Anthony Joshua vs Usyk LIVE: Fight result, reaction and boxing highlights
Follow live coverage after Oleksandr Usyk produced a flawless display of boxing to beat Anthony Joshua and dethrone him as world heavyweight champion.
The former unified cruiserweight champion was punch perfect as he hurt Joshua early and often on his way to a deserved and unanimous points victory (117-112, 116-112, 115-113) in front of more than 63,000 fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Ukrainian’s performance hands Joshua only the second professional defeat of his career in just his third fight at heavyweight and leaves hopes of an all-British clash with Tyson Fury in tatters.
Instead a rematch to attempt win back his IBF, WBO and WBA straps will surely be next after a chastening evening for the now former champ. Follow live reaction and analysis below from a big night of boxing at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium:
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Anthony Joshua vs Usyk result: Ukrainian shocks heavyweight champion to win world titles
Anthony Joshua losing to Oleksandr Usyk ‘a devastating defeat’, Eddie Hearn admits
‘Have a go!’ Dillian Whyte accuses Anthony Joshua of lacking ambition against Oleksandr Usyk
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk latest updates
Oleksandr Usyk stuns Anthony Joshua to become world heavyweight champion
Former unified cruiserweight champion takes unanimous points victory
Ukrainian wins IBF, WBO and WBA world titles
Anthony Joshua faces hard road back to the top after harsh lessons in defeat
12:13 , Karl Matchett
“Anthony Joshua’s boxing world was turned upside down in north London late on Saturday night in front of nearly 70,000 devoted fans.
Joshua was finished at the end, in pain, lucky to hear the last bell, barely on his feet, both eyes damaged, his nose bleeding and his world heavyweight title belts gone long before the official verdict. He was still throwing punches and never forget that.”
Steve Bunce delivers the final word on AJ’s defeat to Usyk in London.
Anthony Joshua faces hard road back to the top after harsh lessons in defeat
Usyk loves London but dreams of Anthony Joshua rematch in Kiev
10:58 , Karl Matchett
London continues to be Oleksandr Usyk’s lucky city but the new WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion would relish returning to his native Ukraine for a rematch against Anthony Joshua.
Despite giving away three inches in height, four in reach and nearly 20lbs in weight to Joshua, the superior ringcraft of the ex-undisputed world cruiserweight champion was there for all to see in his unanimous decision win.
The 34-year-old’s stunning triumph in just his third heavyweight bout in an electric atmosphere created by more than 66,000 fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium carried on his love affair with the English capital.
Usyk collected Olympic heavyweight gold nine years ago the day before Joshua topped the podium in the division above and admitted even his latest success pales in comparison to what he achieved in 2012.
“London is a really lucky city for me but not a single professional victory can be above an Olympic gold,” he said, via a translator. “I would love to have the rematch at Olympiyskiy Stadium in Kiev.”
Oleksandr Usyk loves London but dreams of Anthony Joshua rematch in Kiev
No regrets for Anthony Joshua after defeat to Oleksandr Usyk
10:00 , Karl Matchett
Anthony Joshua says he’ll be refraining from looking at defeat in a negative light and will only look ahead to his next opportunity.
“If it went well then it would have been perfect but it didn’t so I can’t really look at it and have any regrets.
“What I’m happy about is I can go again and I’ve got a chance of becoming heavyweight champion of the world again. Only positives from here moving forward, I’ve had enough of looking at things from a negative point of view.”
Anthony Joshua has no regrets about tactics and says ‘I can go again’
Anthony Joshua breaks silence after defeat to Oleksandr Usyk
02:05 , Ben Burrows
Anthony Joshua has vowed to “keep positive” in the wake of his devastating defeat at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night.
The Ukrainian produced a flawless display to hand Joshua a second defeat of his professional career and dethrone him as IBF, WBO and WBA heavyweight champ.
The former unified cruiserweight champion secured a hugely deserved unanimous points victory (117-112, 116-112, 115-113) in front of more than 63,000 fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Anthony Joshua breaks silence after defeat to Oleksandr Usyk
Anthony Joshua ‘already talking about winning the rematch' against Oleksandr Usyk
01:35 , Ben Burrows
Anthony Joshua is “already talking about winning the rematch” against Oleksandr Usyk, according to Eddie Hearn.
The former unified cruiserweight champion produced a masterclass to hand Joshua a second defeat of his professional career and dethrone him as IBF, WBO and WBA champ.
The Ukrainian secured a hugely deserved unanimous points victory (117-112, 116-112, 115-113) in front of more than 63,000 fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Joshua has a rematch clause and promoter Hearn suggests he’ll be ready to trigger it after a chastening defeat.
