The biggest boxing match of the year has arrived. In the Saudi Arabian port city of Jeddah, Anthony Joshua will look to reclaim his heavyweight titles in a main event clash with Oleksandr Usyk, the man who dethroned the Briton almost a year ago. Last September, Usyk beat Joshua by unanimous decision at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London. The win kept the Ukrainian, 35, undefeated and crowned him a two-weight world champion, following his stint as the only undisputed cruiserweight champion of the four-belt era. Joshua, 32, was quick to activate a rematch clause and that second clash with Usyk was expected to take place earlier this year. Usyk, however, returned to Ukraine to aid his nation’s defense against the ongoing Russian invasion. Usyk eventually left his country to begin preparations for a rematch with Joshua, who is set to become a three-time world heavyweight champion. The Brit previously lost the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts to Andy Ruiz Jr in a shock TKO defeat in June 2019, before regaining them by beating the Mexican-American in Saudi Arabia six months later. Can “AJ” repeat that feat and keep alive the hopes of an undisputed title clash with compatriot Tyson Fury? Watch live updates and results from all the undercard matches and the main event below:
Usyk vs Joshua 2
Show latest update 1661027392
Conor McGregor goes after Carl Froch on Twitter
Twitter drama between Conor McGregor and Carl Froch in the Sky Sports Box Office studio tonight. The Irishman is clearly annoyed by Froch’s comments last month. Cobra said The Notorious “couldn’t pierce the skin of a rice pudding.” Here’s McGregor’s response: Jack Rathborn20 August 2022 21:29 1661027062
Smith’s next fight will be an exciting one, who gives him a test, but doesn’t he risk giving up his mandatory position to fight Beterbiev down the line? The Russian will face Yarde fairly soon once he recovers from injury, we expect it to be in January or February. What does it mean for Bouachi? Can he jump to the front of the queue and face Bivol? Canelo will be taken over by Golovkin next month so there will be activity. Jack Rathborn20 August 2022 21:24 1661026108
Usyk vs Joshua 2: Callum Smith backs power to lead him to world title at 175
Finally from Smith: “I’ve got the power at 175, I think I can win it. It’s a tough way to make a living, there are better things to do with your time.” (Action images via Reuters) (Action images via Reuters) Jack Rathborn20 August 2022 21:08 1661026048
“I want to see him active, maybe in November? I’d love to do that fight at Anfield,” adds Eddie Hearn. “It’s a massive game in Liverpool. Him vs Beterviev is a great shot. It is mandatory. I believe he can become world champion again.” Jack Rathborn20 August 2022 21:07 1661025993
Callum Smith reacts to his fourth round knockout
Smith: “It looks good on the cameras, the play came out, it was a shot, I didn’t expect it. But I’m confident and I think I can win. “It depends on my team, we will see what is the best option, I want to be a two-weight world champion. “Tonight put me one step closer. I hear Beterbiev is injured, things are getting messy, but I want to keep winning.” Jack Rathborn20 August 2022 21:06 1661025597
Usyk vs Joshua 2: Smith vs Bauderlique – Round 4
It was a left hook at the start, bouncing off the top of Bauderlique’s head. He wasn’t hurt then. But the left hook, beating Bauderlique to the punch while pinned against the ropes. He kicks him out, he immediately fell, legs open. Massive knockout. Jack Rathborn20 August 2022 20:59 1661025331
Usyk vs Joshua 2: Smith vs Bauderlique – Round 4
Huge shot! Boderlik is down, left counter, knockdown for Smith! Smith fires off a right hand on the pipe, Bonderlick on the ropes. But what a chin. Awesome action in the quarter, then a body shot lands for Smith. Bauderlique disappeared into the ropes! I’M THROWING ANESTHETIC! (Action images via Reuters) (Action images via Reuters) Jack Rathborn20 August 2022 20:55 1661025280
Usyk vs Joshua 2: Smith vs Bauderlique – Round 3
You could probably split the first two rounds, surely these fighters can’t keep up that pace though? Bauderlique pops the southpaw jab nicely, Smith times a right over the top as he goes down. Smith’s head snapped back, he has a real test here. Smith then whips in body shots but then gets shoved back into the ropes, this is a real rip. McGirt screams, “Don’t worry about the head.” Joshua arrived at the arena. Wearing a bright yellow t-shirt and headphones wrapped around his head. Jack Rathborn20 August 2022 20:54 1661024950
Usyk vs Joshua 2: Smith vs Bauderlique – Round 2
Smith and Bauderlique go to war early, big shots, this is already a cracker Crisp right hand from Smith. But Bauderlique imagines this. It’s the lead straight from the southpaw stance, faking the jab and hitting the hook. Jack Rathborn20 August 2022 20:49 1661024798
Usyk vs Joshua 2: Smith vs Bauderlique – Round 1
Bauderlique is very much alive from the attitude of the south. Smith tagged in, but also getting a clean sweep of his own. That sets the table nicely, with Bundy urging the Liverpool man to keep his cool, accusing Bonderlike of “draining the nervous energy”. Jack Rathborn20 August 2022 20:46
