Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 LIVE: Result and reaction as Usyk wins thrilling fight by split decision

Oleksandr Usyk retained his world heavyweight titles with a split decision win over Anthony Joshua on Saturday in a rematch in Saudi Arabia that was closer than last year’s first fight.

Both fighters held up the blue-and-yellow Ukrainian flag as the judges’ scores were read out at King Abdullah Sport City arena. When he was declared the winner, Usyk hid his face behind the flag. The 35-year-old Usyk kept his WBA, WBO and IBF belts six months after serving in the Ukrainian army as part of the country’s defence against Russia’s invasion.

Joshua was much improved but Usyk demonstrated his technical brilliance to triumph 115-113, 116-112, 113-115 on the scorecards. After the fight, Joshua stormed out of the ring before returning and giving a bizarre speech to the crowd.

Follow reaction from Joshua’s defeat below:

Usyk vs Joshua 2

• Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk clash in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

• Callum Smith delivers sensational fourth-round knockout to beat Mathieu Bauderlique

• Anthony Joshua ‘left out to dry by his team’ during post-fight outburst, says Frazer Clarke

• Oleksandr Usyk sends Tyson Fury message after retaining heavyweight titles over Anthony Joshua

• Anthony Joshua outburst in full after defeat to Oleksandr Usyk

Watch as Anthony Joshua seizes microphone after defeat

12:30 , Karl Matchett

Anthony Joshua seized a microphone to vent his frustrations after his rematch defeat before congratulating Oleksandr Usyk.

The British heavyweight said: “I could have done better, but it showed the hard work he must have put in to beat me.”

“I’m not a 12-round fighter. I am a new breed of heavyweight, Mike Tyson, Sonny Liston - they say ‘he doesn’t throw combinations like Rocky Marciano,’ because I’m not 14 stone. I am 18 stone, I am heavy,” AJ added.

AJ seizes microphone after the fight before congratulating Usyk

'Extremely important for my country': Usyk reflects on beating Joshua

12:20 , Karl Matchett

Oleksandr Usyk hailed his heavyweight world title victory as “extremely important” win for his home country, Ukraine.

Anthony Joshua was defeated on split-decision at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Arena with scores of 113-115, 115-113,116-112.

Usyk’s WBA, IBF and WBO titles now set up the prospect of a unification clash with Tyson Fury.

“It was extremely important for my country, for my team, and personally for me. I boxed for the whole country,” Usyk said.

'Extremely important for my country': Usyk reflects on beating Joshua

Anthony Joshua left broken and crushed by brave defeat to Oleksandr Usyk

11:05 , Jamie Braidwood

Anthony Joshua lost a split decision to Oleksandr Usyk in Jeddah at midnight on Saturday. That is the simple truth, the raw facts and they only tell part of the story of the fight and the night.

It was a fight of tremendous intensity in each of the twelve rounds; it was draining, not brutal and at about 4am, Joshua was in tears as he tried to explain his journey. It meant that much to him, he lost that much and he came so close.

Usyk won the fight because he won the last three rounds and that is what champions do. Joshua had a brilliant, a staggering, ninth round, when he pushed Usyk back, hit the Ukrainian maestro with lefts and rights to body, head, shoulder and groin. It was the round Joshua needed, but he needed twelve of them and not just the one.

By Steve Bunce in Jeddah

Anthony Joshua left broken and crushed by brave defeat to Oleksandr Usyk

09:56 , Jamie Braidwood

Anthony Joshua has received criticism for his post-fight speech following his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in Saturday night’s heavyweight world title fight.

Joshua was accused of “stealing Usyk’s moment” by former world champion Carl Froch after taking the microphone and giving a bizarre outburst to the crowd following his split decision loss in their world heavyweight title rematch.

Having gone down 115-113, 116-112, 113-115 on the scorecards after an improved performance in the rematch of their one-sided initial contest, Joshua stormed out of the ring before returning, chucking away a couple of the belts and then taking the microphone.

Joshua was “left out to dry by his team”, who should have stopped him during his post-fight rant, Frazer Clarke added.

The scenes slightly took away from Usyk’s moment, although the Brit was speaking from the heart and was largely complimentary of the Ukrainian. Here is Joshua’s speech in full:

Tyson Fury reacts as Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua again

01:31 , Alex Pattle

Tyson Fury has labelled Oleksandr Usyk’s second win against Anthony Joshua as one of the ‘worst heavyweight title fights’ he has ever seen, declaring that he would beat both fighters in one night.

Usyk earned a split-decision win against Joshua in Saudi Arabia, retaining the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts against the Briton, whom the Ukrainian dethroned last September with a unanimous-decision victory.

Fury has claimed to be retired but has not yet relinquished the WBC heavyweight title, and the Briton hinted that he could return for a clash with Usyk to crown an undisputed heavyweight champion.

Here’s what Fury had to say:

Tyson Fury reacts as Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua again

Oleksandr Usyk sends Tyson Fury message after retaining heavyweight titles over Anthony Joshua

01:12 , Jack Rathborn

Oleksandr Usyk has called on Tyson Fury to come out of retirement and maintains he will not fight again unless it is against the Briton.

