Just in Saudi Arabia Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs) successfully defended his WBA, IBF and WBO world titles, again defeating Briton Anthony Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) on points.
This time the opinions of the judges were divided – 116-112, 115-113 Usyk and 115-113 Joshua.
Immediately after the victory, Usyk gave an interview in the ring.
– Alexander, you are still a champion. Lots of emotion in the ring. What do you feel?
I want to thank all those who prayed for me. I want to thank God for the help that he gave me today, because today he gave me a lot of it. My god is Jesus Christ. Thanks Saudi Arabia! Great thank you! Inshallah!
– How do you feel about the fact that in Ukraine this fight was shown for free, a lot of people were rooting for you, and it was not just a fight for the belts or for your team, it was a fight for the whole of Ukraine?
– I dedicate this fight to my country Ukraine, the Armed Forces of Ukraine and everyone who defends our country. To my team, to my country – to my whole country!
– What was it like for you to become a participant in this fight – much more competitive than the first fight?
– And this is history. It will be watched by many generations, especially the round where they tried to hit me hard. But, thank God, I survived and turned the fight in my favor.
“We saw frustration on the part of Joshua’s team. Did you feel like you won this fight?
– Oh sure.
You are missing one belt. Do you think the next fight will be against Tyson Fury or is he really retired?
– No, he has not retired, he wants to box with me, and my team will work in this direction. I will either box with Tyson Fury or I won’t box at all.
– And you are sure that you will become the absolute world champion?
“God only knows if I will or not. But all of us are these guys, my team, I love them very much, and they will help me with this.
– What is your final message to the fans?
– Thank God for everything.
