LONDON. Today’s best boxer Anthony Joshua has returned to the ring. He challenged former cross-champion Oleksander Usyk at a stadium of more than 60,000 at home in London.
In a duel listed for twelve rounds, four of the five most prestigious belts of the world’s boxing organizations were in play.
Although the name of the Ukrainian warrior does not resonate with the general public as much as Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder, it was clear that Joshua would not be walking through the rose garden.
It was supposed to be Fury, in the end it was different
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Despite the fact that very few people would have guessed the duel between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua in the spring, it finally happened.
At first, it was supposed to be the most anticipated duel of recent years, in which all the prestigious belts of world organizations were to unite. It looked like Joshua and his compatriot Tyson Fury would finally meet in the ring.
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However, the match came after Fury’s last opponent, Deontay Wilder, decided to go to court for an item in the contract. If activated, it forces his opponent to accept immediate retaliation.
This also became a reality, so in the end another replacement had to be sought. She was Oleksander Usyk, a wrestler who successfully dominated cross-boxing in boxing in November 2018.
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Winners of one Olympics
It is interesting that both Joshua and Usyk rejoiced in the gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics. While the British competed in the super heavyweight, the Ukrainian boxed in the heavyweight.
Joshua’s grandiose arrival at home with a full audience point of view indicated that boxing spectators have something to look forward to.
Although Joshua, unlike his opponent, had already experienced a defeat in his professional career, in heavy weight it was supposed to be another duel for Usyk against the champion.
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Anthony Joshua vs. Duel Poster Oleksandar Usyk. (Source: DAZN.)
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After the transition from the Cross Division, Usyk presented two wins in a new category, but especially against Derek Chisor, it was not his typically professorial performance.
The question of how a native of Simferopol will cope with the change in weight and strength of the world king of boxing was a big topic among journalists. On the other hand, Usyk was on the technical side and speed.
Joshua couldn’t handle him
Right from the beginning, the readiness of the challenger began to show when Oleksander Usyk grabbed the first three rounds for himself. He was a better, more active and more accurate boxer, Joshua was lost and as if he didn’t even know what he could pay for a 34-year-old opponent.
However, the champion of the WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO organizations did not want to give up and after an embarrassing start, he pushed for gas in the middle of the match. He has visibly improved. Joshua began to find his rhythm and, with his front hand, neutralized the opponent’s actions.
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