Oleksandr Usyk took a second consecutive victory over Anthony Joshua on Saturday night to defend his unified WBO, WBA, and IBF world heavyweight titles.
At the King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Usyk outpointed Joshua over the course of an epic 12 round battle.
Usyk triumphed on a split decision, taking it 116-112 and 115-113 on two cards.
The third judge scored 115-113 for Joshua.
He did have to endure tremendous pressure from an implacable Joshua, who delivered a vastly improved performance from their first fight in September.
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Joshua assaulted Usyk’s body with power-punches, nearly breaking through in the ninth round.
He, however, responded in remarkable style, rallying to hurt Joshua in the next round.
“I want to chank God for the help that he gave me today.
“I give this victory to my country, to my family, to my team and to all the military who are defending the country,” Usyk, who signed up to fight for his country, Ukraine, before accepting the rematch, said.
An angered Joshua peppered his post-match speech with expletives despite the presence of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, de facto ruler of the deeply religious country.
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