Oleksandr Usyk Defeats Anthony Joshua by Split Decision to Retain Boxing Heavyweight Titles

• Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua II ended in a second consecutive loss for the British boxer
• The Ukrainian, who defeated AJ last September to claim the WBA, WBO and IBF belts, has retained his titles
• A much-improved Joshua was given the nod on one of the judges' scorecards, taking it 115-11

Oleksandr Usyk beat Anthony Joshua for the second time on points to retain his belts.

Oleksandr Usyk claimed a stunning split-decision victory over Anthony Joshua to retain his WBA, WBO and IBF belts, while adding the Ring Magazine title to his collection.

A much-improved Joshua was given the nod on one of the judges' scorecards, taking it 115-113.

Daily Mail reports that a masterful Usyk, who will surely fight WBC champion Tyson Fury next, was handed it by the remaining judges 115-113 and 116-112.

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Boxing

How it went down in Saudi Arabia

Joshua made his intent clear in Round One as he started throwing a right hand to the body that narrowly missed.

Usyk later came close with a straight left - one he landed within the opening 20 seconds last time out.

The Ukrainian landed a jab in the second round, but Joshua immediately responded with a body shot. Usyk then landed his own, though, showing his class once more.

By the sixth round, things changed dramatically as Usyk whipped a left hand into the body before switching upstairs. The speed and precision for a heavyweight was just incredible.

Usyk started Round Ten with a flurry of body shots as he followed up with a big left hand. And again!

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NBA

Joshua was hurt. Usyk then took advantage and started to plant his feet after a brilliant round for AJ as it was phenomenal from Usyk.

In Round Twelve, Joshua targeted Usyk's once more, whipping in a left hand to the midsection. He later turned to the as he searches for a knockout.

Usyk responded, spun off, and once again got out of distance. But there was another big shot from AJ! Both men felt the pace, both men gave it everything they had.

Usyk won by split decision

115-113 Joshua

115-113: Usyk

116-112: Usyk

Mike Tyson spotted on wheelchair

Sports Brief earlier reported that American boxing icon Mike Tyson was pushed in a wheelchair as he posed for photos with fans at the Miami International Airport on Tuesday, August 16.

The 56-year-old was making his way through the airport but still made time for his devoted fans as he received assistance.

The former heavyweight boxer is suffering from "sciatica flare-up" in his lower back, which is reported to be an old issue.