September 25, 2021 at 5:14 PM EDT
Usyk is dressed like a spaceman
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 5:11 PM EDT
It's almost time
I'm excited. Are you excited? Let's do this.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 5:10 PM EDT
Joshua is in the ring
Now it’s Joshua’s turn. A VT on the big screen shows all of his knockouts to date. The Klitschko uppercut will always be the best, won’t it?
He’s wearing his now customary white gown, inspired by The Greatest. And it’s a slowwwwww walk to the ring. He’s waving and pointing to every single fan in the house. And he’s surrounded by his team, who proudly hold his collection of world title belts. Even the IBO. I would have left that at home, personally.
He looks so relaxed, laughing, and he ambles up to the plinth that he always stands on before a big fight. He rises up into the cool north London air and the fireworks go off around him. The crowd are loving it, which is great, because those tickets weren’t cheap!
(A better blogger than me would also tell you each of the songs that make up his walkout medley, but to be totally honest, I’ve not got a clue.)
He kisses a granny in the crowd (GENUINELY) and, finally, he’s in the ring.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 5:04 PM EDT
Usyk is in the ring
He strides to the ring in a white sleeveless top with the hood up. He’s wearing a mask that looks a bit like something Elon Musk would give his SpaceX buddies. Which is a shame, frankly, as I always enjoy how mad Usyk’s eyes look before a big fight.
It’s a quick walk! No messing about. And no interaction with the fans, which isn’t really a surprise, considering that just about everybody in attendance is loudly jeering him.
He enters the squared circle and kisses the Ukrainian flag. He lifts up his mask. He’s ready.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 5:00 PM EDT
Becky Hill belts out God Save The Queen
And now for the ringwalks!
Usyk first...
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 4:57 PM EDT
National anthem time
The Ukrainian national anthem is booed. Quelle surprise.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 4:54 PM EDT
Last email before we get into it!
Mat emails in…
Joshua going to smash Usyk LET’S GOOOOOOOO
And there was me hoping that we were going to end on a thought-provoking one.
Sweet Caroline is playing and it’s almost business time.
Thanks so much for all your emails and messages tonight. Send some more in after the fight!
Ring walks next...
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 4:48 PM EDT
Eddie Hearn is in position
We're close.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 4:47 PM EDT
I spoke to one of Joshua's sparring partners this week...
... for the below piece. Shokran Parwani had this to say:
“This has been a great camp, and AJ has been very, very calm. But we have also had a lot of fun. It has actually been a very funny camp with a good atmosphere, and that is because Joshua has so much experience now. He carries himself like a champion.”
Parwani is a southpaw. Unsurprisingly Joshua has been sparring a fair few to prepare for the challenge Usyk will pose him tonight.
Parwani said Joshua’s footwork will help him avoid the dangerous angles created by Usyk’s stance. “He, of course, has great boxing skills, but his own footwork is at another level,” he said. “He knows what to do to box southpaws, and he has been practicing a lot of things.”
Read it now before it becomes irrelevant for the rest of time!
Managing Editor, News
GO FURTHER
Why Oleksandr Usyk could cause problems for Anthony Joshua — and ruin a potential megafight
September 25, 2021 at 4:40 PM EDT
🚨 Go get those drinks in 🚨
The ring walks are expected in fifteen minutes.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 4:38 PM EDT
Guys
I know every fifth post has been me sharing photographs of how good the stadium looks tonight.
But, well, LOOK AT IT.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 4:36 PM EDT
Get in touch!
We still have a bit of time until the main event. Hit me up by emailing [email protected] or DM me on Twitter @lukedbrown.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 4:36 PM EDT
Stephen emails in
I can’t see Joshua losing this. Usyk was underwhelming against Witherspoon and Chisora at heavyweight - Joshua would blow both of those away without breaking a sweat. I think Joshua will win with an early knockout.
I think a Joshua knockout is more likely than an Usyk knockout, but I’m not sure I agree that Usyk was underwhelming in both his fights at heavyweight. Against Witherspoon, maybe. Probably. But I actually think his win over Chisora is underappreciated. Chisora came to fight, and after probing away Usyk figured him out and looked very good for his victory.
And I’m not sure that Joshua would blow Chisora away!
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 4:32 PM EDT
Some tat
Don’t know about you, but when I enjoy a night out at the boxing, I always make sure to pick up an England wig and bootleg ‘ANTHONY J’ scarf on my way in.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 4:20 PM EDT
William emails in
Looks like you have some time to fill before the main event.
I would naturally root for Usyk, but the thought of Joshua v Fury is so attractive I've got to keep hope alive and pull for Joshua.
Great point, I actually touched on this in something I wrote before the fight.
