What Anthony Joshua actually believed about his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk against Tyson Fury
On Saturday night, Oleksandr Usyk handed Tyson Fury his first defeat in his professional career.
Through a split decision in Saudi Arabia, the Ukrainian emerged victorious and became the first man to hold the undisputed heavyweight title since Lennox Lewis.
During the battle, Usyk appeared to be losing focus as the “Gypsy King” used his stature to dominate and adapt to his opponent’s fast start.
Prior to Usyk’s forceful blow to Fury’s nose in the eighth round, many observers would have had Fury leading the score.
The battle came to a turning point in the ninth round when Fury was sent flying across the ring and repeatedly staggered against the ropes by Usyk’s fierce assault of punches.
Fury narrowly missed the count when referee Mark Nelson intervened and forced it, but the bell rescued him.
Even though Fury made a comeback in the last moments, it was insufficient to continue his 35-fight winning streak.
Fury was given the victory by Canadian judge Craig Metcalfe, 114–113.
Nonetheless, Usyk was awarded the fight with scores of 115–112 and 114–113 by other judges Manuel Oliver Palomo and Mike Fitzgerald, respectively.
Anthony Joshua was one of the many celebrities in Saudi Arabia.
The victor of the anticipated rematch between Fury and Usyk, scheduled for October, is expected to face the British heavyweight.
In addition, Joshua has been scheduled to challenge the victor of Daniel Dubois vs. Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF title.
Although Usyk has already defeated Joshua twice, given their standing in Britain, a bout with Fury would probably rank among the biggest fights in boxing history.
Eddie Hearn, the CEO of Matchroom Boxing and Joshua’s promoter, has shared Joshua’s opinions over the events that transpired in the Middle East on Saturday night.
Hearn claims that although most people believe the two fought closely, Joshua believed Usyk emerged victorious.
Hearn stated of Joshua, “He had Usyk winning fairly convincingly.”
I approached her later and asked, ‘What are your thoughts?’ And he said, “Usyk won; it was a terrific battle, but Usyk won easily.”
“It’s only a matter of how broadly they viewed the cards, but I believe that most people believed that Usyk had won.”
