Reuters
Boxing – Anthony Joshua v Oleksandr Usyk Weigh-in – The O2, London, Britain – September 24, 2021 Anthony Joshua during the weigh-in Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Reuters
Boxing – Anthony Joshua v Oleksandr Usyk Weigh-in – The O2, London, Britain – September 24, 2021 Anthony Joshua during the weigh-in Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Anthony Joshua lost to Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Hence, the British pugilist lost his belts for the second time in the past 3 years. On fight night, Joshua, who looked scared, could not keep up with the head movement and quick feet of his Ukrainian opponent.
However, after the fight, in the post-fight press conference, Joshua acknowledged Usyk’s performance and took the loss in his stride. The interviewer asked Joshua if he felt frustrated since the undisputed title fight was so close, and now, after his loss, it’s back to square one for him.
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Joshua replied, saying, “For someone like me, I don’t really, the road to undisputed and all that stuff is good. As I said, I’ll fight Tyson Fury, Wilder, what not without the belts. The belts is fine, it’s great, it’s legacy, but with or without the belts I’ll fight whoever. You know, the road to undisputed is a nice title to have, and a nice title to chase.”
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk official scorecards. Fight was in the balance after eight (77-75, 76-76, 76-77), then Usyk won the last four rounds on all three judges’ cards… pic.twitter.com/IcqtTQOhyn
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) September 26, 2021
Anthony Joshua looked to fight the winner of the Tyson ‘The Gypsy King’ Fury vs Deontay ‘The Bronze Bomber’ Wilder fight for the title of undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. However, Usyk played spoiler and upset the former champ, winning 117-112, 116-112, 115-113 on the judges’ scorecards to become the unified champion.
Also read: Anthony Joshua Jeopardizes Huge Money Fight With Mike Tyson Following Second Pro Career Defeat
What’s next for Anthony Joshua?
The former champion will try to replicate what he did against ‘The Destroyer’ Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019. However, the task will not be as easy as it was against Ruiz. Usyk is one of the best southpaws in the modern era of boxing and his quick feet and movement in the heaviest division seem almost unnatural.
‼️✅ Anthony Joshua has confirmed that he intends to activate his rematch clause and face Oleksandr Usyk again next.
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) September 26, 2021
Heavyweights are not supposed to move the way Usyk moves. He glides in and out of his opponent’s range at will, while connecting punches as he moves.
Hence, ‘AJ’s work will be cut out. Will Joshua be able to pull off another comeback and challenge for the undisputed title?
Watch this story: Five Potential Opponents for Oleksandr Usyk After Claiming a Magnificent Victory Over Anthony Joshua
