Kamaru Usman says the regret still weighs heavily on him. The former UFC welterweight champion admitted he has not forgiven himself for posting footage that showed Anthony Joshua in a deeply vulnerable moment following a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s closest friends.
Usman became the subject of widespread criticism after releasing a video blog that included a private conversation with Joshua in the immediate aftermath of the Dec. 29 tragedy. It marked the first time Joshua had been seen or heard from publicly since the fatal incident.
According to Ariel Helwani of Uncrowned, Joshua and his team were unaware they were being filmed and did not know the footage would be shared publicly a revelation that intensified scrutiny surrounding Usman’s decision-making.
“I Take Full Responsibility”
Usman previously issued a public apology. Acknowledging that he failed to review the video in full before it was posted to his YouTube channel. Speaking again on Thursday. Usman revisited the controversy during an episode of the Pound 4 Pound Podcast alongside Henry Cejudo, making it clear the situation still troubles him.
“It was a tough enough situation to where I had to make a public apology which I’ve never done, ever,” Usman said. “But it was necessary. The biggest thing as a man is taking responsibility when you’ve messed up. Whether it was accidental or not, you have to take full responsibility, and I had to.”
Usman explained that his frustration was layered first with himself for not catching the footage before publication, and secondly for unintentionally placing Joshua under further public scrutiny.
“I was angry that I even missed that,” Usman said. “Anything that goes out on my channel, I am ultimately responsible for. I was angry because I have now put my Nigerian brother A.J. in another situation for people to judge him and question why things seemed a certain way.”
He added that the most painful part was giving critics an opening to analyze and speculate about Joshua during a period of profound grief.
“I was just angry at myself for even giving them a lane to try to attack him that way,” Usman said. “I take full responsibility, I can’t apologize enough I feel terrible. I’m still feeling terrible because that’s my character and that’s something I don’t play with.”
Joshua Remains Silent
Joshua has not spoken publicly about the accident or his personal loss. He did release a written statement honoring his friends. But has otherwise remained out of the public eye as speculation continues to swirl about his boxing future.
The timing has only fueled intrigue. Just weeks before the tragedy, Joshua delivered a high-profile knockout win over Jake Paul in a Netflix-streamed event. Reigniting conversations about where his career goes next.
Usman Looking Ahead But Still Reflecting
While the controversy lingers, Usman is attempting to refocus on his own fighting future. The former champion has been vocal about pursuing a title opportunity against current UFC welterweight king Islam Makhachev in his next Octagon appearance.
Still, the incident involving Joshua appears to have left a lasting impression.
For Usman, the lesson goes beyond public backlash or online criticism. It’s about accountability and a moment he says he wishes he could take back.
“I don’t play with that,” Usman said. “And that’s why it hurts.”
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
