Oleksandr Usyk(19-0 13KOs) shocked the world on Saturday, September 25, 2021, with an absolutely amazing performance to win the WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO titles from Anthony Joshua.
Usyk won a clear unanimous decision over the reigning champion.
In the early rounds, Usyk’s head movement and footwork proved to be too elusive for
Joshua.
Rounds 1 through 3 were clear ones for Usyk, as he jabbed away and landed his left straight
seemingly at will as Joshua was unable to answer. The three round stretch culminated
with a straight that staggered Joshua late in the third.
In Round 4 Joshua began to catch a rhythm in what was still a very close round. This
led to him landing some good power shots in Rounds 5 and 6 and taking both rounds. In
the seventh, Usyk was able to regain control mainly off sheer activity as it continued to be
close chess match between the two.
In Round 8, Joshua began to turn the tide yet again and was highlighted by a strong
uppercut to the body. He continued to work the body throughout the eighth. Unfortunately
for Joshua, he was unable to bring that momentum into the ninth and it was yet another
close round.
Usyk then began to slowly pick apart Joshua in the 10th. This continued for the rest of
the fight as Usyk took both championship rounds.
Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
To solidify the win, Usyk finished the 12th round with a barrage of shots on Joshua while he was on the ropes.
Judges scorecards for the fight were 117-112, 116-112 and 115-113.
Anthony Joshua wasted little time after the bout and has already enacted his rematch clause. When asked about the rematch, the former champion stated his desire to get right back into the ring with Usyk.
“100%, I’m ready to get back to training,” said Joshua (via Sky Sports). “It was a good 12-rounder, so I’ll be in a good place when I get back into training to pick up where we left off.”
Joshua also discussed the severity of his eye injury during the fight.
“I couldn’t see in the ninth round. My eye was shut, but it was a good experience, because in adversity, you’ve just got to learn to control yourself, stay on top of things, so when I couldn’t see anything, it’s the first time it’s happened in a fight. I was thinking, All right, cool, it’s the first time my eye has closed up in a fight. I can’t see nothing. I’m looking out of one eye, but it got better as the rounds went on.”
Oleksandr Usyk’s team has confirmed the rematch as well.
“The rematch was specified in the contract,” said Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk. “It has already been activated in principle, from the side of Joshua.”
Eddie Hearn, Anthony Joshua’s promoter, also weighed in on the rematch.
“The rematch will be easier,” said Hearn. “Not that doesn’t necessarily mean the fight will be easier. But mentally, the rematch will be easier because he knows exactly what he has to do.”
Joshua will need to make a lot of adjustments to win back his belts. Hopefully they will make a fight date announcement soon.
