) is reportedly taking a break from boxing as Oleksandr Usyk targets a unification fight with England’s Tyson Fury

He then stole the mic in the ring and began an X-rated rant, discussing the fight, his career, the current crisis in Ukraine, and also rooting for his opponent.

Joshua will now take an expected break from boxing as he considers his next steps, while Usyk targets a heavyweight unification fight with Tyson Fury.