Anthony Joshua explains how ‘complicated life’ outside of the ring has ‘affected’ him

Anthony Joshua says boxing has become ‘complicated’ by factors outside the ring. However, he insists he is “focused” on returning to the canvas next year.

AJ suffered a second consecutive loss to Oleksandr Usyk in August after losing his WBA, WBO and IBF belts to the Ukrainian mastermind in September last year.

Joshua says the fact that he is no longer a champion “hurts” and that his emotions “affect his ring activity.” However, he insists he will be “ready to fight again next year.”

Anthony Joshua says boxing has become ‘complicated’ by factors outside the ring

Speak with DAZNJoshua said, ‘My life is complicated. Boxing has gotten a little complicated for me.

“Everyone is just trying to make the most of this time while I’m boxing and they’re doing it right.

“But it does affect my stake activity. So I just always try to push those things away. It is a challenge. I’m just trying to get it out of the way this year so I can focus next year.

Joshua (right) suffered a second consecutive loss to Oleksandr Usyk (left) in August (above), after losing his WBA, WBO and IBF belts to the Ukrainian last September.

AJ says no champion ‘hurts’ his and his emotions ‘affect his ring activity’

“I’m not a champion and it just hurts a lot. So I’m in the gym rebuilding and restructuring everything I need to do inside and outside the ring.

“There’s a lot going on outside the ring in my life that complicates my ring life.

“So I just have to simplify a lot of things outside the ring and then I can put my full focus in the ring. And once I’ve done that, I’ll be ready next year.’

Many wondered if AJ would pull out after two devastating defeats. However, Joshua has made it clear that he has no intention of throwing in the towel.

He was first given an improbable bone by Tyson Fury in September, only to negotiate with the Gypsy King’s team to finally get a snag.

However, AJ insists he return to the ring next year – after being linked with Deontay Wilder (left), who knocked out Robert Helenius (right) last month (pictured)

Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed the two sides were negotiating a potential deal

He has since been linked with a potential fight against Deontay Wilder in 2023, with Eddie Hearn confirming that both sides are in talks over a potential deal.

However, AJ has remained coy about his future. He said he doesn’t want to “make statements and then be kept on the cross.”

He told DAZN: ‘I don’t know’ [when I’ll be back]. I was supposed to be in the ring this year, next year I’ll be in the ring.

“I’m in the ring when I’m in the ring. I don’t want to make any statements today and then I’ll be kept on the cross. Do you know what I mean? When I’m ready, I’ll be back in the ring.”