In one of the most anticipated rematches in recent boxing history, Oleksandr Usyk from Ukraine and Anthony Joshua from England squared off for a second time in a thrilling heavyweight championship fight. This battle was more than just about titles—it was a clash of styles, a contest of resilience and skill, with both fighters seeking redemption and supremacy in the squared circle.

The Build-Up

After their first encounter, where Usyk dominated Joshua to claim the unified heavyweight titles, the boxing world was eager to see how Anthony Joshua would adjust for the rematch. With a new trainer in Robert Garcia, Joshua was determined to reclaim his heavyweight crown. On the other side, Usyk, the undisputed cruiserweight champion who moved up to heavyweight to make history, looked to prove that his victory was no fluke and that he could once again outclass Joshua with his speed, footwork, and technique.

The stakes were high as both men entered the ring at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on a humid, dramatic evening.

Round 1: The Aggression of Joshua

From the opening bell, Joshua came out aggressive, trying to take control of the pace with his jab and physical presence. He seemed determined to make the fight a rough, close-quarters battle, where his size and power could wear Usyk down. Joshua’s movements were deliberate, and he bent his knees more than usual, showing an adjustment to Usyk’s footwork from their previous encounter.

Usyk, however, was as calm as ever. He maintained his defensive poise, slipping punches and throwing sharp counters, particularly with his signature left hand, which often landed cleanly through Joshua’s guard. Despite Joshua’s pressure, Usyk demonstrated his ability to control the tempo of the fight, making him a difficult target.

Round 2-4: Usyk’s Technical Mastery

As the fight progressed into the middle rounds, Usyk began to showcase his incredible technical abilities. He moved around the ring with ease, staying just out of reach of Joshua’s power shots and landing quick, pinpoint jabs to keep his opponent at bay. Usyk’s counters were sharp and precise, his combinations fluid as he worked Joshua’s body and head.

Joshua seemed to struggle with Usyk’s movement and speed, and though he managed to land a few heavy shots to the body, Usyk’s elusive style continued to frustrate him. Usyk’s ability to make adjustments and read Joshua’s attacks was becoming more apparent as the rounds unfolded. Despite this, Joshua remained dangerous, using his size and strength to apply pressure, but it was clear Usyk was starting to control the flow of the fight.

Round 5-7: Joshua’s Heart and Determination

In the fifth round, Joshua came out with renewed aggression. His corner had urged him to be more relentless and to push Usyk into a corner, hoping to tire him out. Joshua’s body work continued to be a key factor, landing hooks to the ribs and trying to slow Usyk’s movement.

However, Usyk’s conditioning was impeccable. He absorbed Joshua’s punches with minimal damage and continued to land effective counters. A few of Usyk’s left hands snapped Joshua’s head back, reminding him of the danger he faced. Joshua’s footwork was slower, and Usyk took advantage of this, landing clean, quick punches and continuing to control the action.

Round 8-10: Usyk Takes Control

By round 8, it was clear that Usyk had established dominance in the fight. His jab had become a constant weapon, keeping Joshua at bay and setting up clean combinations. Usyk’s head movement and footwork made him almost impossible to hit cleanly, while his counters continued to score. Joshua, although trying his best to mount a comeback, was increasingly being outboxed and outmaneuvered by the slick Ukrainian.

Joshua’s aggression was met with Usyk’s precision, and as the rounds wore on, it was apparent that Usyk’s stamina and ring IQ were winning out. Joshua’s face began to show signs of the punishment he had taken, his eyes swollen, while Usyk remained composed and sharp.

Round 11-12: The Final Push

Entering the championship rounds, Joshua needed a knockout to win, but Usyk’s resilience and brilliance in the ring made it clear that this would not be easy. Joshua dug deep, trying to land a decisive shot, but Usyk’s defense and movement made him an elusive target. The Ukrainian continued to circle, slip punches, and throw short, sharp combinations that punctuated his dominance in the fight.

Joshua’s power shots were still dangerous, but as the final bell neared, Usyk began to assert more control. A massive right hook in round 11 sent a clear message—Usyk was in control, and the fight was his. In the final round, Joshua attempted to press the action, but Usyk’s defensive skills were on full display, as he slipped and countered with ease.

The Verdict: Usyk Retains His Title

When the final bell rang, both fighters were exhausted, but it was Oleksandr Usyk who had clearly done enough to retain his titles. He was awarded the unanimous decision, cementing his place as the undisputed heavyweight champion. Usyk’s performance was a masterclass in boxing technique, as he outclassed Joshua in nearly every aspect of the fight—his footwork, his head movement, his ability to land clean punches, and his conditioning were all superior.

For Anthony Joshua, it was a bitter defeat, but one that showed his courage and determination. Though he couldn’t reclaim his title, he had moments in the fight where he pushed Usyk, landing some solid shots and showing his own resilience.

Usyk’s victory was a testament to his skill and strategy. He had come to Saudi Arabia to prove that he was the best in the world, and he did just that. The boxing world now had a new heavyweight king—Oleksandr Usyk, the unified heavyweight champion of the world.

And still, the unified heavyweight champion of the world: Oleksandr Usyk.