Losing Joshua vs Fury — the biggest fight in the history of British boxing — when it is close would be gutting. There’s no doubt about that. But also: how good would a heavyweight title fight between Usyk and Fury be?! With the winner facing whoever comes out on top between Joshua and Wilder?
I know, I know. Never going to happen...
Managing Editor, News
GO FURTHER
Why Oleksandr Usyk could cause problems for Anthony Joshua — and ruin a potential megafight
September 25, 2021 at 4:17 PM EDT
Aragbaye emails in
I am an AJ fan and I wish he comes through this with his belt but it's hard to call, considering the fact the AJ is not a 12 round boxer, he has always been a hard puncher until his rematch with Ruiz when we saw a different AJ. Coming against a man with a wonderful credential who is a real boxer could be a tricky one for him.
But champions are know for their ability to find solution and that is what I expect from AJ tonight.
He adapted well against Ruiz in their rematch. He took him to school and came away with a brilliant performance. I will be looking forward to that today. It is a close call but I will still give it to AJ.
Thanks for your email Aragbaye and I agree on both counts! It is hard to call and I also think Joshua is going to edge it. I also think his change in style started with the Joseph Parker fight. He attracted some criticism that night for not pressing for the finish, but he boxed so beautifully and controlled the whole evening with his jab. In more recent fights he has shown evidence that he has started blending the two styles — the knockout artist and the boxer — and I thought his win over Pulev was one of the best of his career. I think he needs to blend his styles again tonight. He can’t risk going after Usyk from the first bell, he needs to box him, only hunting for the knockout in the later rounds.
Enjoy the fight!
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 4:13 PM EDT
Picture of the night
(So far.)
By the way, hit me with your messages! I have a few more to drop in. Let me know your predictions for the main event tonight, let me know who you think Okolie should take on next, and let me know who’s going to win the trilogy fight between Fury and Wilder next month.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 4:11 PM EDT
Okolie speaks
“I grew into the fight. It's difficult for guys who come like that and they're cagey.
“But, for me, the better the person in front of me, the better the performance. This guy tried to spoil the fight but the champions try to win.”
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 4:06 PM EDT
That's Okolie's first defence of his WBO title
Who should he fight next? Mairis Briedis?
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 4:01 PM EDT
ROUND THREE: Okolie vs Prasovic
Here comes Prasovic. He’s going for it at the start of this round. And why not? But he’s still reeling from that knockdown and Okolie is not in a sentimental mood. The champion easily dodges a couple of wild shots from his opponent and connects with a hurtful body shot.
Prasovic clutches desperately at his stomach. He’s in a lot of pain, real pain. He’s not getting up and it’s all over. That wasn’t even close. The gulf in class was evident.
OKOLIE WINS IN THE THIRD ROUND.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 3:58 PM EDT
ROUND TWO: Okolie vs Prasovic
Another good round from Okolie. That big overhand right is a very dangerous shot. He paws at Prasovic with his jab and then lands it, crashing a powerful shot into the side of his opponent’s head!
It’s a strange knockdown, Prasovic attempts to weather it before deciding to touch down. He beats the count but here comes the champion, who’s an excellent finisher, and he’s throwing everything at it. But it’s late in the round and the bell saves Prasovic.
It’s only a matter of time. We’re tearing through this undercard, blimey!
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 3:54 PM EDT
ROUND ONE: Okolie vs Prasovic
A nervy start from the challenger. Okolie marches into the middle of the ring and starts throwing. He is already flicking out his jab, attempting to ascertain the range so he can land one of his big right hands. Prasovic stays out of trouble but hardly looks convincing in there. I don’t get the feeling this one is going to go the distance.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 3:51 PM EDT
Here we go!
Round-by-round updates are on their way.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 3:47 PM EDT
Andddddddd here comes Okolie
I like Lawrence Okolie. He’s been heavily criticised in the past for his ugly fight style and spoiling some potentially entertaining fights, but he’s 28-years-old, doesn’t have a huge amateur record, and is a 16-0 cruiserweight world champion. Good luck to him.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 3:42 PM EDT
Here we go...
Dilan Prasovic is making his way into the ring.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 3:42 PM EDT
Alun writes in...
I'm watching the live reports on this from hospital so I'm not seeing any substantial footage apart from some clips online but the general consensus is that Hatton was lucky.
Conor Benn had this kind of thing vs Peynaud and you could argue he was lucky to win, be interesting to see where Hatton goes next will he up his game like Benn or decide this isn't for him.
The brief footage I've seen his footwork is an area he needs to look at but I'm no expert but he seemed poor at closing his opponent down in the brief footage I saw.