Anthony Joshua ‘already talking about winning rematch’ against Oleksandr Usyk
Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision
01:15 , Dylan Terry
. @usykaa showed his pedigree in the ring tonight. Amateur Champion. Olympic Gold medalist. Undisputed Cruiserweight Champion and now World Heavyweight champion. It pays to take the long road, put in the hard work and aggressively go after your goals. #JoshuaUsyk
— Lennox Lewis, CBE, CM (@LennoxLewis) September 25, 2021
Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision
Sunday 26 September 2021 00:55 , Dylan Terry
Former British heavyweight champion Dillian Whyte accused Anthony Joshua of lacking ambition after he lost his heavyweight titles in a crushing defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
Dillian Whyte accuses Anthony Joshua of lacking ambition against Oleksandr Usyk
Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision
Sunday 26 September 2021 00:35 , Dylan Terry
Hearn in full:
"AJ's desire is still there." 👊
Eddie Hearn discusses whether there will be an immediate rematch #JoshuaUsyk 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/0nRReE4dUG— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) September 25, 2021
Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision
Sunday 26 September 2021 00:15 , Dylan Terry
More from Hearn.
Speaking about Usyk, he said: “He goes down in history. No complaints from AJ, but it’s a tough defeat… He chose tonight to take on a pound-for-pound great. It didn’t work out, but he should get credit for that. He was beaten by the better man.”
Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision
Saturday 25 September 2021 23:57 , Dylan Terry
Eddie Hearn has already confirmed (in typical Hearn fashion) that Anthony Joshua will take the rematch which was in the contract for the fight with Usyk.
He said: “The fighter in AJ is already talking about, ‘I’ll win the rematch.’ Usyk was the deserved winner. He’s got to make changes in the rematch. He will want to go straight back into that rematch.”
Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision
Saturday 25 September 2021 23:52 , Dylan Terry
Arise King Oleksandr. Phenom of the cruiserweights. Slayer of the heavyweights.
Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision
Saturday 25 September 2021 23:47 , Dylan Terry
Eddie Hearn admits Anthony Joshua’s defeat to Oleksandr Usyk is “devastating”.
The former undisputed world cruiserweight champion put on a masterclass of heavyweight boxing in an electric atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to become world heavyweight king for the first time.
And promoter Hearn admits Joshua will be hurt by the result and the manner of it.
Anthony Joshua losing to Oleksandr Usyk ‘a devastating defeat’, Eddie Hearn admits
Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision
Saturday 25 September 2021 23:42 , Dylan Terry
Ladies and gentlemen, a sad Jamie Redknapp.
Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision
Saturday 25 September 2021 23:39 , Dylan Terry
The moment Usyk will have been dreaming of for many, many nights. A lot of people doubted him, but he wasn’t listening.
The end of a second reign...🎤📝 pic.twitter.com/KO6NgiskbB
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) September 25, 2021
Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision
Saturday 25 September 2021 23:35 , Dylan Terry
𝘿𝙊𝙐𝘽𝙇𝙀 𝙃𝘼𝙋𝙋𝙔, 𝙁𝙀𝙀𝙇 🔥🔥
Oleksandr Usyk reacts after defeating Anthony Joshua in London #JoshuaUsyk pic.twitter.com/zEPbr3V5TS— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) September 25, 2021
Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision
Saturday 25 September 2021 23:31 , Dylan Terry
Spurs getting involved. I don’t think they’ll be the last to hail the new heavyweight king. A stupendous performance from the Olympic gold medallist.
𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙬...
Congrats, @usykaa! 👑 pic.twitter.com/cYLNosuf08— Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (@SpursStadium) September 25, 2021
Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision
Saturday 25 September 2021 23:28 , Dylan Terry
Joshua took the defeat gracefully. There were tears of joy when Usyk had his hand raised. A relief as well, probably.
Jubilant scenes. Magnificent fight. Worthy winner.
Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision
Saturday 25 September 2021 23:22 , Dylan Terry
A Ukrainian dreamland.
Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision
Saturday 25 September 2021 23:16 , Dylan Terry
Joshua swiftly made his way back to the changing room. He is understandably gutted. He will also come again.
Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision
Saturday 25 September 2021 23:12 , Dylan Terry
Speaking after the fight, Usyk said: “The fight went the way I expected it to go.
“There were a couple of moments where Anthony Joshua pushed me hard, but just nothing special.”
Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision
Saturday 25 September 2021 23:10 , Dylan Terry
A special kind of fighter.
Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision
Saturday 25 September 2021 23:09 , Dylan Terry
Cruiserweight ✅
Heavyweight ✅@usykaa two weight World Champ 🇺🇦#JoshuaUsyk pic.twitter.com/SRFGDCQjlO— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) September 25, 2021
Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision
Saturday 25 September 2021 23:07 , Dylan Terry
Usyk has got it!!! On all three judges scorecards - 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113. There shall be no robbery tonight!
