Oleksandr Usyk remains the world heavyweight champion, defending his world titles after a sensational 12-round war against British superstar Anthony Joshua.
Joshua lost his WBA, IBF and WBO titles to the 35-year-old Ukrainian in London last year and, unlike his rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019, was unable to deliver the back to the rematch in Saudi Arabia.
Usyk withstood an early onslaught from the 32-year-old Briton and another stunning barrage in the ninth round to climb back on top in the end, emerging a 113-115, 115-113, 116-112 split decision winner. His win last year came via unanimous decision, with this fight much closer.
Watch PPV: Usyk v Joshua 2 LIVE in the main event available on Kayo & Foxtel, Sunday 21 August from 3am AEST. ORDER NOW >
Joshua’s retirement says “rubbish” | 00:51
But the famous victory was slightly marred by strange actions from Joshua, who threw two of his opponents out of the ring, before facing the world champion.
Joshua, who had lost for the third time in his professional career, held the Super World Ring Magazine and WBA heavyweight belts high before throwing them at ringside.
With the Ukrainian flag draped over his shoulders, the 32-year-old confronted Usyk, as he asked how he had managed to lose the fight.
“You’re not strong, how did you beat me? How?” Joshua asked Usyk.
“He had character and determination.”
But the wild scenes continued as Joshua interrupted the celebrations once again, with the crowd letting out a chorus of boos before he began to speak.
Joshua Steals Mic, Delivers Wild Speech | 01:37
The British superstar did congratulate his opponent before leaving the ring, but his speech still took a lot away from what was an important night for Usyk.
“If you knew my story, you would understand the passion. I’m not an amateur boxer who was five years old, he was an elite prospect from my youth,” Joshua said after the fight.
“I was going to jail… I got bail and started training.
“Please give him (Usyk) a round of applause, our world heavyweight champion.
“I’m not a 12-round fighter, look at me… This guy here is a phenomenal fighter.”
With the Ukrainian flag around those shoulders, an emotional Usyk shared a heartfelt tribute to his countrymen who continue to suffer during the ongoing war with Russia.
“I dedicate this victory to my country, to my family, to my team, to all the military who defend the country,” Usyk said after the fight.
“Thank you very much.”
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – AUGUST 20: Oleksandr Usyk speaks with Anthony Joshua after their World Heavyweight Championship fight during the Rage on the Red Sea Heavyweight Title Fight at King Abdullah Sports City Arena on August 20, 2022 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
There is one belt Usyk has yet to add to his impressive collection, with WBC champion Tyson Fury standing in the way of a potential unification bout.
Fury indicated in April that he was ready to step away from boxing after a successful title defense against Dillian Whyte.
But in a move everyone saw coming, the 33-year-old announced his return to the sport earlier this month, before a stunning backflip just days later.
World champion Usyk said he won’t fight “at all” if not against Fury, who he believes also wants to fight him.
“I’m sure Tyson Fury is not retired yet, I’m convinced he wants to fight me,” he added.
“I want to fight him and if I’m not fighting Tyson Fury, I’m not fighting at all.”
British boxing promoter Eddie Hearn praised Usyk after an incredible final three rounds, describing him as the “No. 1 pound-for-pound” fighter in the world.
Hearn believes the 10th round was the turning point for the Ukrainian fighter after he survived some powerful jabs from Joshua in the ninth which appeared to have stunned him.
“Well, first of all, what a performance by Oleksandr Usyk,” Hearn said.
“In the ninth round I got run over, I thought we had it. Round 10 was one of the best rounds I’ve seen.
“What Usyk did in 10, 11 and 12 was unbelievable, and that was the difference tonight because AJ didn’t start fast enough, but he fought a much better fight, he hurt Usyk in the ninth.
“That 10th round was the moment he decided to get the fight back. It was an incredible performance.
“It’s too good and there’s no shame in it.
“You saw AJ’s reaction and that was from a human who wanted to win so badly, with so much pressure on his shoulders and I think he just exploded because he lost and he was devastated.
