Usyk retained the three world titles at stake in Jeddah on points

Heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk highlighted the Ukrainian Cossack’s heritage ahead of his world title fight on Saturday against Britain’s Anthony Joshua, whose career is in jeopardy after his defeat in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Usyk and Joshua engaged in a spirited fight, which peaked in the 9th and 10th rounds, one in favor of Joshua and the other in favor of champion Usyk, with a strong exchange of punches . After the bell rang for the 12th round, both hugged each other and waited for the judges’ verdict. Victory in points for the Ukrainian and an uncertain future -he could retire- for the Englishman.

Backed by millions of Ukrainians whose lives have been upended by the war, Usyk is the favorite to retain the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight world titles, which he won a year ago in London against 32-year-old Joshua. . A victory achieved on points, by unanimous decision.

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The massive Joshua (1.98 m compared to 1.91 m Usyk), former heavyweight Olympic champion with 24 wins and now three losses as a professional, was trained for several months by the renowned Robert García to develop a more aggressive style. But it wasn’t enough to regain three world heavyweight crowns

The match was broadcast free of charge in Ukraine. It was an added incentive for Usyk, who in February served as a volunteer in the Ukrainian army before accepting the rematch.

Promoter Alexander Krassyuk highlighted the great support of Ukrainians for Usyk: “He contacted high-ranking military officials, visited hospitals and met wounded soldiers. Every time he was told to fight the rematch that it. People want to fight,” he said. He not only fought but won again.

Joshua is expected to bring his size and length to bear against a smaller opponent whose speed and striking range troubled him in September.

The British could retire after this defeat, a third failure in his career. Saudi Arabia smiled on the Watford man, in his rematch with Mexican Andy Ruiz Jr in December 2019. The latter won by technical KO a few months earlier, in the Briton’s first loss of his professional career.