Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 LIVE: Result and reaction as Usyk wins thrilling fight by split decision
Follow the reaction as Usyk beats AJ in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia before some bizarre post-fight shenanigans
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:
Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua in heavyweight title rematch with split decision victory
Tyson Fury says he would ‘annihilate’ Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk in one night after Ukrainian’s win 
Anthony Joshua ‘left out to dry by his team’ during post-fight outburst, says Frazer Clarke
Anthony Joshua left broken and crushed by brave defeat to Oleksandr Usyk
Usyk vs Joshua 2 undercard: Hrgovic vs Zhang - Round 2
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
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
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
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
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
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:
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
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.”
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