The Ukrainian defended his world heavyweight titles with victory via split decision over Anthony Joshua in a rematch.

Usyk now only lacks the WBC title, held by Fury, with the 35-year-old eager to take on the ‘Gypsy King’ to become the undisputed world heavyweight champion.

Oleksandr Usyk sends Tyson Fury message after retaining heavyweight titles

Anthony Joshua outburst in full after defeat to Oleksandr Usyk

01:07 , Jack Rathborn

Joshua said after returning to the ring following an altercation after dropping a split decision to Usyk, telling his opponent: “I don’t care about strong, I am skilled, skills win boxing, you’re not strong, how did you beat me? How? I had character and determination.”

He then added: “If you knew my story you’d understand the passion. I’m no amateur boxer from five years old, that was an elite prospect from a youth. I was going jail, I got bailed, then I trained my arse off. Because if I got sentenced I wanted to be able to fight. I’m stealing this Usyk, sorry.

“It’s because the passion to get into this shit. This guy, to beat me, tonight maybe I could’ve done better. It shows the levels of hard work he must’ve had to put in. Please give him a round of applause as our heavyweight champion of the world. I’m not a 12-round fight, look at me, I’m a new breed of heavyweight.

“Heavyweights like Mike Tyson, Sonny Liston, Jack Dempsey, ‘You don’t throw combinations like Rocky Marciano!’ Because I ain’t 14 stone, that’s why, I’m 18 stone, that’s why, I’m heavy.

“It's hard work, this guy is a phenomenal talent, we're going to cheer for him three times. How many belts you got now bro, five? Hooray. I was studying Ukraine and their champions from your amazing country.

“I've never been there, but at the same time, what's happening there, I don't know what's happening. It's not nice, I've seen it in Lomachenko's second fight. There were issues, civil war. Vitali Klitschko against Danny Williams, civil unrest. Usyk, as a champion, please raise your hand, under those circumstances you became a champion. Champ, champ.”

Reaction to Joshua outburst after Usyk defeat

01:04 , Jack Rathborn

Okolie: “I’m sure he will regret it, it was Usyk’s time. We can only imagine the pressure he’s under. It’s a reflection of boxing. He was left alone by his team. A war and nobody stepped in to do the right thing.”

Froch: “He stole Usyk’s moment. He didn’t say anything that would offend anybody too much. He stole Usyk’s moment. He was emotionally built up. I didn’t like the belts being chucked. It was disrespectful.”

Anthony Joshua ‘left out to dry by his team’ during post-fight outburst, says Frazer Clarke

Sunday 21 August 2022 00:56 , Jack Rathborn

Anthony Joshua was “left out to dry by his team”, who should have stopped him during his post-fight outburst following defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, says Frazer Clarke.

After an enthralling heavyweight world title fight rematch that Usyk won by split decision, an emotional Joshua firstly stormed out of the ring before returning, chucking away a couple of the belts and then taking the microphone to give an odd speech to the crowd.

The bizarre scenes slightly overshadowed Usyk’s moment, although the Brit was speaking from the heart and was largely complimentary of the Ukrainian.

“I am giving you my story,” he said. “I was going to jail. I got bailed and started training my arse off, because if I got sentenced then I would not have been able to fight.

Anthony Joshua ‘left out to dry by his team’ during post-fight outburst

Anthony Joshua outburst after defeat to Oleksandr Usyk

Sunday 21 August 2022 00:48 , Jack Rathborn

Usyk vs Joshua 2 reaction

Sunday 21 August 2022 00:40 , Jack Rathborn

Clarke urges AJ to go for a holiday, recover and come back stronger.

Macklin: “It was strange. Emotions running high. He was probably a bit concussed.

“Everybody knocking him, we’re not dealing with that. He’s disappointed. He pushed himself to the limit. The timing wasn’t great.”

Nelson: “That was Joshua’s best performance ever, heart, passion, determination, he was just beaten by the better man.

“We have to give him credit for his achievements. He’ll kick himself, the mask was off. He was saying what he wanted to say. What will he do? Carl said it right, what will his motivation be?”

Reaction to Joshua outburst after Usyk defeat

Sunday 21 August 2022 00:28 , Jack Rathborn

Clarke: “I feel like he was left out to dry by his team. Somebody should’ve saved him from himself. In the true sense of boxing, that was Usyk’s time to celebrate, I don’t think it was right. Anthony has done a lot of good, but he had a bad one there. There are no excuses, that was Usyk’s time. Somebody should’ve stopped him, saved himself.

“Nobody feels it as much as Anthony. He’s not a normal boxer. The pressure I feel vs Joshua, it’s chalk and cheese. Maybe boiled over there. Maybe heated. Let’s not judge him on that, Joshua I know, a nice respectful human being. He boiled over there. Maybe he’s concussed. After a fight, your head is all over the place. Maybe not what he said, the time. If I was there, I would’ve took a dig to take the microphone off him. Give him a minute to compose himself.”

