The highly anticipated heavyweight rematch between British-Nigerian Anthony Joshua versus Oleksandr Usyk rematch went under the floodlight in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where the coast of the Red Sea is situated.
Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine defeated Anthony Joshua of Britain in the bout, called “Rage on the Red Sea,” by split decision (113-115, 116-112, 115-113) to win back the IBF, WBA (Super), and WBO heavyweight belts that the Briton had tormentingly relinquish to him in 2021. Anthony Joshua started the first round tactically, looking much more agile and faster on the counter than he did in the first fight against Usyk with both fighters having a good first round as they were just testing the waters of the fierce encounter.
It was a shaky start, with neither Joshua nor Usyk landing anything noteworthy in the first few minutes. In the final minute of the first round Usyk lands a solid lead right hand on his opponent with Joshua attacking the body as the fight finally opens up. The first round ended cagey, with Joshua looking, focused, and maintaining his guard while Usyk tries to find his range and searching with his jabs. Round two began with both fighters taking a little more risk going forward, and Anthony Joshua demonstrating intent by connecting Usyk’s face with a solid hit that stuns the Ukrainian before pushing on.
Round three began with Joshua starting strong and Usyk looking relaxed as he collected data from his opponent, leaving the crowd to wonder how he would react to the Brit’s strong start. Round four began with Usyk finally becoming more combative than his opponent, with Joshua being a bit more technical in defense than the last time they fought.
Usyk became much more energetic and quick at the start of Round 6, with his classic jab on point, regaining some ground by landing important jabs to Joshua’s face. Anthony Joshua would then use some great body shots to corner Usyk against the ropes, but the Ukrainian would respond with some great counter jabs. Usyk’s combinations no longer elicit a response from Joshua.
At the start of Round 7, Anthony Joshua’s game plan became clearer as he continues to look for that position where he can knock Usyk out, but the champ, who is quick on his feet, evades the big shots. Anthony Joshua appears to be in a much better position at the point of the fight against Usyk, despite the fact that the champ is still countering pretty much everything. Joshua nearly knocked Usyk out at one point during this thrilling round, but the bell saved Usyk.
Usyk fires back at Joshua at the start of round 10 impressively with a great combination of low bows that causes trouble for the Brit. He rose to his feet and resumed his business. Round 11 began with a beautiful exchange between both fighters. Usyk outlasted Joshua at the end of the last round because Joshua appeared tired and Usyk had more stamina. Anthony Joshua would begin to feel Usyk’s effort as he connected shots all over his body.
At the end of Round 11, it was clear that Usyk had the advantage in the final round, looking far more complete, with Joshua needing a KO to win. Anthony Joshua barely held himself together as he couldn’t stand well while Usyk finished the round with the same energy he started with.
Usyk finished the fight in style, with Anthony Joshua barely holding himself together due to his inability to stand. Usyk finished the round with the same vigour he began with.
