Anthony Joshua lost his heavyweight titles to Oleksandr Usyk on September 25, 2021. The unanimous decision (117-112, 116-112, 115-113) stunned London’s Tottenham Stadium. Usyk’s speed and footwork outclassed Joshua’s power. The Ukrainian took the WBA, IBF, and WBO belts in a masterclass. Joshua’s reign ended after two defenses. Fans saw a new king rise.
Joshua started strong, landing jabs in the early rounds. Usyk turned it mid-fight, swelling AJ’s eye by the ninth. The Brit’s power punches missed as Usyk danced away. The 12th round saw Joshua rocked, barely surviving. Usyk’s 148 landed shots to AJ’s 88 told the tale. The upset shifted boxing’s heavyweight scene.
The loss snapped Joshua’s comeback from his Ruiz shock. Usyk, a cruiserweight champ, proved size didn’t matter. Tottenham’s 60,000 fans groaned as judges read scores. Joshua praised Usyk but vowed a rematch. The fight’s technical brilliance won over purists. Britain’s heavyweight grip loosened overnight.
Post-fight, Usyk eyed Fury, while Joshua triggered a 2022 redo. The defeat sparked debate on AJ’s elite status. Usyk’s win echoed his 2012 Olympic gold. Boxing buzzed with new possibilities. Joshua’s fall was Usyk’s gain. The 2021 clash redrew the division.
