As last September in London, Oleksandr Ukyk dominated Anthony Joshua on the night from Saturday to Sunday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Ukrainian retained the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles at the expense of the Briton by split decision of the judges (113-115, 115-113, 116-112). Usyk, undefeated at 35 (20 wins, 0 losses, 13 KO) had already beaten Joshua, 32 (24 v., 3 d., 22 KO), on points and unanimously during their previous meeting.
This time, the big “AJ” (1.98 m against 1.91 m) raised his level and went on the attack in the second round. However, this was not enough to win against his Ukrainian rival, favorite of the bettors for only his fourth fight in the category and carried by his country invaded by Russia.
“I dedicate this victory to my country, to my family, to my team and to all the soldiers who defend the country”, reacted Usyk, the most solid in the last rounds, in front of the public of the King Abdullah Sports City Arena, which accommodates 12,000 people. The boxer wore the colors of Ukraine and the words “colors of freedom” on his outfit. In the days leading up to the fight, he had sung a patriotic song in front of the media dressed in a traditional costume, his head shaved except for a Cossack-style lock of hair.
Streamed for free in Ukraine
The clash was exceptionally broadcast for free in Ukraine, where Usyk served as a volunteer in the army in February, before accepting this rematch. He can now consider a possible unification fight against the Briton Tyson Fury, 34 (32 v., 1 draw), who holds the WBC heavyweight belt, if he decides to return to the ring after having once further announced his retirement on August 12.
“I’m sure Tyson Fury isn’t retired yet. I’m sure he wants to fight against me,” Usyk said. “I want to fight him and, if I don’t fight Tyson Fury, I won’t fight at all. »
Joshua unpins after the fight
After the clash, Joshua punctuated his speech with swear words, despite the presence of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. “I just spoke from my heart. It was so hard,” said the Briton, adding: “you have to be very strong and tonight there is a little crack in the armour.”
The evening also saw the first women’s professional boxing bout in the kingdom, won by Somali-born Briton Ramla Ali with a first-round knockout against Dominican Crystal Garcia Nova.
Like the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia, this fight is one of the events for which Ryad – which seeks to diversify its oil economy – is accused of “sportswashing” (a way of restoring the international image of the country, regularly accused of human rights violations, through sporting events).