Eddie Hearn reacts to Anthony Joshua defeat to Oleksandr Usyk

Sunday 21 August 2022 00:22 , Jack Rathborn

Hearn: “What a performance fro Usyk. The ninth round I thought we had him. The 10th what a round to turn it back around, the 10th, 11th and 12th, it was incredible.

“AJ fought a better fight. He hurt him in the ninth, but he came out like a train.

“It was an incredible performance he’s just too good. The reaction from AJ, a human, so much pressure, he exploded, he was devastated. He’s a competitor and a woman. He’s pound for pound No 1.

“They asked me, I thought it was close. I thought 115-113. I had it very close. Maybe AJ one round up after the ninth. A great performance from Anthony Joshua.

“They’re both tremendous fighters. Fury is a clever man, he could’ve fought Usyk, he chose not to. AJ was desperate to win the fight. He lost a split decision to the pound-for-pound No1. He needs to go back, rebuild, get the frustration out, but also be happy.”

Usyk reacts to win over Joshua

Sunday 21 August 2022 00:19 , Jack Rathborn

Usyk on the fight: “This is already history. Many generations watch this fight, especially the round, when somebody tried to beat me hard, but I stood there and turned it in a different way.

“Yes, of course [I thought I won].”

Usyk on Fury: “I’m sure that Fury is not retired yet. I’m convinced he wants to fight me, I want to fight him, if I’m not fighting Fury, I’m not fighting at all.

“Only God knows if I will be undisputed or not. All these gentlemen around me, my team, they’ll help me.

“Thanks Lord for everything.”

Usyk reacts to win over Joshua

Sunday 21 August 2022 00:15 , Jack Rathborn

Usyk: "I want to thank everybody who prayed for me. I want to thank God for the help he gave me. My lord is Jesus Christ.

“Thank you so much.”

Usyk then asked about the people back in Ukraine watching.

He adds: “I devote this victory to my country, my family, my team, military defending the country. Thank you very much.”

Joshua reacts to Usyk defeat

Sunday 21 August 2022 00:13 , Jack Rathborn

Joshua: “I’m not a 12-round fighter. They say, ‘he doesn’t throw combinations like Sonny Liston.’ Yes, that’s because I’m 18 stone, I’m a big guy!”

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Sunday 21 August 2022 00:12 , Jack Rathborn

Joshua: “This guy is a phenomenal talent, how many belts you got bro, five? Hip-hip, horay!

“I studied all your champions, what’s happening there, I don’t know, but I know it’s not nice.

“There were issues in Ukraine. Klitschko vs Williams. Usyk, under those circumstances, he became champ.”

Usyk vs Joshua 2: Usyk retains world heavyweight titles by split decision

Sunday 21 August 2022 00:11 , Jack Rathborn

Fireworks set off outside the dome.

Joshua is furious for some reason? Marching back to the dressing room.

But he’s back now, grabbing two of the belts, the ring belt and the WBA Super belt, he then chucks them down.

Joshua to Usyk: “Skills win boxing, you’re not strong, how did you beat me? I had character!

“Usyk one hell of a fighter, that’s just emotion. Please give him a round of applause as our heavyweight champion of the world.”

Usyk vs Joshua 2: Usyk retains world heavyweight titles by split decision

Sunday 21 August 2022 00:07 , Jack Rathborn

115-113 for Joshua. 115-113 to Usyk....

And 116-112 for the winner by split decision... AND STILL! Usyk wins!

Some late drama there, with the Glenn Feldman card, controversial?

Both men hold the Ukraine flag aloft. Great respect between the fighters.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Sunday 21 August 2022 00:04 , Luke Baker

We go to the cards but there’s surely only one winner. This is Usyk’s fight and he’ll retain the belts barring an absolute robbery.

Usyk vs Joshua 2: Round 12

Sunday 21 August 2022 00:01 , Luke Baker

This has been a valiant performance by Joshua and an improvement on the first fight but Usyk is such a clean fighter.

The Brit lands a body shot but he needs to go big now. Risk or reward for AJ now.

Usyk still keeping him at range although Joshua throws a right that wobbles the champ slightly!

Usyk getting underneath Joshua’s shots, spinning out and not getting pinned on the ropes. Joshua looks tired and into the final minute, he takes a couple of lefts to the head.

Last few seconds and it gets scrappy as the men clinch and almost run around the ring together. He’s going to come up short here.

Usyk vs Joshua 2: Round 11

Saturday 20 August 2022 23:57 , Luke Baker

Both men starting to throw bigger shots and Joshua will know he probably needs a knockout.

Joshua goes back to the body but Usyk still buzzing out of range. Body shot in the middle of the round looks to hurt Usyk slightly!

He recovers and lands some pot-shots from range. Both fighters starting to look tired and the referee has to separate an extended clinch late on.

Joshua probably needs a 12th round knockout.

Usyk vs Joshua 2: Round 10

Saturday 20 August 2022 23:52 , Luke Baker

Usyk starts fast, buzzing in and throwing hard and fast.

Left hand but Joshua takes it well, big power shots, Joshua again standing tall.

Did AJ anger him in that last round? This is the most spiteful Usyk has been in the rematch.

Big shot from Joshua! Usyk shaken. Massive shift in momentum.

