Heavyweight boxing champion, Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk has defeated British boxer of Nigerian heritage, Anthony Joshua on split decision in highly anticipated fight to retain his WBA, WBO and IBF belts.
The undefeated Usyk once again outboxed Joshua in the bout despite the Briton’s improvement on his fighting skills, something he was lacking from their last encounter in September.
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Joshua’s lack of killer instinct was once again a pitfall as he failed to apply the pressure on Usyk during the few moments he had him on the ropes.
Meanwhile, Usyk’s fighting skills and high ring IQ was a very obvious advantage as it helped the former cruiserweight champion return to the fight after Joshua rocked him in the ninth round.
Usyk took the fight to the 32-year-old Joshua who soaked up flurry of punches in the 10th and 11th rounds.
Despite the 12th round being an opportunity for Joshua to get a knockdown or knockout against his opponent, it ended in a slugfest for both fighters, before the bell ended the match dubbed “Rage on the Red Sea”.
For now, it is unclear what the future holds for Joshua and also for Usyk as the anticipated unification bout between him and WBC champion Tyson Fury is not visible, since the Gypsy King has continued to give conflicting information regarding his retirement from the sport.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
