Editor’s Note: This is the first part of Boxing Junkie’s new feature “Fighter of the Month.
Boxing Junkie’s pick of the first boxer of the month couldn’t be clearer.
Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk put on a skillful performance in his rematch with former champion Anthony Joshua on August 20 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, victory in a split decision which most people believe should have been agreed upon.
The scores are 116-112, 115-113 and 113-115.
The fight ended in nine rounds, as Joshua, who lost his decision and belt to Usyk last September, fought with more urgency in the second around.
The Englishman actually leads on two out of three scorecards after nine rounds.
However, Usyk, who was said by coach Joshua Robert Garcia to be mentally stronger after that, took charge of the final three innings to raise his hand, emphasize his greatness and give a mental cheer. god for the besieged countrymen.
Usyk won the last three rounds with two cards he backed, helping to seal his victory. The third judge gave Usyk two of the last three wins.
The undisputed former cruiser champion is reaching legendary status, having once dominated a tournament and twice defeated a considerably larger opponent who once seemed destined for greatness.
However, his biggest challenge may still lie ahead. His win seemed to set up a pitfall against older colleague Tyson Fury for the undisputed heavyweight championship, in which he was beaten by at least 2-1 according to bookmakers. Post odds.
If that fight happened and Usyk was able to win, people would start using the term “all-time great”. And they can be justified.
