Oleksandr Usyk Defeats Anthony Joshua by Split Decision to Retain Boxing Heavyweight Titles

 

By ADEYEMI HAMZAT

For the second time on points, Oleksandr Usyk defeated Anthony Joshua to keep his titles. Oleksandr Usyk defeated Anthony Joshua in a surprising split-decision match to retain his WBA, WBO, and IBF titles and add the Ring Magazine crown to his resume.

In Round One, Joshua started firing a right hand to the body that just missed, making it plain what he intended to do. Later, Usyk got near with a straight left, which he had previously landed in the first 20 seconds of play. In the second round, the Ukrainian connected with a jab, but Joshua instantly countered with a body punch. But Usyk then scored on his own, once more displaying his class.

Things drastically altered in the sixth round when Usyk whipped a left hand into the body before going upstairs. It was just amazing how quickly and precisely a heavyweight could move. Usyk began Round Ten with a barrage of body blows and a powerful left hand.