The stage at the King Abdullah Sports Center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia was set. And, fans waited with bated breath for one of the biggest events of the year, as former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua faced Oleksandr Usyk for their rematch.
Joshua was fighting for Usyk’s WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles. Moreover, the vacant The Ring heavyweight title was also on the line.
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Usyk entered the fight with an unbeaten record of 19-0-0 with 13 knockouts. Meanwhile, Joshua came into the fight with an equally impressive record of 24-2-0 with 22 knockouts.
Notably, both fighters’ last appearance in the ring was when they faced each other at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London in 2021. While Joshua showcased a stellar performance, Usyk was declared the winner by decision. And, in turn, became the owner of the heavyweight titles.
There is no denying that this rematch was an equally hair-raising event.
Oleksandr Usyk retains his throne
Anthony Joshua entered the ring as the underdog. However, ‘AJ’s eyes seemed determined to reclaim the heavyweight titles. Meanwhile, the reigning champion, Usyk had a grand entrance. Moreover, he paid tribute to his home country, Ukraine, by donning the colors of freedom.
Veteran referee, Luis Pabon from Puerto Rico, was in charge of enforcing the rules and managing the fight.
Into the third we go 👊 #UsykJoshua2 pic.twitter.com/a7CXu02Uoa
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) August 20, 2022
Good 1st round for Usyk and Joshua. Joshua looks calm n patient. Usyk doin what he does. 1-0 Usyk
— ShowtimeShawn Porter (@ShowtimeShawnP) August 20, 2022
The first few rounds saw both the fighters take it slow and pace themselves. Joshua was also seen to be more cautious than he was during their first fight. And, he was seen focusing on body shots while also being elusive.
Go @anthonyjoshua 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾❤️🇳🇬#RageOnTheRedSea
— Naomi Campbell (@NaomiCampbell) August 20, 2022
.@usykaa, you are incredible. #UsykJoshua2
— Jake Heasman (@jakeheasman) August 20, 2022
The pace picked up in the fourth round. Both fighters started to go more into the offense while trying to land a few major shots. During round 6, Joshua was even able to take Usyk to the ropes while focusing on body shots. By round seven, Usyk found his ground, successfully repelling Joshua’s attacks.
Joshua gassed, no legs left. Just standing in front of Usyk, that should be a wrap with one round to go. Round 9 was Joshua’s last hoorah and then he was spent.
— Luca Fury (@FurysFightPicks) August 20, 2022
Just like the first fight, to the scorecards we go…#UsykJoshua2 pic.twitter.com/yBC4aK2Ze5
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) August 20, 2022
I think he hurt him to the body a few times
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) August 20, 2022
Round 9 saw Joshua catching, sending wind, and asserting physical dominance. Moreover, he went into a borderline brawl while unleashing a merciless flurry of punches on Usyk. However, Usyk took over the 10th round. He came in, guns blazing like he was out for blood. Moreover, Usyk landed a significant number of headshots on Joshua.
Scorecards 📜 115-113 Joshua… 115-113 Usyk… 116-112 Usyk…@usykaa adds the Ring Magazine belt to his WBO, WBA, IBF & IBO World Heavyweight Titles 👏 #UsykJoshua2 pic.twitter.com/wrjzcxdwMn
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) August 20, 2022
The last two rounds saw both the fighters equally trade blows. One of the judges scored 115-113 in favor of Joshua, while the other two judges scored 115-113 and 116-112 in favor of Usyk, making him the winner by decision.
The Boxing world expresses anger towards Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 scorecards
The boxing fraternity and celebs were excited by Usyk’s victory. Moreover, many celebs took to social media to share their thoughts.
Split decision???? Please take away that judge’s license, and never allow him near a score card again!! #UsykJoshua2 #boxing
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) August 20, 2022
Boxing trainer and commentator, Teddy Atlas, was confused as to why the victory was a split decision. In fact, he even added that the judge’s license should be revoked.
Split decision? FFS#UsykJoshua2
— Lyn Williams (@lyntaff) August 20, 2022
That Split decision is just crazy, joshua won 4 rounds max and that judge gives him 7 – absolutely criminal behaviour- thankfully the other 2 judges weren’t corrupt ffs.
Usyk Still the heavyweight champion – him vs wilder/fury would be crazy. #UsykJoshua #UsykJoshua2
— Archit (@Arrchiittt) August 20, 2022
Similarly, a few fans also expressed their displeasure with the judge, who scored in favor of Joshua. And, the fans even felt that the victory should have been unanimous.
@usykaa is a special fighter! 🥊🔥👑
— Conrad Cummings (@ChampCummings) August 20, 2022
Irish boxer Conrad Cummings was impressed with Usyk’s performance and even went on to call him a ‘special fighter’.
Usyk is the immovable object. Ridiculously resilient and smart throughout the fight. Joshua could never really get the upper hand and started to get more desperate. Looks like a sporting win for Ukraine. #UsykJoshua2
— Jonny Bentley (@TheJonnyBentley) August 20, 2022
In the same vein, rugby player Jonny Bentley also commended Usyk for his resilience and skill.
Yay!!!!@usykaa wins again!!! Continued respect to @anthonyjoshua ! @DAZNBoxing #UsykJoshua2
— Rosie Perez (@rosieperezbklyn) August 20, 2022
@usykaa and @anthonyjoshua holding the Ukraine flag! ❤️ @DAZNBoxing #UsykJoshua2
— Rosie Perez (@rosieperezbklyn) August 20, 2022
Meanwhile, actress Rosie Perez congratulated Usyk for his performance, while also extending support to Joshua. Moreover, she also appreciated the respect the fighters had for each other.
@anthonyjoshua fitness and game plan was far superior to his last performance. Credit to him and Angel Fernández for that. AJ was brave tonight but Usyks fitness and movement is incredible. Special special fighter @usykaa
— Carl Frampton MBE (@RealCFrampton) August 20, 2022
Irish boxer, Carl Frampton, felt that Joshua’s performance and the game plan was superior to his last fight. However, he felt Usyk’s victory was well deserved.
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Fury vs Usyk
Joshua vs Wilder
Thats what has to happen and has to happen next. I don't want to hear any A side and B side bs from the fighters. Share equally 50-50. Get it on.— Omar Al Raisi (@Dantani) August 20, 2022
The editor-in-chief of The Sports Journal, Omar Al Raisi, was quick to mention the potential fights for both fighters.
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What do you think of Usyk’s victory against Joshua? Let us know in the comments below.