The Aftermath of Usyk-Joshua 2: Rage is invoked by Usyk while Joshua’s post-fight behavior raises eyebrows
By: Sean Crose
It could end up being the most relevant single bout of 2022. After winning the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles against Anthony Joshua nearly a year ago, Oleksandr Usyk has successfully defended those belts. before Joshua similarly in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Saturday. It was a good fight, frankly, more interesting and thrilling than the first one. When Joshua was simply eliminated in the first fight, Joshua showed again in the rematch he can change and grow as a boxer. This time he was more aggressive towards Usyk. Moreover, he uses all the important movements of his head and body, which makes him impossible to be an easy target.
However, it is still not enough. Usyk, who was beaten badly in round 9, is back in round 10order, hurling nasty punches to his opponent’s face at regular intervals. After the final bell, the umpires ruled it a split decision in favor of Usyk and Joshua responded by dropping two of the title belts out of the ring and into the ring. He then leaves the ring, only to return to grab a microphone and engage in an impromptu speech that, as the minute goes on, seems to morph into a conscious monologue about Usyk – who which he praised – about himself, and the Ukraine War. This led to some outrage in the fighting world, although the man had just gone through a dramatic experience and also dealt some serious blows to the head.
When Usyk was able to talk, he mentioned how he fought for his homeland Ukraine, which is currently being invaded by Russian troops. He then went on to say that he wanted to face the only world heavyweight left other than himself. “I’m sure,” he said, “that Tyson Fury hasn’t retired yet. 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.”
Fury himself has continued to respond on social media.
“Both are shite!” He talks about the war. “It was one of the worst heavyweight title fights I’ve ever seen! It’s ridiculous! I will destroy them both in the same night. Damned! Get your damn checkbook out, because the ‘King of Gypsy’ is here to stay forever! “
Needless to say, a Fury-Usyk fight for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world would be a legitimate big fight, one that would bring in a lot of dollars. It can be doubted that Usyk or Fury would object to that.
