Briton Anthony Joshua’s bid to recapture the Unified Heavyweight titles led to disappointment as Oleksandr Usik produced a stellar efficiency to win by break up choice in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
In a conflict billed as Rage on the Red Sea, a spirited 32-year-old Joshua confirmed some aggression and intention – an enormous enchancment from his first battle – however couldn’t match the Ukrainian’s expertise and ring sense.
Two judges gave Usyak 115–113 and 116–112 within the battle, whereas the third choose gave 115–113 to the challenger. While there have been some shut rounds, Usyk was the deserving winner.
Joshua suffered back-to-back defeats to Usyk, retaining the WBA (Super), WBO and IBF titles he gained in London final September.
At the top of the battle, the challenger picked up Usyk’s two belts, dropped them to the ground and headed for the dressing room, earlier than scoring a objective and again within the ring.
“He’s one hell of a fighter. He’s just emotion,” he stated. “If you know my story, you’ll understand the passion. I’m not an amateur boxer. I was going to jail and I got bail and started training.
“It exhibits the eagerness we put into it. For this man to beat me tonight, it exhibits the extent of exhausting work, so please give him a spherical of applause because the heavyweight champion of the world.”
“He stated I’m not a 12-round fighter. I’m not 14 stone, I’m 18 stone, I’m heavy. It’s exhausting work. This man right here is phenomenal.”
The Londoner found success in the fight – and enjoyed his best round in the ninth, charging Usyk down and hitting a flurry of punches, reminiscent of Joshua of old.
But such is the beauty of Usyak, he came back fighting in the 10th round and was landing clean blows one after the other. Usyk landed a five-punch combination, and Joshua became a sitting duck.
Joshua was exhausted and Usyak took full advantage in the championship round.
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With inputs from BBC