Usyk deservedly becomes the NEW heavyweight champion of the world. Anthony Joshua’s second reign as champion has come to an end.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk
Saturday 25 September 2021 23:05 , Dylan Terry
As we wait for the scorecards, let’s get one thing absolutely straight. That was one of THE great boxing displays from a sensational, remarkable, once-in-a-generation fighter.
Take a bow, Oleksandr Usyk. Let’s hope he doesn’t get robbed.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk: Round 12
Saturday 25 September 2021 23:03 , Dylan Terry
Do we have a new world heavyweight champion? Oleksandr Usyk looks to have done it!
A nice left hook lands for Usyk at the start of the 12th and final round. Joshua answers with a decent left hook of his own but it’s not got the power that it had at the start of the fight.
Usyk knows he just needs to evade and stay out of trouble now. The Ukrainian has put on an absolute MASTERCLASS here tonight.
He begins to pepper Joshua down the pipe! Can the challenge force a stoppage? Not quite, but absolutely takes it to Joshua at the end! The champion can barely stand. He sticks his tongue out as the bell sounds.
I’ve got Usyk at least four rounds up.
We go to the official scorecards.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk: Round 11
Saturday 25 September 2021 22:59 , Dylan Terry
Usyk comes out swinging in round 11! He is faster now than he was at the start of the fight! Joshua rides the wave of Ukrainian punches well and manages to get a bit of respite.
Joshua comes back with some good right hands! These last two rounds could be so crucial and both men know it. They’re single punches from the champion but they are scoring ones.
The corner have done well with the swelling but they can’t help him in the ring and Usyk lands several times once more. The power in Joshua’s punches has seeped away a little now, he looks tired.
The bell goes. However you’ve seen this, surely Joshua needs a knockout now?
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk: Round 10
Saturday 25 September 2021 22:55 , Dylan Terry
Nine minutes remaining. You feel now that - with good judges - Usyk is probably at least three rounds up heading into the final three here. Will Joshua need to look for the knockout soon?
Joshua tries the uppercut but it is miles away from landing. The champion’s face looks a bit messed up now as the rounds tick by and he continues to eat leather from the technically supreme Ukrainian. The two Olympic gold medallists have not disappointed here, this is a fight of the highest quality.
Oh, hang on! A cut from the eye of Usyk and that has galvanised Joshua! He marches forward and the crowd are up - they are trying to push him on!
But that’s not good for Joshua - a lot of swelling on the right eye! The bell goes.
Championship rounds incoming.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk: Round 9
Saturday 25 September 2021 22:51 , Dylan Terry
Joshua gets a warning at the beginning of the ninth for holding Usyk’s head while trying to offload on the Ukrainian. You feel the latter rounds would favour the bigger man as the punches begin to wear on Usyk. But will that come to fruition?
Another cagey first half of the round and those lulls in the action tend to favour Usyk as he is able smartly coax his way through proceedings.
Joshua swings and misses with a right hook that he attempts to turn into an uppercut. The uppercut has not been used at all so far from the champion - usually his flagship shot.
Got to be another Usyk round.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk: Round 8
Saturday 25 September 2021 22:47 , Dylan Terry
This is a special, special fight. Utterly absorbing.
Usyk does not look tired but that can all change with a big shot from Joshua. The champion does try to open the challenger up but Usyk blocks it with his lead hand.
Joshua is beginning to throw more frequently - he will know he is down on the cards as it stands. A nice body shot from Joshua has Usyk drifting backwards. The Ukrainian marches forward once more though, his volume of punches has not dropped since the first round.
Some good work from Joshua and a lovely right hook to the body finishes the round positively for the champion.
This is very, very close.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk: Round 7
Saturday 25 September 2021 22:43 , Dylan Terry
Joshua has got his tail up now. He knows he hurt Usyk a little towards the end of that sixth round. Still a long way to go.
The champion is growing into this fight but Usyk is very experienced, he knows how to break the momentum of a fighter.
Joshua with a nice left hook to the body as he backs Usyk up but the Ukrainian snaps back with a lovely left hook of his own to the temple of the champion. Just as you think it’s turning the way of Joshua, Usyk fires back with a few shots of his own.
OH! There’s a huge shot from Usyk! He sends Joshua tumbling backwards but the Brit does not go down. It was a bit of a trip but he was also hurt. Massive from Usyk there.
A very good round and as the bell sounds Joshua jokingly pretends to throw another punch. Usyk laughs it off. Nothing is phasing either of these men.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk: Round 6
Saturday 25 September 2021 22:39 , Dylan Terry
As we approach the halfway mark it’s Usyk who has a little mark under his right eye, presumably from the Joshua right hand towards the end of the fifth.
