Anthony Jọshụa, British-Nigerian boxer, has lost the chance to reclaim his heavyweight titles from Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, who won on a split points decision after the pair went 12 rounds.
Usyk had knocked out Joshua in London last year, but the former champion suffered a similar fate when he encountered his opponent in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.
Usyk won on a split points decision after the pair went the full 12 rounds – 113 to 115, 115 to 113 and 116 to 112.
Compared to the last fight with Usyk, Joshua put up a better performance in the game.
It even seemed he was coasting to victory in the first 9 rounds, nearly knocking down Usyk at a moment.
But Usyk had a more strategic approach as he took the fight to Joshua who soaked up flurry of punches in the 10th and 11th rounds.
Joshua was gassed by Round 10 and that gave Usyk the opportunity to put out his best move in the last 3 rounds.
Joshua’s opponent was on the frontline of the battle against Russia until March when he stepped aside to focus on the game.
Commenting on his win, Usyk paid tribute to the Ukrainian military, and said he was only interested in fighting WBC champion Tyson Fury next.
Usyk said, “I did this victory for my country, for all people, militaries who are defending the country. Thank you very, very much.
“I’m sure that Tyson Fury is not 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.”
Usyk addressed a news conference where he said Ukraine will win over Russia, but it needs more time.
Tweeting about his countryman’s exploit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, wrote, “Difficult, but so important and necessary VICTORY! “Defending the title of world champion is a symbol that all those who are of Cossack sort will not give up their own, they will fight for it and will definitely win!”
