Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua’s dad tried to confront him because he was ‘upset and emotional’ after Andy Ruiz Jr loss
EDDIE HEARN said that Anthony Joshua's father was "upset and emotional" as he confronted the promoter on Saturday night.
Footage emerged from the ring after Joshua's shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr of the former heavyweight champ holding back his dad Robert.
But quizzed on the incident in an interview with , Hearn played down any kind of rift between the two.
The Matchroom chief said: "Anthony's dad was upset with the result and the ref.
"It was a very emotional time for everyone.
"I was trying to keep calm.
"I think sometimes you have to forget what's in play, the money, the networks, the belts and remember it's just sport.
ROB FELT ROBBED
"I've been brought up to say if you lose, you lose.
"You get beaten by someone who deserves to win and that's what happened. You have to simplify it and say Joshua got beaten by the better guy."
Robert was clearly furious inside the ring and attempted to charge at Hearn as Ruiz was crowned champion of the world.
AJ had his say on the incident but was unwilling to give anything away or throw either of his aides under the bus.
The former undefeated world champ, 29, said: "My dad's upset. Losing isn't a good night, but it's something we can learn from.
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"My dad said, 'Tighten up and get smart. When things are going good, nothing's going wrong, then something bad happens, you realise'.
"Dad’s upset, natural reaction. Mum’s cool. She doesn’t come to the boxing. So she separates the two - son from boxing.
"Whole team, soldiers. Check, 'You alright, you all good.' And we roll with the punches. Good and bad."
