Anthony Joshua of Britain on Saturday lost to Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk in their heavyweight title rematch. Judges gave a split decision in the latter’s favour at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Usyk started as the favorite after outclassing Joshua in the first fight in London in September last year. The Ukrainian was put under pressure throughout the game and Joshua’s attacking strategy nearly worked.
Oleksandr Usyk was taken to the limit in the ninth round as he was chased around the ring by Joshua, who landed combinations and targeted Usyk’s ribs.
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Usyk took a deep breath at the bell, then came out hard in the 10th round, hurting Joshua with an early right hook and forcing him onto the ropes for the first time in the fight.
The battering of Joshua was sustained in the 11th while the 12th was evenly fought, the fight ending with both fighters — clearly exhausted — falling to their knees in front of each other on the canvas.
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“I devote this victory to my country, to my family, to my team, to all the military defending this country,” the 35-year-old Usyk said through a translator. “Thank you very, very much.”
Both fighters held up the blue-and-yellow Ukrainian flag as the judges’ scores were read out. When he was declared the winner, Usyk hid his face behind the flag.
However, Joshua soon admitted that he doesn’t know what is happening in Ukraine.
“I was studying Ukraine and all the champions from your amazing country,” Joshua said. “I’ve never been there. What’s happening there, I don’t know but it’s not nice. For Usyk to be champion, under those circumstances, please raise your hands.”
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Social media users slammed the Brit boxer after his admission.
“The fact that @anthonyjoshua “doesn’t know” what’s happening in Ukraine is DISGUSTING. Then admitted it on TV. Someone should educate him. Then maybe he wouldn’t be such a poor loser. #UsykJoshua2,” a Twitter user said.
“Anthony Joshua just had a breakdown. I feel bad for the guy but grabbing the mic like you’re a on WWE and talking shit is a disgrace and embarrassing to the sport.”What’s happening there (in Ukraine), I don’t know but it’s not nice…”Thanks for that mate👍,” one more added.
“Anthony Joshua is on the moon rn. Brudda talking about the Ukraine war “ain’t nice” a third one said.
