Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine beat Anthony Joshua in heavyweight rematch after scoring in Saudi Arabia | UK News
Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk has kept his heavyweight title after a thrilling rematch with Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia.
Usyk won in a split decision after the pair went through 12 rounds – 113 to 115, 115 to 113 and 116 to 112.
Until around March, Usyk was fighting on the front lines in Kyiv, but has left the war-torn country to focus on his rematch with Joshua.
Read more: Who is Oleksandr Usyk?
After the jury’s decision was announced, Joshua threw two of his title belts over the side of the rope before rushing out of the ring.
However, he turned around and grabbed the mic, telling King Abdullah Sports City: “If you know my story, you will understand the passion.
“I’m not an amateur boxer, from the age of five that was an elite prospect from a young age. I’m going to prison, I’m out on bail and I’m starting to train for my death, I want to be able to fight.
“This guy beat me tonight, maybe I can do better, but it shows how hard I work so please give him a round of applause as the world champion. our heavyweight limit.”
The couple also posed briefly with the Ukrainian flag in solidarity despite Russia’s ongoing offensive in the country.
Photo: AP
‘If I didn’t fight Tyson Fury, I wouldn’t fight at all’
After his win, Usyk paid tribute to the Ukrainian, saying he’s only interested in fighting the next WBC champion Tyson Fury.
Usyk said: “I did this victory for my country, for all the people, the army is defending the country. Thank you very much.”
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Joshua when rushing out of the ring: ‘I went crazy’
He added: “I’m sure Tyson Fury hasn’t retired yet. I’m sure, I believe he wants to fight me. I want to fight him, and if I don’t fight Tyson Fury, I’m not fighting at all.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated his compatriot immediately after the match with the tweet: “Difficult, but very important and necessary VICTORY!
“Defending the title of world champion is a symbol that all the Cossacks will not give up their own, they will fight for it and will definitely win!”
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Oleksandr Usyk said at a press conference that Ukraine will win against Russia – but more time is needed.
The rematch is in Saudi Arabia, following their bout last year in London, where Usyk took the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight belts from the British boxer.
Their fight at Jeddah, however, was a different story, with Joshua putting in much better performances against the Ukrainians than last year, landing shots and occasionally knocking Usyk out.
But it was Usyk who went above and beyond, throwing more punches at the opponent, with a higher work rate than AJ.
This is not the first time this year the UK has placed second behind Ukraine in a global event – with the country’s Kalush Orchestra winning the Eurovision Song Contest beat Briton Sam Ryder, who won second place by public vote – despite coming out on top with national juries.
