ANTHONY JOSHUA was warned by Oleksandr Usyk, his rival who was at only 60 percent when he beat him in September.
Joshua was defeated by Usyk 117-112, 112-112, and 115-113 in London's judges scorecards. Usyk won the WBA/WBO and IBF heavyweight titles.
AJ will seek revenge on the heavyweights when they meet again in a rematch. This is expected to happen early next year.
Sergey Lapin, the Ukrainian manager, warned the Watford-born bruiser that his opponent didn't give his all at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
MyBettingSites - Lapin said that Alexander has been a friend for over 20 years. I was there to witness all his victories in boxing.
He is unique because he can quickly process information and adapt to the fighter in front him.
"It sometimes feels to me that he's from another planet. He is that good.
"Despite his vast experience and fighting history, he is always improving and getting better with every training session.
"I know and have seen what Usyk can do, and the Usyk version in the fight against Anthony Joshua was 60 to 70 per cent of his potential.
"So yes, Usyk is really better."
Lapin expects Usyk, however, to be in a very difficult fight when the boxing stars clash again.
He recalls Joshua telling The Cat after the 12th round that he knew how to beat him.
Lapin said: "To be truthful, I saw the greatest version of Joshua in years in the fight against Usyk. Joshua is strong-willed, and has character.
"All belts were at risk, and he went all in, but lost. It is hard to understand why boxing skeptics believe Joshua's wrong strategy was responsible for Usyk winning.
"This victory was more than a luck win, like the fight with [Andy] Ruiz (Jr), it was a victory that met all criteria.
"As far as the immediate rematch is concerned, right after the 12th round ended, I heard Anthony saying: "Hey Alex, I know how you beat me, I want to rematch."
"Now he will attempt to take back his title. We look forward to a very exciting rematch.
This is after Team Usyk reached Joshua's camp earlier in the month to ask if he would be willing to give up his rematch to take his place with Tyson Fury.
According to reports, the representatives of the Ukrainian champion offered a staggering PS40million step-aside agreement.
Eddie Hearn, the promoter of British star Eddie Hearn, said that it was "virtually impossible for him" to step aside.