You’re dead right, his footwork needs A LOT of work. I’m not sure fighting in front of so many fans on a big PPV at this stage of his career is really right for him. He’s already carrying enough pressure and expectation on his shoulders. What a fight Benn vs Peynaud was by the way!
And get well soon Alun, hope all is well.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 3:37 PM EDT
Dodgy cards on the horizon?
Emma emails in:
Hey dude, enjoying the updates!
We all knew Hatton would win on points, biased judges. You're right, it's deffo a bad omen for the cards tonight!!
I'm hoping Usyk wins, but if it goes to points they're never gonna cause another three belt upset after Ruiz 2.
Hey Emma! Ugh, I agree with you. I’m trying to see the positives: Usyk is no idiot and has a very proud record of dethroning champions in their own back yard. From Glowacki in Poland, to Briedis in Latvia, to Gassiev in Russia (and what a fight that was). I think he’ll be wary of the cards and that could lead to him taking a few risks late into the fight. That would be incredibly exciting, because it would mean Usyk has to deviate from his usual style and it would be fascinating to see whether Joshua would know how to react.
But I agree, it shouldn’t have to happen that way. Enjoy it all the same.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 3:33 PM EDT
Up next
A big one!
Lawrence Okolie takes on Dilan Prazovic in the first defence of his WBO cruiserweight championship.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 3:32 PM EDT
He's only gone and broken the one rule
Elliott writes in:
Hi Luke. I think that decision was total b******. Enjoying the blog
Elliott, thank you, but I very clearly said NO SWEARING.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 3:31 PM EDT
Hatton speaks
Hatton to Sky Sports: “I'm not happy with my performance at all. I'm better than that. It's a big occasion with big pressure.
“There are positives and definitely negatives.”
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 3:19 PM EDT
HATTON WINS ON POINTS!
I don’t agree with that but it’s not much of a surprise is it.
What do you think? No swear words, please.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 3:18 PM EDT
ROUND SIX: Hatton vs Martinez
Both men throw everything at it in the final round. Martinez is perhaps showing signs of tiring and misses with a couple of wild lunges. Hatton is also a little ragged but continues to work on Martinez’s body and gets in a couple of decent right hands.
But the round ends with Martinez on top. He backs Hatton up onto the ropes and loads up on body shots. The fight ends with both men stood in the pocket trading hell for leather. What a fight!
Martinez raises his hands into the hair. Hatton looks disappointed.
Martinez won that fight hands down. Let’s see if he gets the decision.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 3:14 PM EDT
ROUND FIVE: Hatton vs Martinez
What a brilliant round!
Hatton starts well and lands a powerful overhand right which hurts Martienz.
But Martinez battles back! He connects with a powerful uppercut and Hatton is flailing. There is also some blood flowing from his nose. He’s in a spot of bother, here.
Martinez presses on. And then, with the end of the round in sight, he lifts both arms into the air and laughs at Hatton! The crowd don’t like that, neither does Hatton’s corner.
Another good round from Martinez. Hatton needs to win the sixth to be sure of this.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 3:09 PM EDT
ROUND FOUR: Hatton vs Martinez
Martinez is great. He should launch some merch because I’m all in. He marches forward at the start of the round with his hands down once again, trying to goad Hatton into getting messy. And it works, kind of! Hatton throws a pair of spiteful hooks to the body and lands with both of them. Careful, Sonni…
That checks his progress a little bit. Hatton remains in his face and both men trade before the bell.
Martinez clearly won the first two rounds, in my opinion. But I reckon the last couple will have gone to Hatton.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 3:05 PM EDT
ROUND THREE: Hatton vs Martinez
Martinez fancies this, he’s dancing around in there with his hands down! You have to admire his confidence but it’s perhaps a bit early for that, and Hatton presses forward and lands some good shots to the body. “Keep it tidy, Campbell!” his Dad roars from his corner.
This has been better from Hatton … but here comes Martinez with a couple of beautifully-timed lead left hooks! He’s not here to muck about after all. Another good round. A shame there’s only another three to go.
Here's another nice pic:
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 3:01 PM EDT
ROUND TWO: Hatton vs Martinez
It’s the big Wlad Klitscho walkout music. It has to be. Martinez, 2-4 Martinez, is boxing very well here, darting in and out of range and finding some hurtful angles. Ricky was known for his wonderful feet but his son is struggling, he’s too eager to engage and is getting caught with some big shots from his opponent, who is more than happy to let his hands go on what is presumably the biggest opportunity of his career.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 2:58 PM EDT
ROUND ONE: Hatton vs Martinez
Crikey, young Hatton is pretty sloppy.
He’s quickly onto the front foot in this fight but eats a couple of decent uppercuts from Martinez. And after a decent flurry from the Spaniard, Hatton’s legs go all wobbly! He really doesn’t look very steady but manages to make it to the end of the round.
