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Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk retained the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles by defeating Britain's Anthony Joshua by a split decision of the judges (113-115, 115-113, 116-112) on Saturday night to Sunday in Jeddah, in Saudi Arabia.
It was about the revenge between the two men: Usyk, undefeated at 35 (20 wins, 0 losses, 13 KO) had already beaten Joshua, 32 (24 v., 3 d., 22 KO), in points and unanimously in September in London.
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This time, the big "AJ" (1.98 m against 1.91 m) raised his level and went on the attack in the second round.
However, this was not enough to win against his Ukrainian rival, favorite of the bettors for only his fourth fight in the category and carried by his country invaded by Russia.
"I dedicate this victory to my country, to my family, to my team and to all the soldiers who defend the country", reacted Usyk, the most solid in the last rounds, in front of the public of the King Abdullah Sports City Arena, which accommodates 12,000 people.
The boxer wore the colors of Ukraine and the words "colors of freedom" on his outfit.
In the days leading up to the fight, he had sung a patriotic song in front of the media dressed in a traditional costume, his head shaved except for a Cossack-style lock of hair.
The clash was exceptionally broadcast for free in Ukraine, where Usyk served as a volunteer in the army in February, before accepting this rematch.
"Fury is not yet retired"
He can now consider a possible unification fight against the Briton Tyson Fury, 34 (32 v., 1 draw), who holds the WBC heavyweight belt, if he decides to return to the ring after having once further announced his retirement on August 12.
"I'm sure Tyson Fury isn't retired yet.
I'm sure he wants to fight against me,” Usyk said.
“I want to fight him and, if I don't fight Tyson Fury, I wouldn't fight at all.
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After the clash, Joshua punctuated his speech with swear words, despite the presence of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, the de facto ruler of the very conservative Saudi Arabia.
“I just spoke from my heart.
It was so hard,” said the Briton, adding: “you have to be very strong and tonight there is a little crack in the armour.”
“You saw AJ's reaction, it was that of a human being who wanted to win so badly, with so much pressure on his shoulders.
I think he just exploded because he lost and he was devastated,” added his agent, Eddie Hearn.
Less sparkling since his surprise defeat in 2019 against Mexican Andy Ruiz Jr, the London Olympic champion in 2012 had dismissed rumors of retirement in the event of defeat before the fight.
