Oleksandr Usyk has been one of the most dominant fighters in boxing over the years. The Ukrainian has managed to take over two divisions while getting better following each performance.
On August 20, Usyk will defend the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles in a rematch against former champion Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia. The Ring title is also on the line. Usyk will look to put on another classic performance and halt Joshua’s quest to become a three-time heavyweight champion.
Just how good is Usyk? His toughest challenges have come from all over the world. What were his best fights? The Sporting News looks into Usyk’s history. Who was your favorite Usyk opponent?
Tony Bellew (November 2018)
After his fight against Murat Gassiev (more on him later), Usyk wanted a true challenge as the undisputed cruiserweight champion. Bellew, a light heavyweight and heavyweight, answered the call. Usyk fought Bellew at Manchester Arena in England.
MORE: Join DAZN to watch Usyk vs. Joshua 2
After two wins in a row over David Haye, Bellew was considered a dangerous opponent. That was true to start the bout as Usyk was slow early on. Bellew’s tactical resistance to Usyk’s skills was efficient as he showed up to outbox Usyk. In the middle of the bout, however, Usyk managed to find an opening. By Round 6, Usyk gained momentum, landing a left hand that stopped Bellew in his tracks. In the eighth round, he landed a massive left hand that dropped Bellew.
According to CompuBox, Usyk landed 112 shots compared to 61 by Bellow. Usyk landed 16 jabs in the seventh round and only landed single-digit shots in the first round. Bellew looked strong in the middle of the fight, but his output decreased as time went on.
It was the first time a champion defended and won an undisputed cruiserweight title fight. It was also Usyk’s last in the division as he moved on to heavyweight. But his run at cruiserweight was just the beginning.
MORE: Usyk net worth: purse history, career earnings for heavyweight boxing champion
Krzysztof Glowacki (September 2016)
To truly test himself and become a threat in the cruiserweight division, Usyk faced off against the undefeated Glowacki for the WBO title. He fought the Polish-born Glowacki in his own backyard (seeing a theme here?).
Usyk dominated the fight with hand speed and his jab, which injured Glowacki’s eye early. Usyk landed 186 total punches (25.1 percent connect rate) compared to 69 for Glowacki (15.9 percent). His jabs ended up being a true difference-maker. In Round 12, Usyk landed 30 punches. Glowacki landed single-digit shots 10 times, with two connecting in the 11th round.
Usyk’s rise up the cruiserweight ladder started with this fight. He ended Glowacki’s undefeated streak and left with the WBO title.
Mairis Briedis (January 2018)
Usyk’s win over Briedis in the semifinals of the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight tournament was considered one of the hardest fights of his career. His performance drew praise from many people. Usyk won via majority decision, the first time he won a fight not by knockout or unanimous decision.
Despite receiving a cut about his eye following a clash of heads, Usyk was able to control aspects of the fight following Round 5. He had to battle back and was hurt to a degree, but that did not stop his Usyk. According to CompuBox, Usyk landed 212 shots compared to Briedis’ 195, although the latter landed the more accurate shots (33.7 percent connect rate compared to Usyk’s 25 percent).
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Not only did he beat Briedis to retain the WBO title and win the WBC title, Usyk also beat Briedis on his home turf in Latvia.
Murat Gassiev (July 2018)
Once again, Usyk traveled to the home country of his opponent. This time, it was Russia. Just like his fight against Briedis, Usyk beat the hometown favorite Gassiev in the final of the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight tournament.
Usyk dominated the first portion of the fight, not allowing Gassiev to land a punch until the end of Round 2. He landed 252 punches (26.8 percent) compared to Gassiev’s 91 of 313 shots (29 percent). Usyk used his speed to land 47 blows in Round 12.
Gassiev, the WBA (Super) and IBF champion at the time, could not figure out the puzzle that was Usyk. As a result, Usyk became undisputed cruiserweight champion.
Anthony Joshua (September 2021)
Never count Usyk out. That became the theme of Joshua’s last fight when he faced Usyk, now a heavyweight, last September. Fans may think that Joshua had an off night when he lost to Andy Ruiz Jr. at Madison Square Garden in 2019. On this night, however, there was no doubt that Usyk was just the better man.
Usyk landed 148 shots to Joshua’s 123, per CompuBox. His power shots were key; he only landing single-digit shots twice. Joshua landed single-digit shots six times. The 29 punches against Joshua in Round 12 were the most by a Joshua opponent.
MORE: Anthony Joshua net worth: Purse history, career earnings for former heavyweight boxing champion
It was a masterful performance by Usyk, who erased all doubts as to whether he could hang in the heavyweight division. Usyk’s win was a true era-changer in the division and an effort nobody will ever forget.
When is Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua 2?
- Date: August 20
- Main card: 12 p.m. ET | 5 p.m. BST | 2 a.m. AEST
- Main event: 5:15 p.m. ET | 10:15 p.m. BST | 7:15 a.m. AEST (Approximately)
Usyk vs. Joshua 2 will take place on August 20. The main card will start at 12 p.m. ET | 5 p.m. BST | 2 a.m. AEST. Usyk and Joshua should make their way to the ring around 5:15 p.m. ET | 10:15 p.m. BST | 7 a.m. AEST, depending on how long the undercard fights last.
How to watch Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua 2
- U.S., Canada, Australia: DAZN
- U.K.: Sky Sports Box Office
In most countries globally, including the U.S., Canada and Australia, the fight will be streamed on DAZN.
However, Sky Sports Box Office won the rights to the fight in Joshua’s home territory (U.K.).
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua 2 PPV price: How much does the card cost?
- DAZN monthly subscription: $19.99 in the U.S., $20 in Canada, $13.99 AUD
- DAZN annual subscription: $99.99 in the U.S., $150 in Canada
In the United States, Canada and Australia, and most territories globally, the fight will air on DAZN, but it will not be via PPV.
- Sky Sports Box Office: £26.95 in the U.K.
Fight fans in the UK will have to stump up £26.95, a £2 increase on the price Sky Sports set for AJ and Usyk’s initial encounter.
MORE: Join DAZN to watch Usyk vs. Joshua 2
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua 2 fight card
- Oleksandr Usyk (c) vs. Anthony Joshua for the WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles
- Filip Hrgovic vs Zhilei Zhang; IBF heavyweight title eliminator
- Callum Sith vs. Mathieu Bauderlique; WBC light-heavyweight title eliminator
- Badou Jack vs. Richard Rivera
- Tyrone Spong vs. Andrew Tabiti
- Ramla Ali vs. Crystal Garcia Nova
- Daniel Lapin vs. Jozef Jurko
- Ziyad Almaayouf vs. Jose Alatorre
- Money Kicks vs. Kyle Paevie
- Ben Whittaker vs. Peter Nosic
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