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It was seen as a match between Joshua's ruthless knockout artist and Usyk's boxing technician.
Anthony Joshua's journey to undisputed became a rocky one on Saturday night in London when boxing was crowned the new heavyweight king.
Joshua lost his WBO and WBA heavyweight belts to Ukraine’s Oleksandr Uzyk in front of 66 267 fans at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
This is how the night played out on social media
Elba, Rice and an astronaut helmet – the build-up
Saturday night was no exception.
They rooted for their countryman and were among the best British actors of recent years.
This Kazakhstani great wanted to see a drama series, even though the predictions were late.
Although he may be ruthless in the ring, AJ has earned a reputation as Mr Nice Guy.
He even took the time to thank Callum Smith, a fellow British fighter, upon his arrival at the stadium.
Nerves What nerves ?...?
Usyk was playing with his game face.
As the bell rang, phone cameras illuminated the stadium and the crowd sang Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond. Master of Ceremonies Michael Buffer introduced the fighters.
London was rocking and big time boxing was back.
Because Usyk knew that a win would put him at the top of the world, he wore an astronaut helmet as he walked to the ring.
Joshua, dressed in a crisp white robe and making a dramatic entrance with Rocky theme music and fireworks, was wearing a long, but impressive, white robe.
Usyk sets the tone starting at round one
It was widely considered a match between Joshua, a brutal knockout artist, and Usyk, a boxing technie.
Was Usyk, who cleaned up the cruiserweight Division - too small to be considered for the heavyweight Division?
Or was Joshua, who has been exposed in the past as a vulnerable fighter, going to be able match his opponent's boxing intelligence?
After round one, those questions were answered.
Joshua struggled to solve the Usyk puzzle after the first round.
Joshua fights back, but Usyk will not budge
Joshua scored a few powerful blows at the halfway point.
This could change the direction of the fight ...?
Usyk discovered a second wind, and Joshua had to find something special as we entered the championship rounds.
Joshua held on to his position as Usyk unleashed a torrent of shots in the final seconds of the round.
The champion was the winner
"Usyk demonstrated his pedigree"
When the scorecards of the judges were announced, Usyk, who was unanimously voted in the final vote, cried.
The new champion had reiterated his claim to be one of the best pound-for pound fighters on Earth.
Boxing fans applauded
A true champion is someone who can defeat his opponent in their backyard.
Now Usyk has defeated Krzysztof Golowacki in Poland, Michael Hunter, in America, Marco Huck, in Germany, Mairis Brriedis in Latvia and Murat Gassiev, in Russia. Tony Bellew, Derek Chisora, and Joshua are now in the United Kingdom.
Joshua has suffered his second loss as a professional, after losing to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019. Joshua's quest for undisputed heavyweight champion has been halted.
Joshua left the ring shortly after the result was announced, but there weren't any sour grapes or excuses made by the 31-year old when he spoke at the media conference a bit later.
He still treats fight fans to wonderful nights, and other boxers supported him.
The Hatton controversy - the undercard
Briton Campbell Hatton won a points victory against Sonni Martinez earlier in the evening, causing outrage among boxing fans.
In just his fourth professional fight, Ricky, the Manchester fighter legend, took many shots during the six-round match.
Hatton has a striking resemblance with his father, and he seems to have the same gift of gab.
However, boxing professionals felt that Spaniard Martinez's hand should have been extended at the end.
Hatton, who was an amateur fighter with a short career, needs to continue learning his craft. One fighter feels Hatton is getting too much attention.
Okolie's undercard: What's next?
London's WBO champion Lawrence Okolie, cruiserweight, won a third round knockout victory over Montenegro’s Dilan Prasovic. This was in support of the main event.
With an impressive performance, Okolie increased his unbeaten record to 17-0
Okolie has defeated his mandatory challenger and will now attempt to unify the cruiserweight category.
Okolie said he would like to fight Mairis Briedis, who holds the Ring Magazine and IBF belts.
Latvian promoters are ready for it
The last word
