OLEKSANDR USYK broke down in tears after being announced the winner against Anthony Joshua – and was later congratulated by his Prime Minister.
The Ukrainian put on a masterclass to convincingly dethrone AJ of the unified WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles.
Many feared ringside of a robbery but breathed a sigh of relief as the unanimous decision was rightfully awarded Usyk’s way.
And it appeared the weight of the world was lifted off the super southpaw when he was confirmed as the new champion.
Usyk was in tears while Joshua rushed out of the ring to seek medical assistance after the gruelling 12 rounds.
Ukrainian PM Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted: “Ukraine returns its WBA, IBF, IBO, and WBO championship titles – again, as it should be, belong to the Ukrainian!
“Thank you! Well done, Champion!”
Joshua, 31, has a rematch clause in the contract, much like he did in defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr, 32, in June 2019.
He avenged defeat six months later and has already confirmed he will try and repeat history by enacting his shot at redemption against Usyk, 34.
Asked if he would exercise the rematch clause, Joshua replied: “One hundred per cent. I’m ready to get back to training.
“Because of the 12 rounds, my lungs and everything, it was a good 12-rounder, so I’ll be in a good place when I get back into training to pick up where we left off.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “Ultimately if he doesn’t accept the rematch clause, he will not get a chance to win his world championships back… possibly ever the way this game works.
And that was the same with Ruiz. To be honest, I would have actually probably advised him not to take the Ruiz match after that kind of defeat.
“I know he was out-boxed tonight but against Ruiz he went down four or five times and he was stopped quite badly in that fight.
“Tonight he was out-boxed and started to get a little bit beat up towards the end – but there were a number of reasons for that.
“But I don’t see another option. He’s not going to want to go and have a ten-rounder at the O2. He’s going to want to try and win his belts back.
“And he should be commended for it. And this time as an underdog in that rematch.”