Both men take the first minute of the sixth round off as they analyse one another once more. Usyk lands a soft jab but other than that it’s a mixture of feints and head movement from the pair.
Usyk then lands a stiff left hand and Joshua can’t answer as he misses with a right down the pipe.
Oh but there’s a huge right from Joshua! There is just 20 seconds to go by the time the champion gets through but it looks to have worried Usyk a little here! He’s backing off and happy to see the bell.
A very good round for Joshua.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk: Round 5
Saturday 25 September 2021 22:35 , Dylan Terry
Joshua looking a little sluggish at the moment, really struggling to deal with the skill and movement of Usyk. The commentators question whether he can keep this up but he has done in every one of his pro fights in the past so no reason to doubt he can’t again.
A nice shot from Joshua momentarily staggers Usyk but he’s off-balance more than hurt. A good right to the body from Joshua does land flush on the torso.
Left from Usyk is met with a right from Joshua and then another big shot from the champion! That tested the chin of Usyk! And another from the Brit!
Much better finish to the round from Joshua. Probably just got his first three minutes on the scoreboard.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk: Round 4
Saturday 25 September 2021 22:31 , Dylan Terry
Usyk has been superb so far and probably won each of the first three rounds and it tells at the start of the fourth as Joshua stumbles and nearly falls over his own feet. Can the Ukrainian keep this up?
A quieter opening 90 seconds of the round as both men recover a little from those big blows at the end of the third. Joshua then gets through with a sharp right hand. The Brit then locks Usyk up in a clinch. He needs to utilise those clinches, lean on Usyk and make him feel the weight.
Nice left to the body from Usyk. His sensational footwork is allowing him to close the gap to Joshua.
A closer round but Usyk still getting the upper hand in my opinion.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk: Round 3
Saturday 25 September 2021 22:27 , Dylan Terry
Joshua’s trainer Rob McCracken continually telling the Brit to ‘stay light on his feet’. He’s going to need to be if he is going to find a way through Usyk.
Lovely shots from Usyk at the start of the third! He jumps in when Joshua reaches and misses and the Ukrainian clips AJ with a right hand-left hook combo. Wonderful stuff.
Worth remembering we did expect Usyk to win the early rounds, but that should not take away from the fact that this has been a brilliant opening nine minutes from the challenger.
It’s been a bit of a chess match but there’s the first major blows! A huge left hook from Usyk gives Joshua’s legs a wobble and the Brit has to hold!
Then Joshua comes back with a big shot of his own! Both men landing bombs at the end of the round.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk: Round 2
Saturday 25 September 2021 22:23 , Dylan Terry
The way Usyk perfectly judges the distance after just a few exchanges really is sublime. Joshua is just a couple of inches away from landing but the Ukrainian has measured him superbly so far.
A nice left hand clips the head of Usyk but it doesn’t phase him one but. Joshua then lands a decent one-two combination to the body of the challenger - better from the Brit.
Usyk trying to work the body a bit. The size is noticeable but so far it hasn’t been the key factor in this fight. Another left hand is blocked partly by the hand of Joshua but it does slip through onto the face.
Joshua unleashes a big right hand inside the final 20 seconds but Usyk evades it. The head movement is causing Joshua all sorts of trouble in the early stages.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk: Round 1
Saturday 25 September 2021 22:19 , Dylan Terry
Ding, ding, ding. We’re underway and it’s Usyk who lands the first blow of the fight with a very sharp left hand through the guard of Joshua. It instantly catches the attention of the champion as Usyk attempts to take centre ring. Very interesting.
Quite a cagey opening as we expected. Joshua tries a couple of right hands down the pipe but they don’t land clean and then Usyk comes back with a lovely left!
The southpaw enters the final minute of the first round having landed the best two shots of the fight so far. He is alive. Electricity running through the veins of the Ukrainian.
Joshua swings and misses with a couple of wild swings. First blow goes to the challenger.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk
Saturday 25 September 2021 22:15 , Dylan Terry
I will be providing round-by-round updates of this one. I shall not be scoring but you should get a pretty decent idea of who has won each round.
We are about to get going. All the pre-fight build-up is done.
Here. We. Go.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk
Saturday 25 September 2021 22:13 , Dylan Terry
‘LET’S GET READY TO RUMBBBBBLLLEEEEEEEEE’. There is no five words more famous in sport than those from Buffer.
Apologies if my spelling frays a little, I may or may not be shaking with a bit of excitement.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk
Saturday 25 September 2021 22:11 , Dylan Terry
Both men are now in the ring. Michael Buffer will now announce them one more time before they get down to business.
We really are just minutes away now before the first bell sounds.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk
Saturday 25 September 2021 22:09 , Dylan Terry
The legendary Michael Buffer is in the building for the announcements. You know it’s a big night when Buffer is in town.
