Oleksandr Usyk defeated Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision to become the unified heavyweight champion, ending Joshua’s title reign and capturing four major world titles.
USA| By Sayer Zaland
Oleksandr Usyk defeated Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision to win the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles in London on September 25, 2021.
Moving up from the cruiserweight division, the Ukrainian produced a disciplined performance over 12 rounds, using speed, movement and accurate combinations to control the fight against the defending champion.
The victory made Usyk one of the few boxers to win world titles in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. It also ended Joshua’s second reign as unified heavyweight champion.
Judges scored the contest unanimously in Usyk’s favor after he consistently outworked Joshua and finished the fight strongly.
The result reshaped the heavyweight division and set up a rematch between the two fighters the following year, which Usyk also won to retain his titles.