Fresh off his split decision win over Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk caught up with Boxing Social to talk victory and score cards.
Despite a lot of talk of improved game plans and a more impressive showing from the Brit, Usyk noted only one tactical difference in the rematch. Translated by his promoter, Alex Krassyuk, he gave his thoughts on AJ’s performance.
“This time he made low blows more times than in the first fight.”
AJ certainly put more focus the champion’s body in his latest attempt to beat him, seeking to build on the punches that seemed to have the most impact in the first fight.
Usyk, whilst taken to deep waters in the 8th and 9th rounds, refused to succumb to the strategy.
Coming through Joshua’s onslaught will give the Ukrainian a boost knowing that what many fans thought may be a weakness or a path to victory appears to be something he can handle. He remains undefeated.
Moving on to discuss the win more generally, Usyk said it was ‘very cool’ to have defended his unified champion status successfully.
Despite one judge giving AJ the nod when many fans and pundits thought a unanimous decision would be more appropriate, Usyk wasn’t phased. When asked if he thought there was a chance the judges may have given it the other way, he simply responded ‘no.’
Now, the champion will return to his home country of Ukraine – an undisputed bout with WBC Champion Tyson Fury atop a to-do list that’s quickly becoming a hall-of-fame boxing story.