What a round and we’re heading for a thrilling conclusion.

Usyk vs Joshua 2: Round 9

Saturday 20 August 2022 23:49 , Jack Rathborn

Constant movement from Usyk, but Joshua still using the jab well.

Then steps in, the right comes into play, Usyk bends over, the uppercuts poured on. Classic AJ!

Usyk is in trouble, it seems, he’s shifting across the ring, looking for a breather.

AJ senses blood, huge round, his best of the fight.

That was a look to the corner from Usyk, he’s under huge pressure. A huge deep breath. Joshua on top there.

Usyk vs Joshua 2: Round 8

Saturday 20 August 2022 23:43 , Jack Rathborn

It’s a pause in the action, the canvas needs to be cleaned. It’s too wet.

Usyk looks down to Lomachenko, he’s happy with how things are going.

Macklin has it 5-1 to Usyk with one even round.

“He’s getting outlanded, the head snapping back. Joshua needs to go to the body more.”

Joshua lands! Big left to the body, and again, thudding impact. Usyk took it well, then a flurry of shots bounce around AJ’s face and guard.

Great body work from AJ, multiple shots poured in there, he grabs hold for a breather. Will this work take the legs away fro Usyk? AJ getting spun around now, Usyk launching a big left hook from range, Joshua back to the body, which manages to get the Ukrainian on his bike once more. Great round, that.

Usyk vs Joshua 2: Round 7

Saturday 20 August 2022 23:41 , Jack Rathborn

Both men come together, holding with one arm each. AJ tries to go to the body with his loose hand.

Is the canvas becoming an issue? Sweat making it slippy again, like the Hrgovic vs Zheng fight.

Usyk takes a right hand, but Usyk with his own back hand landing.

Both men using goo upperbody movement there. Joshua’s range is good, making Usyk work very hard, but not landing enough to take these rounds.

Usyk vs Joshua 2: Round 6

Saturday 20 August 2022 23:37 , Jack Rathborn

Usyk also targeting the body then a right goes high and tags Joshua.

AJ with a wild left that misses. A mark above Joshua’s right eye, it’s swollen.

Joshua pushing out the jab, then a good right. Usyk then jumps up and maybe pushes his shoulder in?

Nice pressure from AJ with Usyk against the ropes.

But Usyk quickly resets and lands a combination.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 23:35 , Jack Rathborn

Usyk vs Joshua 2: Round 5

Saturday 20 August 2022 23:32 , Jack Rathborn

Joshua growing in confidence here, pushing the right hand down to the body.

Usyk down to the body too, but the response is there. Joshua goes low, Usyk limps away, he complains, too low?

Usyk back out quick, to give him credit. Joshua down low again. A clear tactic.

A right from Usyk as Joshua’s jab fell.

Usyk vs Joshua 2: Round 4

Saturday 20 August 2022 23:30 , Jack Rathborn

Joshua looks focused, the jab is working, forcing Usyk to work hard.

A right from AJ that might have squeezed home.

Lovely left hand from Usyk, Joshua throwing the uppercut to keep his opponent away from the body too.

Close round again.

Usyk vs Joshua 2: Round 3

Saturday 20 August 2022 23:23 , Jack Rathborn

Joshua can build on that round you’d think. Usyk in a rhythm though.

Usyk with a combination up close for the first time.

Nice shoulder movement too, Joshua then grapples, working the body, but not for long, the Ukrainian slips away.

Joshua lunges with the uppercut. Narrowly misses. But then lands a right near the end of the round. Another Usyk round? It was close.

Usyk vs Joshua 2: Round 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 23:19 , Jack Rathborn

Lots of talk in AJ’s corner there, too much?

Usyk hovering in front, buzzing from side to side, impeccable lateral movement. Joshua concentrating well, throws a jab.

Straight left from usyk lands from range. Another. Joshua undeterred but yet to unload.

Usyk’s roun again, but just at the bell, a right to the body, a crucial shot you’d think if AJ is to win this fight.

Usyk vs Joshua 2: Round 1

Saturday 20 August 2022 23:14 , Jack Rathborn

Usyk prays in his corner. It begins!

Joshua in all black shorts and gloves with red strapping. White boots with silver and green trim.

Usyk with white shorts and the blue and yellow colours of Ukraine around his belt.

Joshua bending at the waste nicely, Usyk pushing the jab out as a range-finder. AJ eyeing the right to the body.

A jab to the body from AJ now, Usyk circling nicely, processing information, then lands a left down the middle. Beautiful up jab from Usyk lands.

The fighters come together, grappling, is this what AJ wants? A bullet left from Usyk snaps AJ’s head back. It’s a close round, but possibly leaning to the champ.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 23:11 , Jack Rathborn

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 23:11 , Jack Rathborn

The anthems are over, Michael Buffer is almost done speaking... Final predictions?

Usyk having his face wiped down with vaseline it seems.

Robert Garcia with some words of encouragement for AJ.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 23:04 , Jack Rathborn

Now it’s the turn of Usyk, a white jacket over the top of his signature “Colours of Freedom” t-shirt he’s been wearing in the build-up to this fight.