‘A’ and ‘J’ are set alight in huge letters as Joshua stands in between them and gets the crowd going. More fireworks ensue.
This isn’t just a fight, it’s also one giant show.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk
Saturday 25 September 2021 22:07 , Dylan Terry
Here he comes. White robe. Singing his theme tune like he doesn’t have a care in the world. Anthony Joshua is a sporting phenomenon and he is keen to write another chapter this evening.
A cacophony of cheers ring out as he makes his way out of the tunnel. This is what he is used to. He is drinking it in.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk
Saturday 25 September 2021 22:04 , Dylan Terry
Usyk looks more focussed than laid back now. He has a job to do and you would be a bold man to bet against the former undisputed cruiserweight champion.
Now we wait for his opponent... ‘Oh, Anthony Joshua’ rings out all across the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk
Saturday 25 September 2021 22:02 , Dylan Terry
Right, here comes Usyk. The lights have gone down and the Ukrainian sensation appears on the big screen.
What’s this? He’s got a kind of astronaut-type mask on that is obscuring his face. Quite bizarre and scary in equal measure.
He steps out into the stadium to a chorus of boos from the British fans.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk
Saturday 25 September 2021 22:01 , Dylan Terry
Joshua just heard he’s got to wait ten more minutes because of the anthems...
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk
Saturday 25 September 2021 21:59 , Dylan Terry
No words needed.
Sweet Caroline 🎶 #JoshuaUsyk pic.twitter.com/fEhsn1hbO4
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) September 25, 2021
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk
Saturday 25 September 2021 21:59 , Dylan Terry
I tell you what, even the most cynical boxing fan has to hand it to the production value behind this. There’s fireworks, there’s music, there’s a sold out stadium with a pumping atmosphere.
This could well trump the Klitschko fight when it comes to the best atmosphere Joshua has fought in front of. Sensational.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk
Saturday 25 September 2021 21:57 , Dylan Terry
The best way to kill all momentum before a fight? Two national anthems.
That’s exactly what we’ve got now and I apologise for the five-minute delay while I wait for the songs to be completed.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk
Saturday 25 September 2021 21:56 , Dylan Terry
The biggest cheer of the night so far goes to Sweet Caroline. The crowd are getting into full voice here. We are just moments away from the two fighters making their ringwalks for a special, special fight.
I’ve got chills. Sue me.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk
Saturday 25 September 2021 21:54 , Dylan Terry
Oh, hello! Jamie Redknapp has popped up now. Shockingly, he ‘can’t imagine’ fighting in front of 70,000 fans. Not overly surprising.
He also revealed he has played golf with famous Ukrainian Andriy Shevchenko. Probably all Redknapp has to offer on a boxing show to be honest.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk
Saturday 25 September 2021 21:51 , Dylan Terry
Joshua is limbering up in the dressing room, hitting the bag as he visualises being in the ring with the elusive Ukrainian.
He looks razor sharp and focussed.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk
Saturday 25 September 2021 21:49 , Dylan Terry
Seeing a few more famous faces at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
West Ham midfielder Declan Rice was the first to be questioned on how he thinks the fight will go. Rather predictably, he said Joshua within six rounds.
Then we heard from Vitali Klitschko, a former Ukrainian heavyweight champion of the world. He rather surprisingly also admitted that it is a ‘very difficult’ fight for Usyk. Still, he didn’t go so far as to rule out his compatriot for the victory.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk
Saturday 25 September 2021 21:46 , Dylan Terry
The tale of the tape ahead of tonight’s huge, massive, seismic heavyweight dust-up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
One thing that cannot be summed up with numbers - skill.
The Tale of the Tape for #JoshuaUsyk 🍿 pic.twitter.com/9gxRMsxw2c
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) September 25, 2021
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk
Saturday 25 September 2021 21:43 , Dylan Terry
Dereck Chisora and Conor Benn in the house.
Joshua came through the same boxing gym as Chisora - Finchley ABC. And Usyk fought Chisora last year, winning by unanimous decision.
🇬🇧 🥊 @ConorNigel #warchisora #ChisoraParker2 pic.twitter.com/W7A86IXo8E
— Derek Chisora 🥊 (@DerekWarChisora) September 25, 2021
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 21:40 , Dylan Terry
Tough to say, David. If he is blasted out of there in one or two rounds then he may well feel it’s time to pack it in. Let’s not forget, he had an amateur career that lasted longer than a decade. He has been getting punched for a long, long time.
That being said, if it’s a close decision or at the very least a competitive fight then he may look to stick around for one or two more. His profile has been raised simply by fighting Joshua.
@DylanTerryJnst Both men have a lot on the line here. AJ loses he probably gets a rematch but where does Usyk go if he loses?
