Anthony Joshua has joked Will Smith should've "closed his fist" after the actor hit comedian Chris Rock at Sunday night's Oscar awards.
Smith slapped Rock in the face after the funnyman made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head. The incident shocked the entertainment world and many have criticised Smith for his actions, though Rock is not expected to press charges.
Two-time heavyweight world champion Joshua - who is currently preparing for his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk - made light of the incident on Instagram by sharing a picture of him and Smith from the London Olympics in 2012, where the British boxer won gold.
"Proud of you bro," wrote Joshua. "Next time close your first." The boxer also shared a video of the incident with-Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" playing over it. The song was famously used in Rocky, the most iconic boxing movie in history starring Sylvester Stallone.
No one expected the actor to walk on stage and hit Rock after the comedian made a misjudged joke about Jada's hairstyle - the result of alopecia, a hair loss condition.
"Jada, can't wait for GI Jane 2," said Rock, who was referencing the 1997 film featuring Demi Moor with a shaved head. Seconds after Rock's joke, Smith approached the stage and slapped him in the face. "Will Smith just smacked the s*** out of me," said the comedian after the incident.
Will Anthony Joshua win his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk? Let us know in the comments below!
The audience was heard laughing in expectation it was staged, yet silence soon descended in Los Angeles as Smith - now back in his seat - started shouting at Rock. "Take my wife's name out of your f****** mouth," said the actor in an aggressive manner.
"Wow dude, it was a GI Jane joke," replied Rock. To which Smith - again in an aggressive manner - responded: "Keep my wife's name out of your f****** mouth." Rock replied: "I'm going to, OK." The comedian was clearly shaken up by the incident.
Smith went on to apologise to the Oscars film academy while accepting his award for best actor, achieved for his performance as Serena Williams' father Richard Williams in the movie King Richard. He did not specifically apologise to Rock.
"I want to apologise to the Academy, I want to apologise to all my fellow nominees," said Smith. He went on to say: "Love will make you do crazy things."
The Oscars film academy have condemned Smith's behaviour. "The Academy condemns the actions of Mr Smith at last night’s show," said a spokesperson. "We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law."
