Corner footage filmed between the fourth and fifth rounds of Saturday’s IBF world heavyweight title fight at Wembley has revealed what Anthony Joshua said to his team just seconds before he was knocked out by Daniel Dubois.
Joshua had already been floored multiple times in the opening four rounds, so trainer Ben Davison attempted to motivate him in the hope of sparking a recovery.
‘We get through them [tough moments], Davison told Joshua ‘This is what it’s about. We get through them. F***ing warrior spirit, but we’ve got to be smart.’
Joshua responded: ‘Roll the dice, innit? At the start of this round he’s going to come out fast.’ Davison replied: ‘Yeah, so be ready. Slip and bring it up, he’ll step in with his jab.’
Then came Joshua three-word’s comment that aged very badly.
Anthony Joshua pictured speaking to his trainer just before the fifth round of Saturday’s IBF world heavyweight title fight against Daniel Dubois at London’s Wembley Stadium
Joshua was knocked out by fellow British boxer Dubois after being caught by a right hook
Trainer Ben Davison pictured running towards Joshua, 34, after the end of Saturday’s fight
Following a brief moment of silence, Joshua bullishly said: ‘He is s***.’
The fifth round was less than a minute old when Dubois hit Joshua with a decisive right hook that secured the 27-year-old an emphatic victory.
Joshua, 34, was also spotted appearing to taunt fans moments before he was knocked out.
A video posted by TNT Sports showed Joshua turning towards the crowd and sticking out his tongue early in round five.
However, trainer Davison later suggested that the gesture had been aimed at him, rather than at fans.