The folk band Tin Sontsia is Usyk’s entrance music once again.

The talking is almost over, we’re moments away from that first bell.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 23:02 , Jack Rathborn

Joshua is dressed in all black, a sleeveless hoodie, he jumps into the ring.

He looks confident. The wait is almost over!

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 22:58 , Jack Rathborn

Here comes AJ!

Usyk vs Joshua 2 undercard: Hrgovic vs Zhang reaction

Saturday 20 August 2022 22:49 , Jack Rathborn

A lucky boy, Hrgovic gets the nod. A bizarre performance.

Clarke: “It was strange, he’s had a few family problems. Both guys, is the heat an issue? Everything seemed off.

“Zhang boxed better than I thought, I had it a draw. You could’ve given it to either by a round.”

Okolie: “I think it was down to Zhang being methodical, it lured Hrgovic into that rhythm. As you get more tired, you get more distracted.”

Froch: “I think Hrgovic took Zhang lightly. I thought Zhang boxed well. Hrgovic couldn’t get into it. The right man won.”

Okolie: “Give me some time.”

Clarke: “That’s the level I want to get to, I can compete with that. They’ll have some words in the champ. That wouldn’t be good enough to compete with Usyk, Joshua or Fury.”

Usyk vs Joshua 2 undercard: Hrgovic vs Zhang

Saturday 20 August 2022 22:45 , Jack Rathborn

We go to the scorecards...

115-112, 115-112, 114-113, all three scorecards and winner of the IBF world title eliminator... Hrgovic!

Usyk vs Joshua 2 undercard: Hrgovic vs Zhang - Round 12

Saturday 20 August 2022 22:40 , Jack Rathborn

Cards could be all over the place here!

Final push for Hrgovic, he’s on top in the first minute of the final round.

Zhang waiting for an opening. Hrgovic prodding the jab, then a big right. Zhang grabs hold of him.

Both men slipping still, this looks done with 30 seconds remaining. Both men raise their hands. Zhang bends over in the corner, no celebration, but he could have nicked this.

Nisse Sauderland believes his man Hrgovic has won it.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 22:39 , Jack Rathborn

Usyk vs Joshua 2 undercard: Hrgovic vs Zhang - Round 11

Saturday 20 August 2022 22:37 , Jack Rathborn

Zhang landing big shots, Hrgovic tired!

The Croatian’s behaviour has been odd throughout the fight, taking time off.

Usyk vs Joshua 2 undercard: Hrgovic vs Zhang - Round 10

Saturday 20 August 2022 22:33 , Jack Rathborn

Hrgovic given a talking to. Macklin says he has Zhang up by two rounds with three rounds to go.

Could the knockdown be crucial? Was that lapse in concentration with Zhang looking unlikely to win any more rounds costly?

Hrgovic dictating the tempo again, Zhang taking a break, complaining about the canvas and water or sweat.

Hrgovic sniffing a stoppage, this has been quite entertaining. Hrgovic landing big combinations. Has he weathered the storm?

Usyk vs Joshua 2 undercard: Hrgovic vs Zhang - Round 9

Saturday 20 August 2022 22:30 , Jack Rathborn

Hrgovic with a big right hand to open the ninth!

Neither men look a threat to Usyk or Joshua at some point in 2023. A timeout with water on the canvas.

Not much coming back from Zhang now, more surviving in there.

Huge shots from Zhang, Hrgovic looks out on his feet, big lefts pushed down the pipe. Hrgovic couldn’t defend himself at the end of the round, turned away and took a big shot. The Chinese fighter fancies this! Massive last minute, did he pinch the round?

Usyk vs Joshua 2 undercard: Hrgovic vs Zhang - Round 8

Saturday 20 August 2022 22:23 , Jack Rathborn

Usyk vs Joshua 2 undercard: Hrgovic vs Zhang - Round 8

Saturday 20 August 2022 22:22 , Jack Rathborn

Zhang tired in the corner, but he bounced a few big shots off the top of Hrgovic’s head in the seventh.

Great combination from Hrgovic, now Zhang looks tired, takes a big right. The hand speed is back. The Chinese fighter moaning to the referee.

Hrgovic much happier after that, but then falls into his corner. Both men very tired.

Usyk vs Joshua 2 undercard: Hrgovic vs Zhang - Round 7

Saturday 20 August 2022 22:20 , Jack Rathborn

Matt Macklin has Zhang ahead on the cards, Hrgovic has got his legs back.

But both men tired now as we enter the second half of the bout.

A good round from the Croatian. The pace drops in the final 30 seconds, Zhang not taking a risk though, maybe a round off for him.

Usyk vs Joshua 2 undercard: Hrgovic vs Zhang - Round 6

Saturday 20 August 2022 22:15 , Jack Rathborn

Odell Beckham Jr is in the house. Currently injured and without a team after leaving the Los Angeles Rams after winning the Super Bowl, his NFL future will become clearer in a few months.

For now he’s enjoying the boxing in Jeddah.

Zhang now on the front foot, has Hrgovic underestimated the Chinese man?

Zhang is taking him out here! WOW!

