Eddie Hearn reveals that Anthony Joshua is 'angry' after Usyk's loss. He defends his pal after x-rated interview

EDDIE HEARN has jumped to defend Anthony Joshua after being criticised for his recent x-rated interview.

After his recent interview in which AJ declared he was done with f***ing losing after Oleksandr Usyk's unanimous defeat, many boxing fans began to take aim at AJ.

Critics accused Joshua, in an interview with iFL TV of showing his true self. This notion has upset his long-time promoter Hearn.

DAZN was told by the Matchroom Boxing chief: "I think that a lot people when AJ gives such a speech, they're like, Oh, the real AJ is out.

"The real AJ has always been there. However, I believe that he is always under pressure because of his British boxing position.

"He's an ambassador and he's role model. He has to act in a certain manner.

"He shouldn’t swear too often, there are kids watching.

"And now, I think he's just kind of thrown it out the window and gone, "You know what? Let's just say that it's how it is."

"I must go to war against Oleksandr Usyk, and I'm going to rip his head off."

"And that is what we need, that mentality.

It's not something he wants to get back. It is there. We need to get it firing."

Joshua, 32, was evicted from the unified heavyweight titles by Usyk, a smart and skilled man at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, September.

The Watford warrior is fervent in his desire to exact revenge on the undefeated Ukrainian.

Hearn said, "Right now he's mad, angry. That's great because it's giving him the fuel to [win]

"And he wants more than anything to win. This is the best thing I see from him right now.

Joshua will renew his rivalry against Usyk in the first half of next year, but a date has yet to be set.

Hearn wants to see a showdown between Olympic gold medallists in spring. He told talkSPORT that while there is nothing wrong with Ukraine, he has no idea how February was like. But he would like it back in the UK.

"We will meet with Usyk's staff and look at the options.

"We have received a few international offers for the rematch.

"I told AJ the other night, 'are you certain you don't lose fights intentionally just to have these huge rematches?"

"It's a big fight again, but it'd be a great experience to do it back at the UK, possibly in March or April.

"It's a fight that he must win."