ANTHONY JOSHUA opened up about the mental struggles he experienced after losing to Oleksandr Uzyk, but vowed that he would'redeem himself'.
After a 12-round masterclass from Usyk, Joshua gave up the WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles.
Anthony Joshua has pledged to'redeem himself' in a rematch against Oleksandr Usyk
After a surprise round seven loss to Andy Ruiz Jr, this was only AJ’s second loss.
Joshua, 32, beat Ruiz (also 32) in the rematch six month later. Now Joshua is plotting revenge against Usyk (34)
Sky Sports quoted him as saying: "I have high standards for myself."
"That's why when I lost the first time, I didn't make excuses. I had my reasons.
"I accepted my loss, but I knew that I would get it back. That one I didn't mind, so I ignored it. This one was hard because I was 100%.
"There weren't any problems. Everything was great. It was all cool. I went in and lost to the better man that night.
It gave me the motivation to get out of this position. It was mentally devastating for me. I have fought back and will be able to redeem myself.
Free Bets: Get more than PS2,000 in NEW CUSTOMER DEALSAfter the humiliating defeat to Usyk, Joshua was left questioning his training group.
AJ spent some time in America, visiting various gyms and coaches before he was scheduled to face the Ukrainian again.
During a recent trip from Dubai, he was even seen in the gym with Floyd Mayweather (44), a boxing legend.
Joshua has yet to confirm whether he will be replacing Rob McCracken as head coach or adding to his training staff.
He admitted that there was no room for error and the possibility of regaining his heavyweight title is on the horizon.
Joshua stated, "Let's concentrate on what's necessary. It must come from the top. I am the final piece of the puzzle. I am the last performance.
"So, we're talking game-planning and mindset, brain training, sparring, and what we get out of it.
"Dietary requirements, sleep, recovery and mindset training to what you're listening to musically, motivational speech, and other stuff like that.
"This is my biggest fight, for the heavyweight title of the world.
"I belong on the great stage. I am a champion. I am part of the current generation.
"If I didn’t fight the hardest, I might not have lost my career." People have high expectations of me, which is why they are shocked when I lose.