Hrgovic battered around the ring here, a stunning upset on the cards, surely? Hrgovic still 5/6 in-play, Zhang EVENS.

Usyk vs Joshua 2 undercard: Hrgovic vs Zhang - Round 5

Saturday 20 August 2022 22:13 , Jack Rathborn

More smart work from Hrgovic, but Zhang looks OK in there.

Breathing heavily, sure, but not overoared by the Croatian’s output, even if he is winning this round.

Zhang lands big! Hrgovic tagged heavily in final few seconds. Still a Hrgovic round but he needs to be careful.

Usyk vs Joshua 2 undercard: Hrgovic vs Zhang - Round 4

Saturday 20 August 2022 22:08 , Jack Rathborn

More impressive work from Zhang, a close round though.

Hrgovic putting punches in bunches, but that long straight left from Zhang is dangerous.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 22:03 , Jack Rathborn

Usyk vs Joshua 2 undercard: Hrgovic vs Zhang - Round 3

Saturday 20 August 2022 22:01 , Jack Rathborn

That’s a horrid cut for Hrgovic, lots of blood, this bout looks in trouble here?

Zhang is cut too. But Hrgovic sees the doctor, who waves it on. Both men touch gloves, a round of applause.

Zhang with more handspeed, causing problems. Then a tight defence to end the round. He takes the round, leads 2-1 for us.

Usyk vs Joshua 2 undercard: Hrgovic vs Zhang - Round 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 21:59 , Jack Rathborn

Hrgovic was a huge favourite, but a big upset is on here after that first-round knockdown.

Good hand speed from Zhang, tidy combination lands on Hrgovic.

Tidy left hook from the Croatian. Then a big right. Zhang’s chin looks solid.

A final eliminator for the IBF world title, owned by Usyk of course - for now.

Usyk vs Joshua 2 undercard: Hrgovic vs Zhang - Round 1

Saturday 20 August 2022 21:55 , Jack Rathborn

Hrgovic going to Zhang’s body early.

Dropping it down nicely. The Chinese southpaw using a jab for now.

But wow, Hrgovic is down! What a shock, a stunning turnaround.

A clubbing right hook around the back of Hrgovic’s head, he loses his balance.

Then he pins the Croatian in the corner and lands with a straight left down the middle. Big round for the Chinese!

Usyk vs Joshua 2 undercard: Hrgovic vs Zhang

Saturday 20 August 2022 21:52 , Jack Rathborn

Usyk vs Joshua 2 undercard: Hrgovic vs Zhang

Saturday 20 August 2022 21:48 , Jack Rathborn

Hrgovic walks to the ring!

Clarke in the studio has said he studies the Croatian and rates him very highly. Avoided, maybe?

But it’s only a matter of time before he gets his world title opportunity.

Usyk positions Ukraine flag in dressing room

Saturday 20 August 2022 21:44 , Jack Rathborn

Oleksandr Usyk has a Ukraine flag with messages scribbled all over it.

His belts and a bible also laid out.

It’s nearly time for the chief support of the night: Hrgovic vs Zhang. More heavyweight action.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 21:41 , Jack Rathborn

Not long now, the fighters are having their hands wrapped.

We’re expecting ring walks at around 10:30pm BST.

Conor McGregor goes after Carl Froch on Twitter

Saturday 20 August 2022 21:29 , Jack Rathborn

Drama on Twitter between Conor McGregor and Carl Froch, who is in the Sky Sports Box Office studio tonight.

The Irishman has clearly been riled by Froch’s comments last month.

The Cobra said The Notorious “couldn’t punch the skin off a rice pudding”.

Here’s McGregor’s response:

Saturday 20 August 2022 21:24 , Jack Rathborn

Smith’s next fight will be fascinating, who gives him a test but doesn’t risk scuppering his mandatory position to fight Beterbiev down the line?

The Russian will face Yarde soon enough, when recovered from injury, we’re expecting that to be in January or February.

What does it mean for Buatsi? Can he jump to the front of the queue and face Bivol? Canelo will be occupied by Golovkin next month, so it will come down to activity.

Usyk vs Joshua 2: Callum Smith backs power to take him to world title at 175

Saturday 20 August 2022 21:08 , Jack Rathborn

Finally from Smith: "I've got the power at 175, I believe I can win it. It's a tough way to make a living, there are better things to do with your time.”

Saturday 20 August 2022 21:07 , Jack Rathborn

"I want to see him active, maybe in November? I'd love to do that fight at Anfield,” Eddie Hearn adds.

“It's a massive fight in Liverpool. Him vs Beterviev is a great shoot-out. He's mandatory. I believe he can become world champion again.”

Callum Smith reacts to fourth-round knockout

Saturday 20 August 2022 21:06 , Jack Rathborn

Smith: “It looks good on the cameras, he came out game, it was a shoot-out, I didn’t expect it. But I’m confident and believe I can win.

“It’s down to my team, we’ll see what the best option is, I want to be a two-weight world champion.

“Tonight put me one step closer. I’m hearing Beterbiev is injured, things getting messy, but I want to keep winning.”

Usyk vs Joshua 2: Smith vs Bauderlique - Round 4

Saturday 20 August 2022 20:59 , Jack Rathborn

It was a left hook to begin with, bouncing off the top of Bauderlique’s head. He wasn’t hurt then.

But the left hook, beating Bauderlique to the punch, while pinned to the ropes.

It whipes him out, he dropped instantly, legs spread. Huge knockout.

Usyk vs Joshua 2: Smith vs Bauderlique - Round 4

Saturday 20 August 2022 20:55 , Jack Rathborn

Huge shot! Bauderlique dropped, left-hand counter, knockdown for Smith!

Smith detonates a right hand down the pipe, Bauderlique on the ropes. But what a chin.

Amazing action in the fourth, then a body shot lands for Smith.

Bauderlique wiped out on the ropes! KNOCKOUT!

Usyk vs Joshua 2: Smith vs Bauderlique - Round 3

Saturday 20 August 2022 20:54 , Jack Rathborn

You could probably split the first two rounds, these fighters surely can’t sustain this pace though?

Bauderlique popping the southpaw jab nicely, Smith timing the right over the top when it falls short.

Smith’s head snapped back, he’s got a real test here. Smith then whipping in body shots, but then he gets pushed back to the ropes, this is a real tear up.

McGirt screaming, “Don’t worry about the head”.

Joshua has arrived in the arena. Wearing a bright yellow t-shirt and headphones wrapped around his head.

Usyk vs Joshua 2: Smith vs Bauderlique - Round 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 20:49 , Jack Rathborn

Smith and Bauderlique going to war early on, big shots dished out, this is a cracker already

Crunching right hand from Smith. But Bauderlique fancies this.

It’s the lead right from the southpaw stance, faking the jab and whipping in the hook.

Usyk vs Joshua 2: Smith vs Bauderlique - Round 1

Saturday 20 August 2022 20:46 , Jack Rathborn

Bauderlique very lively out of the southpaw stance.

Smith tagged, but also dishing out some clean work of his own.

That sets the table nicely, Buddy urging the Liverpudlian to stay calm, accusing Bauderlique “working off nervous energy”.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 20:43 , Alex Pattle

Here we go!

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 20:39 , Alex Pattle

Bauderlique takes his time to get to the ring. Liverpool’s Smith is out next.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 20:33 , Alex Pattle

Anthony Joshua isn’t the only Briton fighting for a world title tonight.

In the main event of UFC 278, Leon Edwards looks to become the second British champion in UFC history.

He challenges welterweight champion and pound-for-pound king Kamaru Usman, seven years after suffering a decision defeat by the “Nigerian Nightmare”.

Check out our interview with Edwards below. We’ll also be providing live updates from UFC 278 in the early hours of Sunday morning, after Joshua vs Usyk 2.

Leon Edwards is out for revenge, gold and history in Kamaru Usman rematch

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 20:26 , Alex Pattle

Former super-middleweight champion Callum Smith is up a division here, to face Mathieu Bauderlique in a light-heavyweight title eliminator.

The winner should be next for WBC champion Artur Beterbiev.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 20:22 , Alex Pattle

Is Joshua’s best bet to target the body of Usyk?

The closest thing to a weakness that the Ukrainian has ever exhibited has been a slight succeptability to the mid-section.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 20:20 , Alex Pattle

Next up, Callum Smith takes on Mathieu Bauderlique at light-heavyweight.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 20:13 , Alex Pattle

Where was Joshua vs Usyk 1 won and lost?

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 20:04 , Alex Pattle

Slowly but surely, the main event is edging closer...

Anthony Joshua eyes revenge and redemption in Oleksandr Usyk rematch

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 19:58 , Alex Pattle

Badou Jack def. Richard Rivera via split decision (96-94, 94-96, 96-94).

A close contest, which could have gone either way. Crucially, Jack won the four-minute round...

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 19:54 , Alex Pattle

Jack vs Rivera – Round 10

That leaping left hook is still proving effective for Jack.

The pattern is continuing: Rivera with combinations that aren’t landing too heavily, and Jack with single, stern counter shots that are tagging his opponent cleanly.

We’ll go to the judges’ scorecards.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 19:49 , Alex Pattle

Jack vs Rivera – Round 9

That round went 3:58. Incredible. Jack was really pouring on the pressure in that final minute, too!

Jack comes forward again in this round, as the pattern of the last few frames continues. He’s landing less here, though.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 19:46 , Alex Pattle

Jack vs Rivera – Round 8

Jack with a powerful uppercut off the break of a clinch. Rivera with spiteful hooks to the body as retaliation, and Jack wobbles back somewhat.

Rivera peppers Jack with a series of light hooks to the head, but Jack responds with one of his own – and it’s much more powerful!

He then leaps into another left hand! Is he starting to sense a finish?

Wow... That round went four minutes! What an oversight from the timekeeper, at the expense of Rivera!! Bizarre.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 19:42 , Alex Pattle

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 19:41 , Alex Pattle

Jack vs Rivera – Round 7

Jack applies more pressure and connects with an overhand right.

Rivera looks to get off the ropes but steps onto a jab. He fires back with a fine uppercut, though.

