In their rematch, billed as the “Rage on the Red Sea,” Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk put on a thrilling display of boxing prowess. Despite Joshua’s noticeable improvements since their initial encounter 11 months prior, Usyk ultimately triumphed, retaining his WBA (Super), WBO, and IBF heavyweight titles’‹’‹.
The first round started cautiously, with both fighters testing each other’s defences. Joshua showed positivity and sought to target Usyk’s body, but Usyk landed some sharp shots that edged him ahead’‹.
Round two saw Joshua persist with his body attack strategy, influenced by his new Mexican trainer, Robert Garcia. His left hook and right uppercut to Usyk’s midriff were particularly noticeable’‹.
The Turning Point in the bout
Despite Joshua’s enhanced aggression, Usyk’s boxing acumen began to shine through as the fight progressed.
Rounds three to six saw Joshua attempt to take control, with his left jab and right to the body finding their marks. However, Usyk’s sharp and precise punching kept Joshua on the defensive, even as the Brit showcased an improved body attack’‹.
The seventh and eighth rounds marked a clear turning point. Usyk’s superior footwork and hand speed began to take a toll on Joshua, who struggled to keep up with the Ukrainian’s relentless pace.
Joshua landed some good shots, but Usyk dominated the centre of the ring, landing a flurry of headshots that left Joshua looking dispirited’‹.
The Final Rounds of Anthony Joshua vs Usyk 2
The ninth round brought a resurgence from Joshua, who landed heavy hooks to Usyk’s head, matching his earlier body work.
This round was arguably Joshua’s best, but it was short-lived. The tenth round saw Usyk retaliate with a dazzling display of punches from all angles, leaving Joshua befuddled and spent’‹12’‹’‹13’‹.
Despite Joshua’s spirited performance, it was Usyk who emerged victorious by split decision. The defeat was a hard pill for Joshua to swallow, as it marked his third professional loss and his second consecutive loss to Usyk’‹’‹.
What Led to AJ’s Defeat?
Overall, Joshua’s loss can be attributed to a combination of Usyk’s superior ring generalship, precise punching, and relentless pace.
Despite Joshua’s improvements, particularly his aggressive body attack, Usyk’s skills largely negated Joshua’s strategies.
The Ukrainian’s boxing mastery was on full display, as he continuously found openings in Joshua’s defences, landing powerful combinations that steadily wore down his opponent’‹.
Although the loss is a setback for Joshua, his passionate performance against Usyk, one of the top heavyweights in the world, is a testament to his ability and determination. As he continues his career, it will be interesting to see how he learns from this defeat and evolves as a fighter.
