Joshua Prevents Angry Dad From Clashing With Promoter Hearn After Shocking Defeat To Ruiz

Anthony Joshua had to restrain his ‘upset’ father, Robert Joshua, as he tried to confront promoter Eddie Hearn following his son’s shock defeat to Andy Ruiz.

After the fight Joshua’s father Robert made a beeline for Hearn in the ring, and had to be held back by Joshua at Madison Square Garden in New York.

The exchange according to dailymail.co.uk was caught on camera in the background as Ruiz was being interviewed in the ring following his unexpected seventh-round win.

It is unclear why Robert was frustrated, but Hearn has come in for criticism from some quarters over his handling of Joshua’s career and an inability to book a fight with the heavyweight’s two big boys – Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury.

Eagle-eyed boxing fans spotted Joshua Snr walk across the ring to join his son before he turns around to confront the tuxedo-wearing Hearn, who is stood the other side of a line of security.

‘No, it’s me… I’m the one fighting,’ Joshua could be heard telling his father he gestured and pointed in the promoter’s direction.

But Robert continued with his remarks towards Hearn and can at one point be clearly seen swearing in his direction.

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Eventually Joshua managed to calm his father down and led him away from the confrontation and he later admitted: ‘My dad’s upset, which is a natural reaction.

“Everyone’s in good spirits; losing isn’t a good night but it’s something we can learn from.”

Joshua added: “My dad said “tighten up and get smart; when things are going good nothing’s going wrong, then something bad happens, you realise.”

Hearn said of Joshua’s performance: “AJ got sloppy, he was in control, got caught but never recovered. I don’t know, he looked flat at times, it was a great fight.”

“I cant believe I just made my dream come true, the sky is the limit!”