Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian fighter, 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.
It was gathered that 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, putting plenty of pressure and landing body shots on Usyk, a significant 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 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 stood 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
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