If there were any doubts that Oleksandr Usyk really was the better man when he defeated Anthony Joshua in their first meeting, the Ukrainian erased them on Saturday in Saudi Arabia. Usyk won the rematch to remain WBO, WBA and IBF Heavyweight Champion inside the Jeddah Superdome after 12 hard-fought rounds by split decision in a fight where there was really no doubt he deserved to be named winner
Joshua showed he’s made some real adjustments since their September 2021 showdown, fighting in a lower stance and not falling for Usyk’s traps in the early rounds. This made it difficult for Usyk to really get there early as he kept his lateral movement constant, but without the same offensive openings as in the first meeting.
Usyk started to change his game plan starting in round 4 when he started to figure out the approach Joshua was taking. Instead of allowing Joshua to lead the fight and apply pressure, Usyk began circling more and firing combinations with the intention of touching Joshua more than taking him out with one shot. In response to Usyk’s adaptation, Joshua began to fall into the same traps as the first meeting, chasing Usyk and at times losing wildly.
However, it wasn’t all easy for Usyk as Joshua made a big adjustment, focusing his offense on Usyk’s body. A steady diet of hooks and uppercuts to the torso slowed Usyk’s movement and opened up his head.
This led to Joshua’s biggest moment in the fight, and the most likely opportunity for him to score a stoppage. In round 9, Joshua pummeled Usyk around the ring, seemingly stunning the champion several times throughout the frame.
Usyk stayed on his feet, though, and showed true championship qualities in the last three rounds of the fight. Starting in round 10, Usyk increased his output considerably, tagging Joshua with heavy shots several times. Joshua’s lower stance disappeared and he began to fight with very straight legs and slow as Usyk took over and secured a well-deserved victory.
The official scorecards after the fight read 115-113 and 116-112 for Usyk with a 115-113 card inexplicably handed out by Joshua.
After retaining three of the four recognized world heavyweight championships, Usyk was asked the obvious question of whether he intended to become the undisputed champion chasing the WBC belt currently held by Tyson Fury. Fury has repeatedly stated that he has retired from boxing, although many believe he could be persuaded to return to the ring with the promise of an undisputed title fight.
“I’m sure Tyson Fury is not retired yet,” Usyk said during his post-fight interview. “I’m convinced that Tyson wants to fight me and I want to fight him. If I’m not fighting him, I’m not going to fight at all. God only knows if I’m going to fight him or not.”
CBS Sports was with you throughout the event in Saudi Arabia, so be sure to follow live scores and highlights below.
Usyk vs Joshua 2, results
- Oleksandr Usyk (c) def. Anthony Joshua by split decision (115-113, 113-115, 116-112)
- Filip Hrgovic defeated. Zhilei Zhang by unanimous decision (115-112, 115-112, 114-113)
- Callum Smith defeated. Mathieu Bauderlique by fourth round knockout
- Badou Jack defeats. Richard Rivera by split decision (96-94, 94-96, 96-94)
Usyk vs. Joshua 2
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