— David (@DavidSantiMedia) September 25, 2021
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk
Saturday 25 September 2021 21:36 , Dylan Terry
I’m getting rid of ‘plus undercard’ in the title of these posts now. The undercard it’s done, it’s history. It wasn’t the greatest undercard of all time, but no-one will remember that in ten years time.
It’s all about Joshua and Usyk. This is about AJ returning to a stadium full of British fight fans and delivering what they are all wishing for.
Don’t get this mistake, this is HUGE.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 21:33 , Dylan Terry
The crowd is ready. The famous faces are ready. The fighters are almost ready. In around one hour’s time we will hopefully be in the midst of a heavyweight classic.
The atmosphere in the stadium now is absolutely through the roof.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 21:29 , Dylan Terry
Mo Farah in the house. From one Olympic gold medallist to another, Farah will be hoping AJ’s hand is raised tonight.
There is very little to split between Joshua and Usyk. Don’t think you could even fit a tiny little Mo Farah in between them.
Mo Farah is loving life in the crowd 〽️🤣#JoshuaUsyk pic.twitter.com/X2yDinsFNd
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) September 25, 2021
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 21:26 , Dylan Terry
Two Olympic gold medallists. Two world champions. Two superstars in their own right. But only one will emerge victorious tonight.
(I’m not talking about Hearn).
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 21:23 , Dylan Terry
Okolie on what’s next for him as a world cruiserweight champion.
Cruiserweight unification 🔜 #JoshuaUsyk pic.twitter.com/Ce1Z6w3EmG
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) September 25, 2021
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 21:20 , Dylan Terry
Oleksandr Usyk gets some words of advice from compatriot and friend Vasyl Lomachenko ahead of his huge heavyweight clash tonight.
Loma is one of the great fighters from this current generation.
Oleksandr Usyk getting final words from Vasyl Lomachenko before the Anthony Joshua fight… pic.twitter.com/xgisWExKWY
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) September 25, 2021
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 21:17 , Dylan Terry
Could be a bit of a wait now for the main event. Matchroom’s Frank Smith said earlier this evening that he is planning for the ringwalks to begin around 9.55pm BST.
That gives us 40 minutes or so to have a bit of chat about the fight. What do you guys think is going to happen?
Tweet me @dylanterryjnst.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 21:14 , Dylan Terry
I wouldn’t be surprised if Okolie goes back to the dressing room and does 6-8 rounds of pads before watching the main event.
The British Olympian has demolished everyone in his path over the last two years. Now he needs the very biggest names in the division.
Mairis Briedis - who lost a split decision to Usyk - is a possible fight for Okolie. That would be some clash.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 21:10 , Dylan Terry
You know what’s next...
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 21:03 , Ben Burrows
Light work for the Brit. A right hand on the top of the head was followed up by a left hook to the rib cage and that was all she wrote.
A comfortable evening.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 21:01 , Dylan Terry
Okolie vs Prasovic - Round 3
Okolie knows he can hurt Prasovic now and suddenly the fight is a bit more open. There’s a bit more intent from Okolie to finish this in the third.
BANG! The pace is lifted once more and Okolie knocks Prasovic out with a one-two combination!
That was as easy as you like. He barely took a shot.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 20:58 , Dylan Terry
Okolie vs Prasovic - Round 2
Okolie holds his right hand so far back, it’s like a machine gun waiting to get rid of its bullets. Not a lot of quality in these opening two rounds to be honest. Prasovic is keen to hold and make things look very ugly in the early stages. Referee Steve Gray seems to be (correctly) breaking them up every 10 or 15 seconds.
Oh hang on! A single right gets through from Okolie and Prasovic is down on the canvas! He looks to his corner and gets back to his feet but this one could be all over!
He somehow makes it to the bell but - out of nowhere - Okolie nearly got the job done there.
There’s the power.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 20:57 , Dylan Terry
Meanwhile backstage...hands are being wrapped.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 20:54 , Dylan Terry
Okolie vs Prasovic - Round 1
The first evident thing to note is that Okolie has a huge size advantage. It really does look like a heavyweight up against a cruiserweight in there.
Prasovic looked very jittery during the introductions and has come out a little gun-shy in the opening stages of this one.
Okolie stalking is pray, looking for the opening. A lot of half-hearted jabs from the Brit as he cautiously waits to unload that fierce right.
Cagey opening. Okolie with the upper hand.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 20:50 , Dylan Terry
Okolie vs Prasovic
Okolie is 16-0. Prasovic is 15-0. But Okolie has fought much better opposition and is the overwhelming favourite in this one.
The Brit has also knocked out all of his last six opponents before the eighth round. Fair to say he is a puncher in the cruiserweight division.
