Ukranian fighter, Oleksandr Usyk confirmed his spot at the top of the heavyweight division with a rematch win over British-Nigerian boxer, Anthony Joshua on Saturday night, August 20, at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Over the course of 12 rounds, Usyk outpointed Joshua winning on a split decision, taking it 116-112 and 115-113 on two cards. The third judge scored 115-113 for Joshua.
During the fight, Joshua showed a different side of him, putting plenty of pressure and landing body shots to Usyk, a great departure from their first fight in September.
The body punches nearly broke Usyk (who helped defend Ukraine during Russia’s invasion) – in the ninth round.
Usyk then showed impeccable character in the 10th round, clipping Joshua with heavy counter-punches to end the bout.
Usyk deservingly won and could possibly fight Tyson Fury the WBC heavyweight champion in December for the crown of undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
Speaking through a translator after the fight, Usyk said;
“This is already history,” “Many generations are going watch this fight, especially the [10th] round, when someone tried to beat me hard, but I standed it and turned it in a different way. Thanks, God.”
Usyk was asked whether he thought he won the fight in light of the protestations from Joshua’s corner. “Yes, of course,” he answered
When asked about the one major heavyweight title that’s not in his possession: the WBC belt held by Tyson Fury, Usyk responds;
“I’m sure that Tyson Fury is not retired yet,” Usyk says. “I’m sure. I’m convinced he wants to fight me. I want to fight him. And if I’m not fighting Tyson Fury, I’m not fighting at all.”
“Only God knows whether I will or not. But all these gentlemen here around me, my team, they’re going to help me.”
Watch the video below….
USYK ABSOLUTELY LAYS IT ON ANTHONY JOSHUA ?#UsykJoshua2 #RageOnTheRedSea pic.twitter.com/ol0s5oeY6G
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) August 20, 2022
Oleksandr Usyk fights back the tears as he takes a split-decision win over Anthony Joshua. ?? pic.twitter.com/qlbFYGq8oE
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) August 20, 2022
You are not strong how did you beat me? – Anthony Joshua asks Oleksandr Usyk after defeat, throws belts out of ring before delivering rambling speech (videos)
Former heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua left fans completely dismayed with his antics after losing to Oleksandr Usyk.
On Saturday night, August 20 in Saudi Arabia, Joshua lost for the second time to Usyk, and after the match, he threw two heavy weight belts down before telling Usyk he won the fight not because he’s strong but because he’s skilled.
He then stormed out of the ring before climbing back in and grabbing the mic to address the crowd with a bizarre rant as his emotions were clearly running high.
In an expletive-filled rant, he discussed the fight, his career, the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, and also led cheers to Usyk.
Joshua began by referencing his youth and troubles with police as a teenager
“If you knew my story you would understand the passion. I ain’t no amateur boxer from five-years-old that was an elite prospect from youth,’ said Joshua.
‘I was going to jail, I got bail and I started training my arse off, I wanted to be able to fight.
‘I’m stealing this Usyk I’m sorry, but it’s because of the passion we put into this. This guy to beat me tonight, maybe I could have done better, but it shows the level of hard work I put in so please give him a round of applause as our heavyweight champion of the world
I’m not a 12 round fighter, look at me, I’m a new breed of heavyweights, Mike Tyson, Sonny Liston, Jack Dempsey, ‘you don’t throw combinations like Rocky Marciano’, I’m 18 stone, I’m heavy, it’s hard work.
‘This guy here is a phenomenal talent, we’re going to cheer for him three times.’
See some reactions and watch the videos of Joshua after the fight below…
Anthony Joshua lost his temper after losing his rematch to Oleksandr Usyk and reacted angrily by throwing two belts out of the ring. ?pic.twitter.com/VjS8z3UrGl
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 20, 2022
Anthony Joshua throws two belts out of the ring as he loses temper after defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. ?? pic.twitter.com/PHDIe2FWGh
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) August 20, 2022
@anthonyjoshua needs to watch this back and realise how much of a complete idiot he’s come across! The rant was pathetic! https://t.co/pp2eHAIWyv
— Matt Willis (@mattwrailbus) August 20, 2022
It wasn’t just the rant. The Anthony Joshua pre rant was just as embarrassing. If not more so.
Hang your head young man.#Usykvsjoshua2 #AnthonyJoshua pic.twitter.com/M25BAE6SBI
— The Irish Magpie ? ?? (@TheIrishMagpie) August 20, 2022
https://youtu.be/VD_eQbqncdw?t=56
