Sports
Joshua Blames Nobody For Loss To Ruiz Jr
British heavyweight Anthony Joshua has said he has no excuses for his shock defeat by Andy Ruiz Jr, in which he lost his IBF, WBO and WBA world titles.
The loss in New York was the first of Joshua’s 23-fight professional career and he has dismissed suggestions anything was wrong with him.
“I had no panic attack,” the 29-year-old said in video posted online on Wednesday.
“I have to take my loss like a man. No blaming anyone or anything.”
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn announced on Tuesday that a rematch with United States-born Mexican Ruiz, part of the contract for Saturday’s fight, would take place in November or December.
“I am the one who went in there to perform and my performance did not go to plan. My gameplan didn’t go to plan,” added Joshua.
“I have to readjust, analyse, do my best to correct it and get the job done in the rematch.”
The Briton was floored four times as Ruiz won in seven rounds at Madison Square Garden.
Before the final round, Joshua looked perplexed in his corner and said to his trainer Rob McCracken: “Why am I feeling like this?”
The London 2012 Olympic champion subsequently had a concussion test.
Joshua says his pre-fight training camp in Miami was “spot on” and he did not eat any contaminated foods. He also said he would continue to work with McCracken.
“There have been a lot of accusations and worries about what was wrong with me,” he added.
“I want to tell you this: I am a soldier and I have to take my ups and my downs, and on Saturday I took a loss.
“Congratulations to Andy Ruiz. He has six months or so to be champion because the belts go in the air and he has to defend them.
“I would not mind if [the rematch] was in New York again or in England.”
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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