The pair get in close, and Jack flings more hooks into the ribcage of Rivera. Jack then rolls under a right hook and just misses with a left hook of his own, each man targeting the head.

Jack finds more success to the body. Is the bout swinging back in his favour?

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 19:37 , Alex Pattle

Jack vs Rivera – Round 6

Rivera is getting frustrated with Jack’s aggression in the clinch, and he argues with the referee briefly after a break.

Nothing egregious from Jack, though, as far as we can see.

A better round from him, in fact.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 19:32 , Alex Pattle

Jack vs Rivera – Round 5

Jack’s forward pressure isn’t counting for much, as he’s not supplementing it with much punching output.

Rivera, in contrast, is throwing regularly. Jack, however, blocks a one two and times a right cross very well!

The pair clinch, and Jack targets his opponent’s body with hooks, while Rivera opts for uppercuts to the head.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 19:29 , Alex Pattle

Jack vs Rivera – Round 4

Jack’s corner calls for “six to eight small shots, not one or two big shots”.

He comes forward but is soon backed up, with Rivera sneaking some hooks around the guard of Jack.

Ironically, Rivera is implementing the kind of approach that Jack’s corner called for – and it’s proving fairly effective.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 19:26 , Alex Pattle

Jack vs Rivera – Round 3

Jack stalks Rivera around the ring and sticks behind the jab.

Rivera lunges forward to close the distance, then gets off a couple of decent right uppercuts. He then pours on a barrage of hooks, but they’re blocked.

Again Jack pressures Rivera, who keeps the veteran at bay with a wide left hook effort.

Rivera finds success again with some uppercuts, then a powerful right hook off the break. The tide seems to be turning in his favour.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 19:25 , Alex Pattle

Jack vs Rivera – Round 3

Jack stalks Rivera around the ring and sticks behind the jab.

Rivera lunges forward to close the distance, then gets off a couple of decent right uppercuts. He then pours on a barrage of hooks, but they’re blocked.

Again Jack pressures Rivera, who keeps the veteran at bay with a wide left hook effort.

Rivera finds success again with some uppercuts, then a powerful right hook off the break. The tide seems to be turning in his favour.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 19:21 , Alex Pattle

Jack vs Rivera – Round 2

Sharp jab from Jack. Rivera misses with an overzealous entry, Jack rolling under the right hand and cracking Rivera with one of his own!

That’s the best shot of the fight so far. Rivera gets behind the jab now, but Jack catches him out with a left jab into a left hook – nicely done. Now a right cross stings Rivera!

Rivera is able to find an opening at last with some right uppercuts. Now a grazing overhand right lands for him!

Jack clinches and burrows some right hooks into the body of his opponent. They separate, and Rivera springs into a couple of left hooks, the change in angle surprising Jack.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 19:17 , Alex Pattle

Jack vs Rivera – Round 1

Rivera comes forward with a flurry early on. Jack backs him up, and Rivera tries to retaliate with a wild overhand right, but it misses.Jack applies gentle pressure with some jabs and forward movement. Rivera clinches briefly.The pair separate, and Rivera lunges in with a left hook that misses. Jack hooks to the body. He’s largely held back his right hand, however.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 19:13 , Alex Pattle

Here we go.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 19:07 , Alex Pattle

Next up, 38-year-old veteran Badou Jack faces the unbeaten Richard Rivera in a cruiserweight contest.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 19:04 , Alex Pattle

While we wait for the next fight to begin, take a look at our pound-for-pound men’s boxing rankings.

Where on the list is Oleksandr Usyk? Is Anthony Joshua involved at all?

Find out right here:

The Independent’s pound-for-pound boxing rankings

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 18:51 , Alex Pattle

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 18:44 , Alex Pattle

Ziyad Almaayouf def. Jose Alatorre via first-round TKO (2:55).

A successful pro debut for Almaayouf! An unsuccessful but promising one for Mexican Alattore.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 18:41 , Alex Pattle

Almaayouf vs Alatorre – Round 1

This was meant to be a showcase for Almaayouf, but Alatorre starts quickly! He gets right after the Saudi Arabian and even hurts him with a left hook!

Alatorre is mainly throwing straight punches, however, and Almaayouf is trying to come around the sides with hooks.

He’s starting to land more effectively, and drops Alatorre with a right hand! Alatorre beats the count and goes after Almaayouf, but the home favourite pours on more counter hooks and puts Alatorre down again with another right hook!

And it’s all over!

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 18:36 , Alex Pattle

Next up is Ziyad Almaayouf vs Jose Alatorre at super-lightweight.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 18:28 , Alex Pattle

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 18:24 , Alex Pattle

Ali: “I feel really good. I feel like I need to go back and do some more pads – I didn’t really get out of first gear, but it’s cool having a stoppage. It’s just gone over my head.

“I haven’t seen [the finish] yet, so I need to watch it back.”

Ali is now 7-0 as a professional.

Usyk vs Joshua 2

Saturday 20 August 2022 18:19 , Alex Pattle

Ramla Ali def. Crystal Garcia Nova via first-round TKO (1:05).

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website