Usyk Defeats Anthony Joshua, Defends Championship Belts
World heavyweight champion, Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk defended his titles in a fight with Briton Anthony Joshua.
World champion (IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO) in super heavyweight, Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk (20-0-0, 13 KOs) defeated Briton Anthony Joshua (24-1-0, 22 KOs) by split decision in the rematch and defended his titles.
One judge gave the victory to the Briton 113-115, the other two – to the Ukrainian – 115-113, 116-112.
Usyk confidently started the match, increasing the advantage. The first half remained for the Ukrainian. The 8th and 9th rounds turned out to be the most difficult for Usyk – Joshua started hitting and somewhat knocked the world champion out of rhythm. In the 10th round, the Ukrainian regained his advantage and confidently controlled the match until the end.
Usyk VS Anthony Joshua Fight Analysis
115-113, 115-113, 116-112. Oleksandr Usyk Wins the Rematch to defend the IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO Titles.
The match is over! We are waiting for the judges’ decision!
Round 12: Joshua is barely on his feet in the last round, it seems that the Briton understands that only a lucky punch will save him in the last round. In the last round, Usyk is again more accurate with his jabs.
11th round: Anthony Joshua came forward at the beginning of the round and powerfully punched the body, pressing the Ukrainian to the ropes. Usyk punched not so powerfully, but often and accurately. We are waiting for a decisive 3 minutes!
10-round: Usyk turns on and starts hitting quite powerful blows! In the middle of the round, Oleksandr had a good combination! The first championship round for the title holder!
Round 9: Joshua is actively punching now, he cannot withstand Usyk’s defence and it seems that Joshua has more energy left for the last rounds!
8th round: Joshua actively started pressing and delivered a lot of good blows to the body, the Ukrainian had to go into the clinch. Usyk missed a lot of shots in this round, maybe fatigue is starting to affect him.
Round 7: Joshua moves a little harder in the ring. Usyk works well in counterattacks, after the Briton’s lunges, the Ukrainian champion successfully finds an opening to hit Anthony Joshua in the face.
Round 6: In the middle of the round, Joshua pinned Usyk quite dangerously against the rope and delivered several powerful blows. At the end of the round, Usyk made a nice punch to the body.
5th round: Joshua is afraid to go forward, and Usyk continues to wait for the opponent’s attacks, after which he accurately breaks through the Briton’s defence.
Round 4: Several times Joshua tried to throw an uppercut, but Usyk was able to evade all attempts. In this round, the Ukrainian threw more productive shots.
Round 3: Usyk circles around Joshua, but the Brit punches more accurately. The Ukrainian throws a lot of punches.
Round 2: A fairly even round from the fighters. Both boxers exchange blows but are in no hurry to go forward.
Round 1: Both boxers started this fight quite passively! Oleksandr performed a good right jab at the end of the round and the first clinch was cancelled by the judge.
This article was originally published on Naija News
