Oleksandr Usyk retains heavyweight titles in a dramatic rematch with Anthony Joshua

On Saturday, Oleksandr Usyk retained his heavyweight title with a split-decision victory over Anthony Joshua in Jeddah.

A series of heavy blows dominated Joshua in the 12-round fight, as the 35-year-old Ukrainian maintained his steely nerve throughout. During the ninth round, Joshua appeared to break Usyk's momentum and land a spell of punches on his opponent before retreating from the fight.

The WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles will remain in the hands of Usyk after one judge is awarded a scorecard of 115-113.

However, Usyk ultimately emerged as the strong contender after earning scores of 115-113 and 116-112 from two judges. Ramla Ali won Saudi Arabia's first female boxing match against Crystal Garcia Nova of the Dominican Republic.

As a result of the win, Ali's career record has improved to seven wins from seven fights.

An emotional rollercoaster

As the headline suggested, the rematch for the heavyweight title was called "the Rage on the Red Sea."

A shocked Usyk threw his belts from the ring after his second consecutive defeat, and the 32-year-old Briton charged to his dressing room before returning and taking to the microphone.

In Joshua's words, "if you knew my story, you would understand my passion." And, about Usyk, he said: "I'm telling you, if you had known that he beat me tonight, maybe I could have done better, but I'm sure you would have appreciated the hard work he must have put in to win the title of world heavyweight champion."

 Also Read: The diet of Mike Tyson and Anthony Joshua's diet compared to Tyson Fury's.

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The Russian invasion of Ukraine, in which Usyk is personally involved, was the backdrop to Usyk's victory.

His 35-year-old brother traveled back to his homeland earlier this year to participate in war efforts with the territorial defense battalion in Kyiv.

Although Usyk was reluctant to return to training in March ahead of his fight with Joshua, he received permission.

A translator translated Usyk's remarks after the fight. "My victory is dedicated to my country, family, my team, and all those serving in the military who are protecting the country."

This fight is already history. This round, especially when someone beat me hard, will be watched by many generations. I proved it by turning it in a different direction."

One week after Fury announced that he was ready to "walk away" from boxing, Usyk said he wanted to take on the WBC heavyweight champion.

Tyson Fury must not have retired yet. I am convinced that he wishes to fight me. If I do not fight Tyson Fury, I will not compete." Usyk said. "If I do not fight Tyson Fury, I will not compete."

Also, Read Interesting Facts About Anthony Joshua: 2-time World Heavyweight Champion.

His overwhelming anger

Joshua broke into tears at his post-match press conference on Saturday, expressing frustration over his performance. Joshua broke into tears at his post-match press conference on Saturday, expressing frustration over his performance.

After the match, he explained that not everyone would understand what he said: "When you do things from the heart, not everyone will understand it. I knew I was mad at myself.

Not at anyone, just myself. I thought I had to leave here because I was mad. My first thought was to do the right thing, but then I realized I was playing sports. Previously, Carl Froch and Kell Brook predicted Joshua would end his boxing career if he lost again to Usyk.

Despite the rumors, it wasn't clear if the 32-year-old would hang up his gloves. The hunger for life never leaves me, he said.