Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua met for the second time on August 20, 2022, in a hugely anticipated heavyweight world title rematch in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Eleven months after Usyk had dethroned Joshua with a boxing masterclass in London, the British star returned seeking revenge and the chance to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.
The rematch took place against an extraordinary backdrop. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had disrupted Usyk’s preparations and added an emotional dimension to his return to the ring.
Joshua entered the contest determined to fight more aggressively than he had in their first meeting. He produced a much-improved performance, particularly during a dramatic ninth round, but Usyk again demonstrated his exceptional stamina and ring intelligence.
After 12 absorbing rounds, Usyk retained his world titles by split decision, leaving Joshua facing another major rebuilding job.
This complete fight guide brings together the rematch build-up, weigh-in, television coverage, original fight-night report, result, controversy and aftermath, alongside Furyjoshua.com’s reporting from another pivotal night in heavyweight boxing.
Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua 2: Fight Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, 20 August 2022 |
| Venue | King Abdullah Sports City Arena, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia |
| Titles | WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO and vacant Ring heavyweight titles |
| Result | Oleksandr Usyk defeated Anthony Joshua |
| Method | Split decision, 12 rounds |
| Scorecards | 115-113 Joshua, 115-113 Usyk, 116-112 Usyk |
| Weights | Usyk 221.5lbs; Joshua 244lbs |
| Knockdowns | None |
| Key moment | Joshua’s strong ninth round followed by Usyk’s recovery over the final three rounds |
| Significance | Usyk retained his heavyweight titles and defeated Joshua for the second time |
Read the full Usyk vs Joshua 2 fight report, result and scorecards
Why Usyk vs Joshua 2 Was So Important
Joshua entered the rematch facing one of the most significant tests of his professional career.
His defeat to Usyk in September 2021 had cost him the WBA, IBF and WBO world titles and derailed hopes of an undisputed championship fight against Tyson Fury.
The British heavyweight had previously recovered from defeat, famously avenging his shock loss to Andy Ruiz Jr in December 2019.
But Usyk presented a different challenge. The Ukrainian had not relied on one dramatic punch or an unexpected moment to beat Joshua. He had comprehensively outboxed him over 12 rounds.
Joshua therefore needed more than a minor tactical adjustment. He had to find a way to disrupt Usyk’s rhythm, close the distance and use his considerable advantages in size and power.
The rematch also had enormous implications for the heavyweight division. The winner would hold three of the four major world titles and potentially move towards a unification showdown with WBC champion Tyson Fury.
Key Coverage and Original Reports
- Usyk vs Joshua 2: Date, time, TV channel and live stream
- Joshua vs Usyk results, scorecards and analysis from their first fight
- Fury vs Joshua timeline: The collapse of a superfight
The Build-Up: War in Ukraine and Joshua’s New Approach
The road to the rematch was complicated by events far beyond boxing.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Usyk returned to his homeland and became involved in its defence. His preparations for the Joshua rematch were consequently delayed.
Eventually, the Ukrainian was able to resume training, with the contest confirmed for August 20 in Saudi Arabia.
For Joshua, the build-up was dominated by questions about his tactical approach.
The former champion had parted company with longtime head trainer Rob McCracken and appointed American coach Robert Garcia to work alongside Angel Fernandez.
The changes reflected a determination to produce a different performance from the first fight, when Joshua had struggled to establish his physical superiority.
Much of the pre-fight discussion centred on whether Joshua could apply sustained pressure, target Usyk’s body and force the Ukrainian into exchanges.
Usyk, meanwhile, appeared confident that his movement, accuracy and stamina would again provide the answers.
The atmosphere between the two fighters remained respectful, but the stakes were immense.
Key Coverage and Original Reports
- Usyk vs Joshua 2: Complete fight details and heavyweight title stakes
- Joshua vs Usyk: How the first fight was won and lost
Fight Week: Weigh-In, PPV and Final Preparations
The final days before Usyk vs Joshua 2 brought the heavyweight boxing spotlight to Jeddah.
The official weigh-in took place on Friday, August 19, with Joshua looking in excellent physical condition.
The British heavyweight weighed 244lbs, four pounds heavier than for their first meeting.
Usyk tipped the scales at 221.5lbs, slightly lighter than in September 2021, despite rumours that he had added substantial muscle for the rematch.
