Greatest Boxing

Usyk’s Masterclass Dethrones Joshua in Front of a Stunned London Crowd

In a top draw bout at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Oleksandr Usyk delivered a boxing clinic, dethroning Anthony Joshua to become the new unified heavyweight champion. The Ukrainian southpaw, renowned for his technical prowess, demonstrated why he is considered one of the most skilled boxers of his generation, outmanoeuvring and outpunching the British powerhouse over twelve rounds to secure a unanimous decision victory.

From the opening bell, Usyk’s strategy was clear: use his superior movement and ring IQ to keep the more powerful Joshua at bay. Joshua, known for his explosive knockouts, seemed cautious, perhaps too aware of Usyk’s reputation for dismantling opponents with precision rather than raw power. The London crowd, expecting another dominant performance from their hometown hero, watched as Usyk took control of the fight early, dictating the pace and rhythm.

The third round marked a turning point in the bout, as Usyk landed a sharp left hand that visibly shook Joshua. It was a warning sign that the night was not going to be an easy one for the reigning champion. Joshua, despite his size and reach advantage, struggled to land meaningful punches as Usyk’s elusive movement and feints kept him guessing. Usyk’s punches, while not as thunderous as Joshua’s, were crisp and accurate, leaving the Briton with little opportunity to establish his own game plan.

As the rounds progressed, the gap in skill became increasingly evident. Usyk’s combination of footwork and head movement frustrated Joshua, who found himself unable to mount a sustained offense. The Ukrainian’s superior conditioning also came into play, as he maintained his high pace and intensity throughout the fight, never allowing Joshua to rest or regroup. By the time the fight reached the championship rounds, Usyk was firmly in control, and Joshua’s chances of a comeback were dwindling.

In the final round, Usyk nearly sealed the victory with a barrage of punches that had Joshua reeling against the ropes. The bell, however, spared Joshua from a potential knockout, and the fight went to the judges’ scorecards. There was no suspense as all three judges scored the fight in favour of Usyk, handing Joshua his second professional defeat and shattering hopes of a future unification bout with Tyson Fury.

With this victory, Usyk joins the ranks of Evander Holyfield and David Haye as the only fighters to capture world titles at both cruiserweight and heavyweight. His performance in London not only solidified his place among the sport’s elite but also sent a clear message to the heavyweight division: Oleksandr Usyk is here to reign.

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Filed under: Heavyweight - @ September 25, 2021 11:59 pm

Tags: Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk