Usyk, symbol of Ukraine, retains his world belts against Joshua

“Color of freedom”: it is with these words flocked on his pre-fight outfit that Oleksandr Usyk arrived in the ring of his highly anticipated face-to-face against Anthony Joshua , Saturday, August 20 at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah. The world of Ukrainian has changed a lot lately. Eleven months ago, he grabbed the IBF, WBA and WBO belts from Joshua. And since February, his country has been invaded by the Russian army. Impossible for the heavyweight world champion to hide this conflict when putting his titles back into play.

Returning to the country after the start of the Russian invasion to fight, Oleksandr Usyk is an icon in his country. His second meeting with Joshua was broadcast for free in Ukraine, and even President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a video message, called on his compatriots to support their favorite boxer: ” Encourage those who represent Ukraine, today for Usyk, for our guy! »

The one we nicknamed “The Cat” therefore had more than belts to defend against the former world champion. The image being an important tool in a country at war, the boxer was on a mission in Saudi Arabia. The pressure and expectation weighed on his shoulders.

A strategic and exciting combat

Oleksandr Usyk had taught Anthony Joshua a lesson last year in London. Already beaten once by the American Andy Ruiz Junior in June 2019, the Briton knew how to take his mistakes into account and change his strategy to win in his revenge fight six months later. The same challenge was offered to him in Jeddah: he had to revise his plans and his boxing to hope to return to the throne and become the first to inflict a defeat on Usyk.

From the first round, it appeared that things had changed. Against a mobile and fast Ukrainian – let’s not forget that this one comes from light heavyweight and was weighed in at 100 kilos – the 111-kilo Anthony Joshua adopted a style capable of keeping up with the times. The two fighters were evenly matched in the first few rounds, each managing to touch the other without making him waver.

In the sixth round, “AJ” cornered “Le Chat” for the first time on the ropes and sent a shiver through the stadium. The Ukrainian responded from behind by showing that he also had power in the gloves to oppose. In the eighth and especially in the ninth round, Anthony Joshua placed accelerations which put Oleksandr Usyk in difficulty, suggesting that he was on the verge of regaining the belts. But the champion’s response was impeccable in the tenth round.

“I dedicate this victory to my country”

Offensive, with still energy to spare, Usyk broke his opponent’s momentum and regained composure after two complicated rounds. Joshua then only had the knockout to be certain of winning. The 2012 Olympic heavyweight champion gave it his all, in vain. Usyk, always very mobile, answered each time and even placed several dangerous blows, at the cost of considerable effort. Before the twelfth round, fatigue could be read on his face.

The last three minutes have not resulted in any tipping. When the final gong sounded, Usyk knelt down, joined respectfully by Joshua. Moments later, the referees gave their verdict: one of them named Joshua the winner (115-113), while the other two opted for Usyk (115-113, 116-112). By split decision, the champion remains on the throne and keeps the IBF, WBA and WBO belts. Briton Tyson Fury owns the WBC belt.

After receiving a moving tribute from Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk took the floor. “JI dedicate this victory to my country, to my family, to my team and to all the soldiers who defend the country “, did he declare. It was definitely not only boxing that counted in this ring. Volodymyr Zelensky was quick to send his congratulations to the champion: A difficult but so important and necessary victory! Defending the title of world champion is a symbol that shows that everyone who is the Cossack type does not give up what is theirs, they will fight for it and win for sure! »