Can he give the fans what they have paid to see tonight? Can he wet the appetite for the main event? Both fighters are in the ring and ready to go.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 20:49 , Dylan Terry
Okolie vs Prasovic
Right, it’s time for the chief support now as the WBO cruiserweight title is one the line.
Now, I want Okolie to win and defend his belt. But if Prasovic somehow pulls off the upset then it will be SOLELY because of his first name. It might be spelt different, but Dylan’s are never losers (I’ve never had a fight in my life so I’m technically still undefeated).
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 20:44 , Dylan Terry
Scenes.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 20:39 , Dylan Terry
The crowd is bouncing now. We’ve just cut to a number of famous faces from both boxing and in the world of entertainment.
British boxer Joshua Buatsi and actor Idris Elba are the latest stars to be seen ringside as the excitement ramps up to new levels.
Bit of EDM (not a fan usually) has actually lifted crowd no end. AJ and Usyk is just over one hour away.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 20:35 , Dylan Terry
Just one more fight before the main event (I think). Lawrence Okolie defends his WBO cruiserweight title against undefeated challenger Dilan Prasovic.
‘The Sauce’ is ready to entertain.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 20:30 , Dylan Terry
Eubank Jr on Hatton
Chris Eubank Jr has given his take on Campbell Hatton. Both have very famous ex-boxers for fathers.
Eubank said: “Don’t worry about the big stage, don’t worry about impressing the fans, don’t worry about the name.
“Go away, go to Mexico, go to the small shows, build your record, build your experience, and then come back and do all this.”
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 20:25 , Dylan Terry
We’ve already had two very poor scorecards tonight. Let’s hope we don’t get a third in the main event.
This was one of the few clean shots Hatton landed in the fight.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 20:20 , Dylan Terry
Hatton vs Martinez
Oh my! That’s a bit of a disgrace. Hatton gets the nod, 58-57 according to referee Marcus McDonnell.
Sorry but the Brit did not win that fight.
.@CampbellHatton gets the decision 58-57!#HattonMartinez #JoshuaUsyk pic.twitter.com/70OHX0TgdW
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) September 25, 2021
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 20:18 , Dylan Terry
Hatton vs Martinez
More of a quiet final round. Hatton has not done nearly enough to score a 10-8 and may not even have won these final three minutes. From the opening stages of the fight you could tell Martinez felt this was a real opportunity.
Hatton covers up inside the last 60 seconds and Martinez senses a stoppage could be on the cards! It doesn’t quite come for the Spaniard, but surely he will get his hand raised here?
The crowd got behind Hatton to see him over the line, but I very much doubt it was enough to clinch victory.
An upset pending.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 20:15 , Dylan Terry
Hatton vs Martinez
Two delicious left hands from Hatton as he looks to ramp things up at the beginning of the fifth round. Martinez doesn’t budge though and he fires back with equally impressive head and body work.
There are flurries of impressive shots for Hatton but it’s simply not enough. At best Martinez is probably one point ahead. At worst he could be out of sight and over the hill.
Hatton needs a big, big final round.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 20:11 , Dylan Terry
Hatton vs Martinez
This is a really close fight. The action picks up a bit more again in the fourth as Hatton works the body with his lead hand before Martinez comes back with some nice body shots of his own. Tit for tat.
With a home crowd you would (somewhat sadly) expect these close rounds to go Hatton’s way. But you never know, he needs to make sure. And he isn’t at the moment.
Two to go.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 20:07 , Dylan Terry
Lawrence Okolie watching on as he prepares to defend his WBO cruiserweight title this evening. The Olympian looks in tremendous shape ahead of his defence against Dilan Prasovic.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 20:05 , Dylan Terry
Hatton vs Martinez
Really nice left hook from Hatton towards the end of a pretty quiet third round. Martinez still looks very comfortable in there, strutting around as if he is only just getting started.
Hatton probably behind on the cards after three rounds. Much, much closer than we all thought.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 20:02 , Dylan Terry
Hatton vs Martinez
This has become a slugfest already. Martinez is landing too frequently at the moment. Hatton comes back with some decent left hooks of his own but his feet are under him and he’s too far away when trying to land the right.
Much closer round. Martinez already outperforming expectations.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 19:59 , Dylan Terry
Hatton vs Martinez
Oh, hello! Martinez has started like an absolute train! He clips Hatton with a couple of glancing blows and then gets through with a superb uppercut-right hook combination! Hatton looks a little wobbly on his legs for a moment and Martinez throws his arms up as if to say ‘I can deal with all you’ve got’.
Only six rounds, this. Martinez definitely won the opener.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 19:55 , Dylan Terry
And here comes the challenger. Oleksandr Usyk is also in the building. We are just two hours away until the Ukrainian steps into the ring with Anthony Joshua.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 19:54 , Dylan Terry
Castillo update from Hearn. The Dominican fighter was brutally knocked out by Callum Smith earlier this evening.
