Oleksandr Usyk showed last night that skills pay the bills in front of 66,227 in attendance in London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, winning a unanimous decision over Anthony Joshua for the WBA, IBF, WBO.
Usyk now a 2 weight champion and now arguably the #1 pound 4 pound boxer in the World. Usyk footwork, jab, straight lefts was connecting at will. Usyk did a wonderful job not staying in the line of fire. Throwing combinations on the move. Entering and exiting the pocket just in time before Joshua answered. Usyk Neutralized Anthony Joshua size, strength and range which eventually Joshua streaked into 6’2 frame and Usyk inserted himself as the big man in the ring.
Judges scored it 115-113, 117-112, 116-112 all going to Usyk. “The fight went exactly the way I expected it to go,” Usyk said. “There was times when Anthony pushed me hard but nothing special. I had no objective to knock him out. My corner pushed me not to do that. You didn’t see the best Usyk. I can be much better.”
There is a rematch clause in place which Anthony Joshua express he is willing to exercise it immediately. Matchroom Promoter Eddie Hearn stated “The rematch is going to be tough but there is nowhere to hide,” Hearn said. “AJ is at the stage of his career where he wants his world championship and he’s already talking about it now. The doctors are talking to him. To me, it looks like a damaged eye socket. He says he’s fine but he told me he couldn’t see from about the ninth round on.”
Questions will surface as to why Anthony Joshua was fighting too conservative. Joshua did not try to use his physical gifts or maybe just maybe, Joshua has not been the same since the Ruiz loss. Timid to truly engage in exchanges. Hall of Famer George Foreman is one that has those relevant questions.
With many anticipating a undisputed heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua 2022. That ship has sailed and once again Joshua drops the ball. Yet looking at the resume Joshua is the one who don’t shy away from competition. With consistently fighting too competition, you are subjected to win some and lose some. Joshua is not a manufacture fighter nor champion. His career never walked on eggshells like many today in the sport. Joshua did not have excuses the 1st time he was defeated by Ruiz and the 2nd time around vs Usyk. A true champion takes his wins like he takes his loses.
Many may look at this as an upset yet if you love the sport of boxing this should be a happy moment now that Boxing has welcome a new worldwide star in Oleksandr Usyk The new unified Heavyweight champion of the world.
PUNSH DRUNK BOXING 