Usyk manager impressed by this Joshua attribute in Prenga win

Saturday's fight was just Joshua's second with Usyk's training team in his corner, and to many onlookers, there were concerns about whether 'AJ' can still perform to a high level after being knocked down twice in the opening round. 

However, for Lapin, it was more important that Joshua got the win by any means necessary. 

Lapin hails Joshua's character

Speaking to Action Network, Lapin reiterated that this was a fighter who is still recovering from a traumatic car accident in December which saw Joshua lose two of his closest friends and teammates. 

The fact that 'AJ' was able to lace up the gloves once again and win a fight in Lapin's eyes showcases the former world champion's strong character.

"I’m not a doctor, so I won’t make medical conclusions. But anyone who has gone through such a serious accident faces not only a physical recovery but also a psychological one. That said, I think it’s far more important to focus on what he has regained rather than what he may have lost," Lapin said.

"He stepped back into the ring and won. That’s what matters today.

"It speaks volumes about his character, his enormous heart, and his genuine love for boxing. AJ went through a tragedy that would take many people years to recover from. He lost close friends, and with them, a part of himself. Yet he returned to the ring.

"So before people criticize him, they should take a moment to think about what he’s been through. To me, that’s what real character looks like. AJ isn’t just a fighter. He’s a real man."

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Joshua defeats Prenga in dramatic triumph

Watch: 'AJ' survives double knockdown to destroy Albanian

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With a long-awaited fight with Tyson Fury supposedly next, Joshua could not ask for a better training team to have in his corner. 

Team Usyk knows what it takes to beat 'The Gypsy King' after Oleksandr was able beat Fury on two successive occasions two years ago with one of those crowning the Ukrainian as the undisputed heavyweight champion.

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