Oleksander Usyk of Ukraine Saturday night out punched Britain’s Anthony Joshua to retain his World Boxing Organization (WBO), International Boxing Federation (IBF), International Boxing Organisation (IBO), and World Boxing Association (WBA SUPER) Heavyweight titles, and belts.
Joshua who was attempting to reclaim his titles from the Ukrainian champion, showed great intent, and was pretty comfortable, until the undefeated former cruzerwight champion, won Rounds 8, 9 and 10 to edge ahead in the fight.
At this point, Joshua who is of Nigeria extraction, needed a knockout to win the bout and reassert his legacies, but time soon ran out on him, as Usyk prevailed on the night, dubbed Rage on the Red See, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
He won on a split decision, with the first Judge giving it 115-113 to Joshua; while the second and third judges scored it 115-113 and 116-112 in favour of Usyk.
Usyk thus retains his titles, and could yet be rewarded with another bumper fight against another Briton, Tyson Fury, the WBC Champion, who has reiterated his desire to remain retired.
RN