Joshua vs Usyk: Result, Scorecards & Complete Fight Guide

The second reign of Anthony Joshua as unified world heavyweight champion came to a dramatic end on September 25, 2021, when Oleksandr Usyk dethroned him with a boxing masterclass at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

Joshua put his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles against the unbeaten Ukrainian, himself a former undisputed cruiserweight champion who was making only his third appearance in the heavyweight division.

The contest had major implications beyond the belts with Joshua having been expected to face Tyson Fury in a historic all-British unification fight – that plan had collapsed earlier in the year. Usyk’s arrival presented another formidable risk to the two meeting any time in the near future.

Over 12 rounds, the Ukrainian’s footwork, speed, accuracy and ring intelligence proved too much for the champion. Joshua did enjoy moments of success but he struggled to impose his physical advantages, eventually losing a unanimous decision.

This complete fight guide revisits the build-up, predictions, weigh-in, original fight-night report and aftermath, bringing together Furyjoshua.com’s coverage of one of the most significant heavyweight upsets of the decade.

Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk: Fight Facts

Detail	Information
Date	Saturday, 25 September 2021
Venue	Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England
Titles	WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles
Result	Oleksandr Usyk defeated Anthony Joshua
Method	Unanimous decision, 12 rounds
Scorecards	117-112, 116-112, 115-113 (all for Usyk)
Weights	Joshua 240lbs; Usyk approximately 221lbs
Knockdowns	None
Significance	Usyk became unified heavyweight champion; Joshua suffered his second professional defeat

Read the full Joshua vs Usyk fight report, result and scorecards

How Joshua vs Usyk Was Made

For much of 2021, the heavyweight boxing world had anticipated an undisputed championship showdown pitting Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury.

Joshua held the WBA, IBF and WBO titles, while Fury possessed the WBC belt. Negotiations for an enormous all-British contest had progressed before an arbitration ruling required Fury to face Deontay Wilder for a third time.

With that fight taking priority, Joshua instead turned his attention to Usyk, the WBO mandatory challenger.

The Ukrainian had already established himself as one of boxing’s finest technicians. After winning all four major world titles at cruiserweight, he moved into the heavyweight division and secured victories over Chazz Witherspoon and Dereck Chisora.

Although Joshua was naturally bigger and more experienced at heavyweight, Usyk’s southpaw stance and technical skills made him a particularly dangerous opponent.

Key Coverage and Original Reports

The Build-Up: Could Usyk Upset Joshua?

The central question before the fight was whether Usyk’s extraordinary boxing ability could overcome Joshua’s significant advantages in height, reach and natural heavyweight power.

Joshua had rebuilt his career after his shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019, regaining his world titles in their rematch before stopping Kubrat Pulev in December 2020.

Usyk, meanwhile, had been outstanding at cruiserweight but had yet to face a heavyweight opponent with Joshua’s combination of size, strength and championship experience. Chisora had given him a stern test but the grizzled veteran was not seen as being on AJ’s elite level.

Many observers expected Joshua to use his jab, physical strength and powerful right hand to impose himself on the smaller challenger.

Others believed Usyk’s movement, southpaw angles and relentless workrate could frustrate Joshua and expose weaknesses in his rhythm.

It was a fascinating tactical contest: the established heavyweight champion against a fighter widely regarded as one of the sport’s most gifted pound-for-pound operators. A clash of sizes, and of styles.

Key Coverage and Original Reports

Fight Week: Tottenham Stadium and the Weigh-In

The final days before Joshua vs Usyk brought an enormous heavyweight title event to north London.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium provided a spectacular setting, with tens of thousands of supporters preparing to watch Joshua defend his belts on home soil.

At the official weigh-in, Joshua tipped the scales at 240lbs, looking relatively lean for the contest.

Usyk weighed a little over 221lbs, giving away nearly 19lbs to the champion.

The difference reinforced the pre-fight debate. Joshua possessed the greater natural heavyweight size, but Usyk hoped his speed, stamina and movement would allow him to dictate the contest.

Both fighters remained respectful throughout the build-up, with the attention focused largely on the contrasting boxing styles rather than personal animosity.

Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk Weigh In — Joshua had the size advantage but ultimately it did not matter (Photo: Matchroom Boxing).

Key Coverage and Original Reports

Joshua vs Usyk Result: How the Fight Unfolded

Usyk immediately demonstrated why he was considered such a difficult opponent.

The Ukrainian began sharply, landing his left hand and using constant movement to prevent Joshua from establishing a comfortable rhythm.

Joshua attempted to work behind his jab, but Usyk repeatedly changed angles, stepped in and out of range and landed clean punches. Usyk looked fast and fluid, throwing punches in bunches. AJ found it difficult to close the distance and set up for the big shots which have been his trademark.

The third round was an early warning for the champion as Usyk connected with a powerful left hand that briefly troubled Joshua. Already the challenger had done enough to command respect.

Joshua improved during the middle rounds, finding more success with his jab and body shots. But whenever the champion appeared to be establishing control, Usyk responded with sharp combinations and intelligent movement.

As the fight entered the championship rounds, the Ukrainian’s stamina became increasingly significant.

Both fighters sustained facial damage during the later stages, but Usyk continued to throw punches in combinations and finished strongly.

The final round provided the most dramatic images of the contest. Usyk trapped Joshua against the ropes and unleashed a sustained attack, leaving the champion in serious difficulty before the final bell.

Joshua survived the full 12 rounds, but the judges’ decision was emphatic.

Usyk won unanimously, with scorecards of 117-112, 116-112 and 115-113.

Full Fight Report: Usyk Dethrones Joshua

Joshua vs Usyk results, scorecards and analysis

Read Graham Shaw’s original fight-night report, featuring round-by-round analysis, the official scorecards and the decisive moments as Usyk produced a stunning performance to win a world title in a second weight division.

The Aftermath: Joshua Loses His Titles, Usyk Makes History

Usyk’s victory transformed the heavyweight landscape, and it scuppered completely any hope of Fury vs Joshua happening in the short term.

For Joshua, the defeat represented another major setback. His hopes of an undisputed title fight against Fury had already been frustrated, and now he had lost the belts required to make that contest possible.

The immediate question was whether Joshua could make the tactical adjustments needed to regain his titles. A contractual rematch clause provided the immediate opportunity and they would sign to meet again in the summer of 2022.

Usyk’s victory also confirmed his status among the elite pound-for-pound fighters in world boxing and established him as a central figure in the heavyweight division.

Joshua vs Usyk: Frequently Asked Questions

Who won Joshua vs Usyk in 2021?

Oleksandr Usyk defeated Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision on September 25, 2021.

What were the Joshua vs Usyk scorecards?

The judges scored the fight 117-112, 116-112 and 115-113, all in favour of Usyk.

Where did Joshua vs Usyk take place?

The fight took place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England.

What titles did Joshua lose to Usyk?

Joshua lost his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles.

Was Joshua knocked down by Usyk?

No. There were no knockdowns, although Joshua was badly hurt during the closing stages of the fight.

How much did Joshua and Usyk weigh?

Joshua weighed 240lbs, while Usyk weighed a little over 221lbs.

Why did Joshua fight Usyk instead of Tyson Fury?

Plans for an undisputed fight between Joshua and Fury collapsed after an arbitration ruling required Fury to face Deontay Wilder in a third contest. Joshua instead defended his titles against WBO mandatory challenger Usyk.