When Anthony Joshua was athletically down, he also missed his reputation as everyone’s darling with a confused performance. After a close but well-deserved loss in a high-class duel with world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, a utterly frustrated Joshua threw down two of the Ukrainian’s world title belts, stormed out of the ring in frustration – and returned for an abstruse and profanity-strewn speech. Instead of letting Usyk take the spotlight, he disrespectfully stole the moment of triumph from the deserved champion.
“It was a human reaction. He really wanted to win, he had so much pressure on his shoulders and he just blew up because he lost and was devastated,” said Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn. “What Usyk showed in the tenth, eleventh and twelfth round was unbelievable. That was the difference. He was like a train. He’s just too good and there’s no shame in losing.”
In fact, the finale of the bout in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, ranked among the best heavyweight boxing has had in recent memory. In a balanced duel, Joshua set an example with a magnificent ninth round and caused Usyk serious problems. But the four-time world champion recovered and hit back mercilessly. With tremendous speed and outstanding combinations, he thrashed Joshua as he had in the first fight in September 2021.
“I dedicate this victory to my country, my family, my team and all the soldiers defending the country. Thank you very much,” said the 35-year-old Ukrainian, who shortly afterwards also received congratulations from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “Difficult, but so important and necessary victory! Defending the world title is a symbol that all those who belong to the Cossacks will not give up their title, but will fight for it and will definitely win!” Zelenskyy tweeted.
A rather bland aftertaste remains after the inglorious end of the fight. Joshua explained afterwards that he stormed out of the ring because he thought he would do something stupid otherwise. The speech that followed, in which he described Usyk as a “phenomenal boxer”, came straight from the heart. It is now unclear how the career of the 32-year-old is doing. In the second duel with Usyk, Joshua improved, but rightly lost on points. His big name is more likely to help him for a new World Cup chance. In terms of sport, he would have to take a back seat.
A third fight against Usyk is currently not an issue anyway. The Ukrainian has more in mind a duel with WBC champion Tyson Fury, who actually ended his career. “I’m sure Fury hasn’t actually resigned and he wants to fight me. I want to fight him and if I don’t fight Fury, I don’t fight at all,” Usyk said while still in the ring.
Fury then spoke up with a video on social media and responded to the offer of a unification fight with the usual pithy words. “Send me in the ring and I’ll relieve the Ukrainian bum of his belt like I did the last Ukrainian bum,” Fury said. “But it won’t be cheap. If you want the best, you have to pay. It’s going to be very expensive, so get those check books out.”
Fury had dethroned Usyk’s Ukrainian compatriot Wladimir Klitschko as four-time world champion in Düsseldorf in 2015. Actually, the “Gypsy King” didn’t want to get in the ring anymore, he had confirmed this a few days ago. He has until August 26th to explain to the WBC association whether he is giving back his world championship belt or whether he is going to continue.
