Results
Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua 2 – Results and Fight Report
Aleksander Usyk defended the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles and added the Ring Magazine belt with a split decision victory Anthony Joshua in the rematch in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Their original meeting took place in September last year, and Usyk’s biggest surprise was the ease with which he scored points at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, hurting Joshua on several occasions. Usyk had previously gained weight after clearing the cruiserweight division while Joshua had previously lost and regained belts, and for the Briton, who turned to recent trainer Robert Garcia, it was a must-win opportunity.
It was a cautious opening, with Usyk (20-0, KO13) finding clever angles and possibly shading the first round, and JOshua (24-3, KO22) didn’t employ much energy. Joshua did land a decent punch in the second minute, but Usyk’s movement and jab were causing problems for the former champion. The Ukrainian dominated the center ring, and Joshua had trouble pinning his fighter down, though he did land a right hand in the third period. After the fourth quarter, Joshua focused on Usyk’s body in round five, and it seemed to pay off, although the champion continued to find success with his counterattacks.
Joshua kept up the pressure and there was more good bodywork in the sixth set but Usyk was his usual tranquil and classy self, responding with shots to his own body. Usyk’s footwork and arm speed seemed to win out but Joshua again landed on the body more than once in the eighth, catching the 35-year-old’s attention. Joshua was increasingly successful, causing Usyk to lose his bearings in the ninth and bankrupt, but Usyk again avoided trouble and finished the session. Usyk responded in kind, starting the tenth in excellent style with a few spotless shots but a powerful counter right found refuge for the former champion, which was exhausting for him as combinations rained down. Another body shot troubled Usyk in the penultimate round but he shook it off and landed more effective and precise shots that Joshua could not avoid. The Londoner went for glory in the final frame but was understandably tired and unable to secure the knockout he desperately needed as the fight went the distance.
Scores of 115-113 and 116-112 won the fight for Usyk, while Glen Feldman somehow scored in the fight 115-113 for Joshua.
Joshua was very upset after the fight and threw the belts out of the ring before going to the microphone to congratulate his opponent.
The main support was also the fight in the heavyweight division and in the thriller, Filip Hrgović (15-0, KO12) won a controversial points victory Zhilei Zhang (24-1-1, KO19) in the IBF heavyweight title eliminator final.
A heated right hand dropped the Croatian in the first frame, and Zhang staggered Hrgovic behind schedule in the fifth and gave him a close sixth. Hrgovic hung in there and had some success, but by the end of the ninth he was tired and under a lot of pressure. Hrgovic found his second wind, though, and in the tenth he unleashed a barrage of combinations to the head and body that hurt Zhang, but he was strangely spaced out and disinterested. Both men were exhausted by the finish and the thrilling fight went down to the cards.
Two scores of 115-112 and the third 114-113 won the fight for Hrgovic.
🇭🇷 𝐇𝐑𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐂 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐓! 🇭🇷
115-112
115-112
114-113 pic.twitter.com/oCV2fUuHrm— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) August 20, 2022
WBC lithe heavyweight title eliminator goes his own way Callum Smith (29-1, KO20)and overcame a tardy start to knock out Mathieu Bauderlique (21-2, KO12).
The left counter-attack threw the Frenchman in the fourth quarter, and after the restart, the same shot was fired with much greater force, this time crushing Bauderlique and a break was quickly called.
“That’s another thing for the reel!” 🧨🎞️
Callum Smith with a brutal, brutal knockout! 😳 pic.twitter.com/fJOVfMVu50
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) August 20, 2022
Former world champion in two weight categories Badou Jack (27-3-3, KO16) was in the action and the Swede was extremely fortunate to receive a split decision after ten rounds in the cruiserweight division Richard Rivera (21-1, KO16).
Jack looked like a faded version of himself and was outplayed for most of the contest, although he had a forceful eight that lasted an astonishing four minutes when he hurt the tiring Rivera. Jack finished well but it looked like Rivera had done more than enough to win but two 96-94 scores for Jack trumped one of the same score for Rivera.
Ben Whitaker (2-0, KO1) fought his second professional fight after winning silver at the Tokyo Olympics last year, with the lithe heavyweight contender amassing six rounds in a wide points victory against Petar Wear (6-1, KO3). Whitaker stopped Nosic in the amateur round, but the Croatian played well before losing 60-54 and 59-55 (twice) on the scorecards.
𝐒𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐂 Ben Whittaker v Petar Nosic 🔥⭐@BenGWhittaker | @Boxxer | #UsykJoshua2 pic.twitter.com/JHolUDM9Dl
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) August 20, 2022
Ramla Ali (7-1, KO2) AND Crystal Garcia Nova (10-3, KO10) made history as the first two women to box professionally in Saudi Arabia, and Ali wasted no time in stopping the Dominican less than a round into their super bantamweight contest. A large right hand knocked out Nova’s shield, and a body shot finished the deal.
