British Nigerian boxer, Anthony Joshua, has lost to Oleksandr Usyk’ in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England.
The Nigerian lost his world WBO, WBA, IBF and IBO heavyweight titles on Saturday in unianimous judgement: 17-112, 116-112 and 115-113.
The Stadium was packed for Joshua’s world title defence against Usyk.
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At the pre-fight interview on Thursday, Usyk had told Sky Sport that, “I am a positive hero. My look, the hair, moustache, earring is all inspired by my ancestors who were 17th-century Cossack warriors.”
For Joshua, “People are out to see knockouts… I want to deliver for these people … We want to go there and put on a clinical boxing match.”
During the match, Joshua reportedly weighed in for the fight at 240lb – the second lightest he’s been since 2014.
The Ukrainian registered 221lb on the scales for one of the most eagerly-awaited bouts in years.
Joshua entered the match with 24 wins, a loss and 22 Knock Out as he put his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles on the line.
The former Olympic gold medalist and cruiserweight king Oleksandr Usyk has an unbeaten record of 18-0 and 13 KO.
Joshua was originally expected to meet fellow heavyweight superstar Tyson Fury this year, but it failed to allow Usyk to have a chance for his biggest fight as a boxer.
The match started on a positive note for Usyk who landed a couple of good left-hand punches that rocked Joshua’s head back.
The second round began in favour of Joshua, but his challenger appeared faster.
Usyk continued his assault in the third round with more scoring shots leaving the Nigerian worried at the early stage of the encounter.
The Ukrainian during the fourth round continued to dominate as his punch made Joshua slip and stumbled across the ring.
The fifth round saw Joshua land a solid right-hand body shot and another big shot, but he absorbed a punch from Usyk.
The crowd dominated by Joshua’s supporters cheered when he landed another sweet shot on the Ukrainian in the sixth round.
By the seventh round, Usyk’s pace reduced, leaving Joshua balanced. But the Nigerian born British fighter received heavy blows from the Ukrainian.
Joshua landed a right using his jab well, but Usyk threw a big haymaker with his right hand in the eighth round.
By the tenth round, Joshua’s right eye was swollen as he needed a KO or at least outpoint his challenger.
Both boxers were tired by the 11th round with Joshua looking more worried as he seemed to be losing on points.
Usyk forced Joshua on to the back foot, as the Nigerian was almost knocked out in the 12 round, but stayed back on his foot.