A horrible brutal knockout. Castillo is responsive and on his way to hospital 🙏 #SmithCastillo
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) September 25, 2021
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 19:52 , Dylan Terry
Hatton vs Martinez
Here we go then with the third televised fight of the evening. Florian Marku and Callum Smith have already picked up very different victories. Now it’s the turn of Campbell Hatton, the son of legendary British fighter Ricky.
Ricky is ringside to watch his son this evening. Campbell, who is campaigning at lightweight, will want to put on a show for those in the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It’s filling up very nicely now.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 19:50 , Dylan Terry
Here is the world heavyweight champion arriving at the stadium.
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙥 𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 👑#JoshuaUsyk pic.twitter.com/hGIvFrdcZM
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) September 25, 2021
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 19:46 , Dylan Terry
Little shot of Smith being congratulated by AJ as he returns to the dressing room. A good win for Smith, but Joshua has another level of pressure on his shoulders this evening.
Not that you’d know it from looking at him...
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 19:42 , Dylan Terry
Next up on tonight’s show is the son of a legend. No, it’s not more Eddie Hearn. It’s Ricky Hatton’s son Campbell.
Campbell, 20, is competing in his fourth professional fight tonight. Still a raw novice, but an exciting fighter nonetheless. He takes on Sonni Martinez, who has a record of two wins and four defeats.
Spoiler: Hatton wins.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 19:38 , Dylan Terry
Lenin Castillo has gone to hospital because of ‘precautionary measures’, according to Sky Sports. He is said to be conscious.
Good news.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 19:34 , Dylan Terry
In among all the aftermath of that it was easy to lose sight of the fact that Callum Smith looked absolutely superb. A real statement performance from the Liverpudlian in his first fight since December last year.
Smith will be a handful for anyone in the 175 pound division.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 19:29 , Dylan Terry
Hope Castillo is ok 🙏🏼
— anthony crolla (@ant_crolla) September 25, 2021
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 19:24 , Dylan Terry
The knockout was vicious, brutal. But Castillo is now being carried off on a stretcher. A hush has descended upon the stadium. Everyone is clearly very concerned.
Smith went from celebration to consolation very quickly. He looks as concerned as everyone else.
A round of applause as Castillo is carried away on a stretcher.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 19:19 , Dylan Terry
Smith wins via second round stoppage
This one didn’t last long and that is a worrying knockout. A huge one-two from Smith lays Castillo out. A textbook combination from Smith and a statement win from the newest addition to the light-heavyweight division.
But, more importantly, Lenin Castillo’s leg was shaking in a very worrying way after he hit the canvas. He looked very distressed and the referee waved it off very quickly.
The medics are in the ring.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 19:15 , Dylan Terry
Wouldn’t fancy getting in the way of this...
Dillian Whyte returns to the ring on October 30 when he faces Otto Wallin. Whyte still waiting for that world title shot that has somehow eluded him his entire career so far.
. @DillianWhyte 😂💣 @DAZNBoxing pic.twitter.com/mssoD1dMlx
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) September 25, 2021
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 19:13 , Dylan Terry
Smith vs Castillo
Here we go then with our second televised contest of the night. Callum Smith faces Lenin Castillo. It’s the Brit’s first fight up at light-heavyweight. Will be interesting to see how he gets on.
M U N D O@CallumSmith23 #SmithCastillo #JoshuaUsyk pic.twitter.com/kvKoAVT2G2
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) September 25, 2021
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 19:09 , Dylan Terry
Callum Smith up soon. He returns for the first time since being beaten by Canelo Alvarez in a super-middleweight unification at the end of last year.
What can he do now he is at light-heavyweight? He comes up against the season Lenin Castillo very shortly.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 19:04 , Dylan Terry
Marku gets the nod by the finest of margins. That being said, he deserved the victory and should have gotten it on all three judges scorecards.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 18:59 , Dylan Terry
Marku wins
As expected, Florian Marku gets the decision but it is MUCH, MUCH closer than some expected.
The scorecards are as followed. 99-91 Prodan, 97-93 Marku, 96-94 Marku.
99-91 Prodan!!! That is an unbelievable card!! What on EARTH were they watching?!
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk plus undercard
Saturday 25 September 2021 18:56 , Dylan Terry
Marku vs Prodan
Matthew Macklin’s unofficial scorecard on Sky Sports is very wide for Marku - he has only given Prodan one round. I think that’s harsh, but the Albanian has produced the better quality over the ten rounds.
Marku ends strongly as he snaps the head back with the jab once more. He raises his arm inside the last 20 seconds under the assumption he has done enough to win. He almost certainly has.
Think we could be looking at some 97-93 scorecards in favour of Marku. Something in that ballpark.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website