ANTHONY JOSHUA will not retire from boxing if he loses to Oleksandr Usyk in his high-stakes rematch.
In a crucial Saudi showdown, the Watford fighter will try to reclaim the unified Heavyweight titles from the smooth southpaw.
Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk will renew their rivalry on August 20
Some boxing fans have urged AJ to quit if he loses again to the Ukrainian
But Eddie Hearn, the promoter of the Brit, insists that he won't be retiring on the back a loss
A second defeat to the Ukrainian could make AJ an outsider at the stacked heavyweight division. However, Eddie Hearn insists it won't mean the end for the British bruiser's career.
Hearn was asked about Joshua's retirement after yet another defeat to Usyk and he replied: "No, I would have been shocked."
"AJ loves boxing; it is his passion. I was contacted by many people within the industry after AJ lost to Usyk. They said that he should now retire.
"I said, "He just lost to pound-for-pound #1/ #2. He hasn't had as many fights.
"He loves the sport and I'm sure that he will be around for a long while, but we would prefer to win."
Joshua, 32, was defeated by Usyk last September in their Tottenham tussle, suffering a narrow points loss.
The British boxing's golden boy is certain that he will beat Andy Ruiz Jr. the second time around.
He stated that Andy Ruiz helped people see the truth. However, you need to be strong and thick-skinned. We took our loss like a man.
"When I win, I keep it moving. I also thank everyone who has been the same in defeat. I knew I could return.
"Usyk busted my a***, and I must accept that defeat as a man."
"But, I hold myself responsible, I can admit when it is wrong and keep my head high when it is right.
"In September's fight, I was wrong and he right. I must reverse that on August 20.
"I have a second opportunity, I was in trouble as a kid and was given a second chance to find boxing.
"If you know me, you will know that I am the comeback king.
"You can make me feel down, but you cannot keep me down." Even through my most difficult times, I know that everything will work out in the end.