Former contender for the cruiserweight world title Andrew Tabiti (20-1, KO16) made a winning heavyweight debut, and the American earned a fifth-round retirement victory against James Wilson (7-1-1, KO6). Wilson was tired and shaky in the fifth, and the constant attack to the body threw him to the deck. As he ran out of energy, Wilson’s corner pulled him out of the action at the end of the frame.
Ukrainian lithe heavyweight fighter Daniel Lapin (6-0, KO6) secured a half-dozen professional victories, routinely winning 80-72 in eight rounds Józef Jurko (9-7-1, KO6).
Ziyad Almayouf (1-0, KO1) delighted his home fans when the super lightweight defeated him by knockout in the first round José Alatorre (0-1). The pair exchanged from the start, but a tough right hand knocked Alatorre down, and shortly after the restart, the same shot knocked him down again and the fight was stopped.
Bader Samreen (6-0, KO5) extended his undefeated record by stopping Fuad Tarverdi (5-3, KO4) in the fourth and final round of his lightweight competition.
YouTuber Belhas’s “Moneykicks” smashed (0-1) he was nervous about his debut, as was Bulgaria Traycho Georgiev (1-3, KO0) took a split decision, winning over four rounds in the welterweight division.
David Benavidez gave some harsh advice to Mike Tyson following his loss to Jake Paul last weekend.
Benavidez was one of millions of people around the world who witnessed Paul comfortably defeat an extremely faded Tyson to score wide unanimous decision victory.
At 58 years antique, “Iron Mike” looked like a shell of the man who ruled the heavyweight division in his prime, and some observers even believe he was carried by the YouTuber and could have been stopped at any time.
Despite the fact that the two only competed for two minutes, the fight was fully sanctioned and will go down in their records.
It was Tyson’s first professional fight since his loss to Kevin McBride in 2005, Benavidez said. Fighting Hub TV this should be his last.
“He needs to retire.”
Offering further analysis, “The Mexican Monster” explained that he was simply relieved to see the former heavyweight king leave the ring unscathed.
“It was a good fight and a good turnout, but I don’t want to see Mike Tyson fight again. Let’s hope he says it.
“𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐰 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 😕
Jake Paul admits he stopped Mike Tyson last night.#PaulTyson pic.twitter.com/yIDrNf138b
— Professional boxing fans (@ProBoxingFans) November 16, 2024
“It was a good performance, Mike Tyson won there and earned well, and he deserves it. I’m just content he didn’t get injured there.
“Mike Tyson is Mike Tyson, but 60-year-old Mike Tyson is different.”
In a post-fight interview, Tyson seemed interested in fighting Jake’s brother, Logan, but has since insisted on social media that he will not return to the ring.
The series has reportedly attracted approximately 108 million viewers on Netflix, making it by far the most-watched boxing event in recent memory.
Tyson grossed an estimated $20 million, while “The Problem Child” is believed to have grossed about twice that amount.
Benavidez spoke at the press conference kicking off his Feb. 1 fight with David Morrell, which is widely considered to be one of the toughest of his career.
‼️ David Benavidez and David Morrell hot up and exchange words during their first fight before February 1…
[🎥 @PremierBoxing] pic.twitter.com/LZtU32nZ9Q
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBenson) November 19, 2024
The pair will face each other at T-Mobile Arena on Amazon Prime pay-per-view, with the winner all but guaranteed a shot at the delicate heavyweight world title.
After defeating Mike Tyson last weekend, Jake Paul once again expressed his desire to face UFC star Conor McGregor – only this time in an unusual style.
Paul threw plenty of taunts at McGregor in hopes of luring him into the ring, although the Irishman was largely reluctant to engage in any discussion.
“The Problem Child” faced widespread criticism after the fight against Tyson, who at 58 looked like a shell of his former self.
Even though the main event wasn’t much of a competition, it was a show it reportedly attracted 60 million viewers north on the streaming giant Netflix’s platform, making it by far the most watched boxing event in recent times.
Paul seems to have a penchant for large names now and took to Twitter to try and get McGregor to fight MMA.
“Dear Conor, I know you told my team you would fight me at 170 pounds. This never happens.
“But let’s do it in MMA. No weight category. Just like it used to be done. But you won’t.
Dear Conor, I know you told my team you would fight me at 170 pounds. This never happens. But let’s do it in MMA. No weight category. Just like it used to be done. But you won’t
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) November 16, 2024
‘The Notorious’ quickly responded by writing the following (now deleted) tweet, accompanied by a photo of 82-year-old US politician Mitch McConnell.