“He’s given everything to try to win this fight, he couldn’t win this fight, he’s a competitor, he’s a winner, but this man is too good.
“That’s why this guy is No. 1 pound for pound.”
HOW IT HAPPENED
Joshua enjoyed the early rounds better after targeting the body of his 35-year-old rival, showing a much more focused tactical approach compared to last year’s defeat.
The Briton was not as easily drawn into the feints and throwing movements of his lighter southpaw opponent, and showed better footwork and balance, allowing him to become more offensive, compared to Usyk’s early assault in their first meeting.
But Usyk soon made the adjustments and began roaring back, despite a brutal low blow from Joshua in the fifth round that landed on his hip bone and left him wincing.
But Joshua began to fall further and further behind his opponent as the fight wore on. However, Joshua found his opponent’s body far more often than in their initial meeting, most notably in a thrilling eighth round.
Usyk’s incomparable movement began to slow down as Joshua surged ahead in the ninth, sending his rival running to huge cheers from the crowd. Joshua was able to use his greater physicality for the first time in either of their two meetings, with commentators saying he was able to “harass” Usyk.
But the Ukrainian returned the favor by upping his output in a vicious flurry in the 10th round that gave Joshua pause. Joshua rocked his opponent, only to be hammered in response, with Joshua retreating to the ropes as his legs gave out.
Follow all the action with live updates below. Can’t you see it? Click here!
COMPLETE CARD RESULTS
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua, WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles
Filip Hrgovic defeated Zhilei Zhang by unanimous decision (115x112x2, 114-113) – IBF Heavyweight Eliminator
Callum Smith defeated Mathieu Bauderlique by KO in the fourth round
Badou Jack defeated Richard Rivera by split decision (96-94, 94-96, 96-94)
Ziyad Almaayouf defeated Jose Alatorre by TKO in the first round
Ramla Ali defeated Crystal Garcia Nova by first round TKO
CONTROVERSY IN THE WAR OF HEAVY WEIGHTS
There was drama in the penultimate bout as unbeaten heavyweights Filip Hrgovic and Zhilei Zhang battled it out in an impressive 12-round war.
Zhang dropped his opponent in the first round and looked to be in control, before Hrgovic rallied in a roller-coaster battle.
Two of the judges give it to Hrgovic by a margin of 115-112, and the third gives it to the Croatian 114-113, leading to boos from the crowd and Zhang shouting “I won!”
Hrgovic said: “Warrior, man. This is for my father who passed away a few months ago… it was a very close fight, I was losing the fight but in the last rounds I pushed myself, I gave it my all.”
“To be honest, I was surprised. It was better than I thought.
“It was a close fight, but I thought I won.”
MONSTER KO STUNS
British boxer Callum Smith is “one step closer” to becoming a two-time world champion after a stunning fourth-round TKO victory on Sunday morning (AEST).
Smith, who was fighting Mathieu Bauderlique in a WBC light heavyweight title eliminator, had his opponent on the ropes until the fourth round before a stunning left hook ended the bout.
The 32-year-old looked comfortable before a stunning kick dropped Bauderlique, who nearly fell through the ropes as he clung to his knees.
Smith won his first world title against George Groves in 2018, but now looks set for another chance to etch his name into the history books once again.
“I want a world title, that’s all I want… Tonight (I’m) probably one step closer,” Smith said after the fight.
“I just want to keep winning and at some point I want to become world champion.”
MORE BOXING NEWS
Why Fury Could Be Lured For ‘Biggest Fight In Boxing History’
Joshua teases heavyweight nemesis Fury for retirement
Joshua “must win” the title rematch to save his legacy, while the challenger fights for a country at war
‘He has to win… I like the pressure’ | 00:48
Watch PPV: Usyk v Joshua 2 LIVE in the main event available on Kayo & Foxtel, Sunday 21 August from 3am AEST. ORDER NOW >