Anthony Joshua’s trainer Ben Davison insists the star was simply firing himself up before he was KO’d by Daniel Dubois.

Joshua was knocked out in the fifth round by an incredible right hand, having been dropped three times before the final blow at Wembley Stadium.

TNT SportsJoshua issued a rallying cry in his corner[/caption]

Prior to the conclusive stanza, AJ spoke to Davison in his corner, where fans believe he called his rival ‘s**t’ just moments before he was put down to the canvas.

But cornerman Davison believes he was simply just getting himself motivated as they discussed a contingency plan which ultimately came up short.

He said at the post-fight press conference: “Nah I was asking for something from him.

“And he let me know he was okay and was actually talking in there.

“And then he came back before the last round and said ‘this is the moments we live for’.

“He also spoke about ‘rolling the dice’ and that is exactly what he did in that round.

“People talk about when they are having an off night and it was an off night for AJ.

“But I’d like to say, me and my team have received a hell of lot of credit for good performances he’s had, so it’s important we take responsibility for the bad performance as well.”

Davison was unable to steer the former two-time champion to world glory for a third time, as Dubois was simply too good from the opening bell.

Joshua had been tagged early on by a thunderous right hand, which left his face disfigured, and he never truly recovered.

GettyDubois stopped Joshua in the round following his speech[/caption]

AJ did clip Dubois with a few right hands as the pair exchanged just before a receiving one landed and left him slumped on the canvas.

It is now unclear what lies in store next for Joshua, who was hoping to win to meet the winner of Oleksandr Usyk’s December rematch with Tyson Fury.

Now that fight appears to have slipped away from reality for now, with a rematch against Dubois potentially on the cards.

Naturally given the heavyweight is now 34-years-old, many have questioned if it is time for Joshua to retire after his brutal defeat.

But AJ has no intention of hanging up the gloves and will be motivated to fight again if the right opportunity presents itself.

He said after the show: “Always walk with your head high, we rolled the dice, for the third time, 13 world title fights, not every one has been successful, but they’ve all been fun and entertaining.

“You’re probably asking if I still want to consider fighting? Of course I want to continue fighting.

“We took a shot at success and we came up short. What does that mean now? That we’re going to run away?

“We’re going to live to fight another day. And that’s what I am – I’m a warrior.

“There were a few mistakes in there but that’s the name of the game. Fine margins will cost you at the top level.”