Anthony Joshua says his ‘complicated life’ is affecting ring return and admits he is ‘hurting’ after losing world titles

ANTHONY JOSHUA admits his “complicated” life outside the ring has made it a lot harder for him to be consistent in it.

Joshua has been plagued by inactivity over the last four years, taking to the ring five times since demolishing Alexander Povetkin at Wembley.

Commitments outside of the ring and factors outside of his control, the pandemic included, have hindered AJ from fighting as much as would’ve liked.

The former unified heavyweight champion told DAZN: “My life is complicated. Boxing has become a bit complicated for me.

“But everyone is just trying to make the most of this time while I’m boxing and they’re doing a good job.

“But it does affect my ring activity. So I’m just always trying to push that stuff away. It’s a challenge.”

Joshua, 33, is hoping to get all his ducks in a row before year’s end so he can go into 2023 focused solely on fighting.

He said: “I’m just trying to get it out the way this year so next year I can just focus.”

Joshua is in a rebuilding phase following back-to-back defeats to slick southpaw Oleksandr Usyk, the wounds of which are still raw.

The Watford warrior said: “I ain’t champion and it’s just hurting a lot.

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“So I’m in the gym rebuilding and restructuring everything I have to do inside and outside of the ring.

“There is a lot that goes on outside the ring in my life which makes my ring life complicated.

“So I just need to simplify a lot of stuff outside the ring and then I can put my full attention in the ring. And once I’ve got that done, next year I’ll be ready.”

Joshua has no timeframe for the first fight of his career rebuild, admitting: “I don’t know [when I’ll be back].

“I was supposed to be in the ring this year, I’m going to be in the ring next year. I’ll be in the ring when I’m in the ring.

“I don’t want to make statements today and then I’ll get held to the cross.

“Do you know what I mean? When I’m ready, I’ll be back in the ring.”