Anthony Joshua was stopped by Andy Ruiz Jr in a shock defeat in New York on Saturday night.
The Brit lost his unbeaten record and heavyweight world titles after a particularly disappointing performance.
Joshua was knocked down twice in the third round but managed to battle on to the seventh.
But he was floored again by Mexican Ruiz as referee Mike Griffin gave Joshua an eight count before he returned to the corner.
Griffin urged Joshua to pick his hands up and put his mouthpiece in, before urging him to come off the ropes and show he was ready to fight.
Just 30 seconds later, the unbeaten Brit was down again and another eight count followed.
As he made his way back to the corner, Griffin shouted at Joshua to turn around as he appeared to be trying to bide his time.
He had also appeared to have lost his mouthpiece when the referee asked him if he was 'ready to box'.
Joshua responded immediately but kept his hands on the ropes for another couple of seconds, forcing the referee to stop the bout.
Boxing rules state the referee must decide if a boxer is unable to carry on for the remainder of the fight.
The rules also say a boxer has "to satisfy the referee that he is in a position and condition to defend himself".
It is also stated the referee should not allow a boxer to continue, if he is unable to do so until eight seconds after the knock down.
A rematch clause means Joshua will get the chance to regain his belts, likely in the UK later this year.
On the defeat, the Brit said: "The referee, he does his job. I should have never have touched the canvas if I didn’t want it to get stopped.
“He said ‘how you feeling champ?’
“I said good, good, good good. I am good, I’m good. That was it.”