“Nakisa has already judged me, boy, this guy will be next after you. Good luck, buddy.
Paul McGregor fighting in the ring would not only be a test of skill, but also of ego. While McGregor has plenty of experience, Paul’s speed, size and unconventional approach to boxing could create an unpredictable outcome.
However, the Dubliner would be a huge favorite if they managed to get a fight inside the Octagon, even though Paul was younger and bigger.
Regardless of who wins, the fight will be a monumental payday for both fighters, and the fight will almost certainly be one of the most entertaining ever.
This Saturday, Latino Night will take place in Riyad, and the main event will be the fight for the WBA cruiserweight title from Mexico, Gilberto Ramirez, against the head of the WBO, Chris Billam-Smith.
DAZN is broadcasting the Ramirez vs Billam-Smith fight live.
Despite great potential and a reign as the WBO super middleweight champion, Ramirez (46-1, 30 KO) has largely won against an unnamed opponent.
He ultimately lost the team’s undefeated record in November 2022. clearly defeated by Dmitry Bivol in the fight for the WBA (Super) featherlight heavyweight title.
The move to the cruiserweight division saw some of his best performances, and a wide-scoring victory over Joe Smith Jr paved the way for a world title fight in which he won the WBA belt by defeating Arsen Goulamirian ten rounds to two in March.
After a career-opening loss to Richard Riakporhe, Billam-Smith (20-1, 13 KO) rose through the ranks, eventually winning the WBO belt with a majority decision victory over Lawrence Okolie, with Okolie losing a total of three times.
The Bournemouth man then forced Mateusz Masternak to retire after eight rounds, with Billam-Smith trailing on two scorecards, and last defended in June, taking revenge on Riakporhe by scoring points at Selhurst Park.
Prediction: Ramirez is always huge no matter what weight he fights at, and will be the biggest test of Billam-Smith’s career. I think this may be a bridge too far for the Englishman and Ramirez may score in the later rounds.
Chris Billam-Smith is confident he will get the job done on Saturday 😤#RiyadSeason | #LatinNight | Live November 16 | FREE on DAZN | @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/ZOY1wHshgj
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) November 12, 2024
Ramirez and Barboza go to war
A massive clash with world title implications awaits us at the last minute as former unified super lightweight world champion Jose Carlos Ramirez (29-1, 18 KO) meets Arnold Barboza Jr (30-0, 11 KO) within twelve rounds.
Since his only loss to Josh Taylor to clear the division in 2021, Ramirez has fought once a year, defeating Jose Pedraza (UD12), Richard Commey (KO11) and Rances Barthelemy (UD12) to be the number one contender for the WBC title.
Barboza is long undefeated and has boxed twice in 2024, which included an eighth-round retirement victory over Xolisani Ndongeni, followed by a split decision victory over Sean McComb last time out. This is his first scheduled appearance in twelve innings, after eight innings played in ten innings.
Prediction: I’m leaning towards the more experienced Ramirez who will get the job done on points.
There is no better place than the season in Riyad #LatinNight for the fight he’s been waiting for‼️ Jose Ramirez 🆚 Arnold Barboza Jr. it will be totally 𝐖 𝐀 𝐑 ⚔️#LatinNight | #RiyadSeason | LIVE November 16 | FREE on DAZN pic.twitter.com/6njPFoF05D
— Golden Boy (@GoldenBoyBoxing) November 13, 2024
The farmer has everything to do with Zepeda
The WBC interim lightweight title is up for grabs and the talented William Zepeda (31-0, 27 KO) will face Tevin Farmer (33-6-1, 8 KO).
Zepeda is worth watching, as he has been at a championship level in his last five fights. All of his last four fights ended early, and after forcing Maxie Hughes to retire after four rounds in March, he knocked out Giovanni Cabrera in three in July.
Former IBF featherweight champion Farmer is coming off a hard-fought points loss to Raymond Muratalla. Zepeda should be too heated for Farmer here and could win early.
Minimum weight world champion titles up for grabs
The next fight for the world title will take place in the minimum weight class, where Oscar Collazo (10-0, 7 KO) should defend the WBO belt for the fourth time by defeating Thammanoon Niyomtrong (25-0, 9 KO).
The return of Duarte and Ziyad
Oscar Duarte (27-2-1, 22 KO) can ensure his twelve-round super lightweight fighter scores points against Botirzhon Akhmedov (10-3, 9 KO), and welterweight contender Ziyad Almaayouf (6-0, 1 KO) should win at this gala. cards over six against Juan Carlos Ramirez Garcia (5-6, 0 KO).
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