Key Coverage and Original Reports
- Usyk vs Joshua 2 weights for huge Saudi showdown
- Usyk vs Joshua 2 WILL be on Sky Sports and PPV price shock
- Usyk vs Joshua 2: Date, time, TV and live stream
Usyk vs Joshua 2 Result: How the Rematch Unfolded
Joshua produced a more competitive performance than in their first meeting, but once again found himself facing one of boxing’s most accomplished technicians.
The opening rounds were tactical, with Usyk using his jab, movement and angles to frustrate the British challenger.
Joshua attempted to apply greater pressure and target the Ukrainian’s body, but Usyk’s footwork continued to make him a difficult target.
As the contest developed, Joshua enjoyed more success than he had in London, landing powerful shots and forcing Usyk to work hard to maintain control.
The ninth round was the most significant moment of the fight for Joshua.
The British heavyweight landed a series of heavy punches, including damaging body shots and uppercuts, and appeared to have Usyk under genuine pressure.
For a brief period, Joshua seemed capable of producing the dramatic turnaround he desperately needed. But Usyk responded magnificently.
The Ukrainian raised his tempo in the tenth round, throwing combinations and reclaiming control through his superior accuracy and work rate.
He maintained that momentum over the final two rounds, demonstrating remarkable conditioning and composure under pressure. When the final bell sounded, the judges were divided.
One scored the fight 115-113 for Joshua, while the other two favoured Usyk by scores of 115-113 and 116-112.
Usyk had retained his heavyweight titles by split decision and completed a second victory over Joshua.
Full Fight Report: Usyk Defeats Joshua Again in Jeddah
Usyk vs Joshua 2 results, scorecards and analysis
Read Derek Bilton’s original fight-night report, including the official judges’ scorecards, Joshua’s dramatic ninth-round surge and Usyk’s decisive recovery over the championship rounds.
Joshua’s Post-Fight Reaction and the Aftermath
The aftermath of the rematch was overshadowed by Joshua’s emotional reaction to defeat.
After the decision was announced, Joshua briefly took possession of two championship belts and dropped them outside the ring before returning to address the crowd.
His lengthy, impromptu speech reflected the frustration and emotion of a fighter who had suffered another devastating setback. Joshua subsequently apologised for his behaviour, while Usyk’s achievement remained the central sporting story.
The Ukrainian had defended his world titles while carrying the emotional weight of events in his homeland. Having beaten Joshua twice, Usyk had established himself as one of the dominant figures in heavyweight boxing.
For Joshua, the defeat meant three losses in five fights and raised difficult questions about his future at the elite level.
For Usyk, attention turned towards the possibility of an undisputed championship fight with Fury.
The heavyweight division now had a clear route towards crowning a single champion, although further negotiations and delays would follow before that historic showdown finally took place in May 2024.
Further Reading and Original Reports
- Oleksandr Usyk record: Fights, dates and scorecards
- Anthony Joshua record: Every fight, result and scorecard
- How Usyk beats Fury: The keys to heavyweight glory for a genius from Ukraine
Usyk vs Joshua 2: Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Usyk vs Joshua 2?
Oleksandr Usyk defeated Anthony Joshua by split decision on August 20, 2022, retaining his unified world heavyweight titles.
What were the Usyk vs Joshua 2 scorecards?
One judge scored the fight 115-113 for Joshua, while the other two awarded it to Usyk by scores of 115-113 and 116-112.
Where did Usyk vs Joshua 2 take place?
The fight took place at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Was Joshua knocked down in the rematch?
No. Neither fighter was knocked down during the 12-round contest.
How much did Joshua and Usyk weigh?
Joshua weighed 244lbs and Usyk weighed 221.5lbs at the official weigh-in.
Why did Joshua change trainers before the rematch?
Joshua sought a different tactical approach after losing their first encounter. He appointed Robert Garcia to work with Angel Fernandez after parting company with longtime trainer Rob McCracken.
What happened after Joshua lost to Usyk?
Joshua reacted emotionally, dropping two championship belts outside the ring before returning to deliver an impromptu speech. He later apologised for his behaviour.
How many times did Usyk beat Joshua?
Usyk defeated Joshua twice: by unanimous decision in London in September 2021 and by split decision in Jeddah in August 2022.
Did Usyk fight Tyson Fury after beating Joshua?
Yes, although the fight did not happen immediately. Usyk eventually defeated Fury by split decision in May 2024 to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era.
