Oleksandr Usyk retained his world heavyweight titles with a split decision win over Anthony Joshua on Saturday in a rematch in Saudi Arabia that was closer than last year’s first fight.
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| Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine retains world heavyweight titles after discomfiting Anthony Joshua of England in their second fight (rematch) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Photo: @daznboxing |
Both fighters held up the blue-and-yellow Ukrainian flag as the judges’ scores were read out at King Abdullah Sport City arena. When he was declared the winner, Usyk hid his face behind the flag. The 35-year-old Usyk kept his WBA, WBO and IBF belts six months after serving in the Ukrainian army as part of the country’s defence against Russia’s invasion.
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| Oleksandr Usyk piles pressure on Anthony Joshua during their second fight in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Photo: @daznboxing |
Joshua was much improved but Usyk demonstrated his technical brilliance to triumph 115-113, 116-112, 113-115 on the scorecards. After the fight, Joshua stormed out of the ring before returning and giving a bizarre speech to the crowd.
Story: Independent
“Still on 🔝”: Oleksandr Usyk is done with Anthony Joshua after winning by split decision in Saudi Arabia. “Who’s next?” ⬇️
