Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua by split decision to retain world titles

Oleksandr Usyk retained his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight belts on Saturday after defeating Anthony Joshua via split decision at the Jeddah Superdome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Usyk, of Ukraine, has now won two in a row over the former champion Joshua after defeating the former titleholder last September.

Usyk was emotional after the win as he spoke of of his war-torn home country.

“I devote this victory to my country, my family, my team and to the military defending the country,” he said after the win.

“This is already history. Many generations are going to watch this fight, especially the round when someone tried to beat me hard. But I turned it in a different way.”

Usyk (20-0), the former undisputed cruiserweight champion, moved up to heavyweight in 2019 and has won all four bouts at that weight class.

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Tyson Fury

He’ll have plenty of suitors next, including another immensely popular Brit: WBC champion Tyson Fury.

“The Gypsy King” retired from the sport but — this being boxing — that could end with the possibility of adding to his legacy and a big payday against Usyk.

“I’m sure that Tyson Fury is not retired yet. I’m convinced he wants to fight me.

“I want to fight him. If I’m not fighting Tyson Fury, I’m not fighting at all.”

Joshua, who started his career 22-0, has now dropped three of his last five fights.