Boxing fans were expecting to see a Joshua vs. Fury superfight this summer to unify the heavyweight titles. Oleksandr Usyk had different plans.
Usyk stunned Anthony Joshua Saturday night to win the WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles via unanimous decision in front of a mostly pro-Joshua crowd. With the win the Ukrainian becomes a two weight world champion and moves his record to 19-0 (13KOs).
Despite giving up 3 inches in height, 4 inches in reach, and a 19lb weight difference, Usyk outclassed the champion all night long. The judges scored the bout 117-112, 116-112, 115-113 in favour of the challenger.
Joshua (24-2, 22KOs) didn’t have many answers for Usyk’s offense and footwork last night, and barely escaped the 7th and 12th rounds amidst flurries of punches. Joshua appeared to be the busier of the fighters throughout, throwing 112 more punches than his opponent, but managed to land only 123 of his 641 punches thrown (19%). Usyk meanwhile connected on 28% of his punches and landed 96 power punches to keep the Brit on his heels.
The fight was only the third bout at heavyweight for Usyk who previously unified the cruiserweight titles in 2018. He became only the third man to win championships at both weights, joining David Haye and Evander Holyfield. Saturday marks the 2nd time Joshua has lost his belts now, having previously suffered a defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. back in 2019. Joshua will likely want the rematch right away, but even if he were to win back his belts, it certainly takes a bit of the shine off a potential Fury vs. Joshua mega fight in the future.
Fury will be putting his WBC championship on the line on Oct 9th in his trilogy bout vs. Deontay Wilder. The winner of that fight is almost certain to attempt to unify all 4 belts with the winner of the upcoming Usyk vs. Joshua rematch.