Anthony Joshua’s furious dad confronts Eddie Hearn in the ring following son's shock defeat

ANTHONY JOSHUA'S dad had to be held back by the defeated heavyweight after confronting promoter Eddie Hearn.

The Brit was on the receiving end of one the biggest shocks in boxing history after losing his world champ crown to 19st outsider Andy Ruiz Jr.


After the scrap, as AJ's family and friends came to terms with the defeat, his dad Robert appeared furious inside the ring.

With Hearn being roundly booed by the Madison Square Garden crowd while providing an interview to Sky Sports, Robert attempted to charge towards the promoter.

Joshua, 29, noticed his reaction and was forced to hold him back before anything escalated.

It did not go unnoticed by fans who were quick to comment on social media.

One said: "What was going on with Joshua's dad and Hearn, he was having a right go at him. AJ was saying something to his dad, all very strange."

Another added: "I want to know what Joshua's dad was saying to Eddie Hearn post fight, he looked incensed."

A third added: "Joshua's dad having a proper go at Hearn."

My dad's upset, which is a natural reaction.

It remains unclear as to why his dad almost flew off the rails but it is clear something is not right in the camp behind the scenes.

Joshua did comment on his dad's reaction following the fight but didn't give anything away.

He said: "My dad's upset, which is a natural reaction; my mum's cool, she doesn't come to the boxing and separates it.

"Everyone's in good spirits; losing isn't a good night but it's something we can learn from.

"My dad said 'Tighten up and get smart; when things are going good nothing's going wrong, then something bad happens, you realise'."

Joshua was knocked to the canvas on four separate occasions before the fight was eventually stopped in the seventh round.

And Hearn described his performance as sloppy following his first pro defeat. 

He said: "AJ got sloppy and he never recovered. It was a beautiful combination in the third round that put him down.

ROUND ACTION

Round One

An expected cagey start, but Ruiz Jr landed cleaner and probably sneaked it.

Round Two

Joshua evened it up but his head and foot movement wasn't too impressive.

Round Three

Ruiz floored and people in the crowd expected the finish. But the Mexican bit down and ended up spectacularly dropping Joshua twice.

Round Four

Joshua was all over the place and his legs looked as though they still hadn't recovered from the knockdowns.

Round Five

Only five rounds in and AJ appeared out on his feet. Tellingly asked his corner what round it is at the end.

Round Six

Many in the crowd could now sense that one of boxing's biggest ever upsets could be on. AJ asked corner why he doesn't feel good as he slumped to his stool.

Round Seven

The unbelievable became reality. Ruiz floored Joshua to make it four in total before the referee waves it off as the dethroned champ slumped onto the ropes.

"He was in total control of the fight then he got sloppy, got caught and never recovered.

"He looked flat at times, he got hit on the top of the head and he will learn a lot from this.

"Tonight belongs to Andy Ruiz and it is a massive upset but AJ will be back.

"It is a very big upset and now we will find out what AJ is about and it will be a big rematch in the UK."



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