Anthony Joshua vs Usyk LIVE: Fight result, reaction and boxing highlights
Follow live reaction after the Briton lost his IBF, WBO and WBA titles at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
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 Oleksandr Usyk
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
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
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
Joshua just heard he’s got to wait ten more minutes because of the anthems...
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk
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
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
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
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.
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