People will see the headline and wonder precisely why they should keep reading.
Yes, Anthony Joshua lost Saturday's rematch against Oleksandr Usyk by split decision in his quest to become a three-time heavyweight champion. The Monday morning quarterbacking began when ring announcer Michael Buffer announced the fight results. Cat calls emerged almost immediately that Joshua should retire; he's never been that good of a fighter to begin with; he will never be the same boxer that he was once was, and the shine has been taken off of him as a big attraction.
We can squash that chatter. The case would be valid if Joshua fought the same way he did 11 months ago. He adapted by bringing in new trainer Robert Garcia and adjusted his game plan the second time around. He came to Saudi Arabia to win. He fought better in going more with the jab, bending his knees to give him more in his punches, and made it a point to pound Usyk's body with blistering shots to the midsection. In the ninth round, Joshua had Usyk on the ropes and in all types of trouble. Joshua appeared to be moments away from recapturing his belts.
Instead, Usyk survived the storm and showed why he's in rarified air. Usyk came back in the final three rounds with a vengeance to put on a masterclass in the last nine minutes to retain his titles.
Despite what others may say, there's no shame in losing to the best fighter in the world. It's not about how bad Joshua fought. It's about how Usyk stormed back after facing significant adversity for the first time in his historic career. Usyk's that special and should be commended for his stellar performance.
You don't get to be an Olympic gold medalist and a two-time heavyweight champion of the world because of luck. Talent has to be there. The way Joshua fought on Saturday beats every heavyweight in the world not named Oleksandr Usyk. That's nothing to be ashamed about, as he's still among the elite in a loaded heavyweight division.
Plenty of memorable fights and nights remain for Anthony Joshua in front of sold-out crowds with millions of people watching around the world. Who those will be against is up to the 32-year-old to decide on.