Some work for his Dad to do in the corner!
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 2:55 PM EDT
Ding, ding, ding!
Campbell's fight is underway.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 2:55 PM EDT
Alun writes in...
We've had an email from Alun, hello mate!
Terrifying knockout against a good high level opponent by Smith certainly made a statement. I hope Castillo is okay and makes a full recovery, who've you got for the headline?
I'm a big fan of AJ but Usyk is so good at adjusting to opponents, all depends how he carries the extra weight. We all saw the negative effect it had on Cleverly when he went up to fight Bellew he lost all his key attributes in his cardio and work rate and speed.
Great question and I'm so torn. I really can’t remember being this torn over a fight and that’s why I’m so excited.
I think Joshua will win. I think Usyk is the better boxer, but Joshua’s technique has improved a lot in recent fights and I don’t think Usyk will win comfortably enough for the judges to score it in his favour. I know that’s a rather cynical take, but that’s boxing, unfortunately.
So I’m going for a Joshua points victory. Should he knock Usyk out, it would rank as the finest victory of his career, in my opinion.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 2:51 PM EDT
Here comes Sonni Martinez
I'd just mentioned Wlad Klitscho and here comes Sonni Martinez, soundtracked by Can't Stop by The Red Hot Chilli Peppers!
That's where the similarities end, mind. This is Martinez's fight, his pro record stands at 2-4.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 2:46 PM EDT
Some hopefully encouraging news
There’s currently a bit of a debate taking place on Twitter as to whether or not DAZN should have broadcast the replay of that knockout. What a website. Of course they shouldn’t have done: Castillo was convulsing on the floor and we still don’t know the severity of the injuries he has suffered.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 2:44 PM EDT
While we wait for the next fight...
There’s just enough time to read this, if you’re a speedy review.
It’s my preview of tonight’s fight. Yes, I am that vain. When I wrote this I was still predicting a Joshua victory, but as we’ve gotten closer to the fight, I find myself having less of an idea as to what’s going to happen. I know, I know: I’m paid by this very good company to have something of a vague idea about sport, and yet for this fight I really don’t have a clue.
But that’s what makes it so exciting! Joshua could plant his feet and knock Usyk out. He has the power. Or he could win on points. He’s done that before, has the experience at this level and is fighting in Britain. That shouldn’t make a difference, but unfortunately, it does.
Perhaps Usyk could win on points. He’s more than talented enough, and if he puts on enough of a clinic he might just about take the decision out of the judges’ hands, similar to Tyson Fury getting the better of Wladimir Klitschko in Germany. Or he could knock him out. Usyk has such a wonderful jab, and is such a suffocating fighter, and we know that Joshua can gas in the later rounds. It’s just so hard to predict and that’s why this is a truly wonderful fight.
Managing Editor, News
GO FURTHER
Why Oleksandr Usyk could cause problems for Anthony Joshua — and ruin a potential megafight
September 25, 2021 at 2:36 PM EDT
Up next...
Campbell Hatton, the son of Ricky, takes on Sonni Martinez.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 2:24 PM EDT
Castillo is out of the ring
He has been transported out of the ring on a stretcher and is being taken out of the stadium. He’s conscious and is being applauded as he departs. Here’s hoping he hasn’t suffered a serious injury and makes a full recovery.
Callum Smith wins via technical knockout, 55 seconds into the second round.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 2:20 PM EDT
Castillo is receiving medical treatment in the ring
He is still down and receiving oxygen.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 2:19 PM EDT
SMITH KNOCKS OUT CASTILLO
Wow, what a shot.
Smith lands a huge right hand which lands flush on Castillo’s chin and sends him crashing to the floor.
Smith begins to celebrate, only to notice Castillo’s very physical reaction to that punch. The Dominican is down flat on the floor and his legs are shaking quite violently.
Smith checks his celebrations and the paramedics have entered the ring. Let’s hope Castillo is okay.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 2:16 PM EDT
Smith vs Castillo: Round one
Smith looks confident and pretty massive at this weight, but Castillo knows what he’s doing and lands a good lead left. It’s not enough to check Smith’s progress, though. He marches forward and throws a nice combo, with Castillo answering back with a right to the body. It’s not a hard shot, though, and moments later Smith lands his own shot to the body, which Castillo does feel.
A good start to the fight! Smith the aggressor but Castillo has a good defence and is looking to land his own shots.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 2:11 PM EDT
Here we go!
I’ll be bringing you round-by-round updates from this one
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 2:07 PM EDT
Up next ... and get in touch!
Callum Smith makes his debut at light-heavyweight with a fight Lenin Castillo, an experienced 33-year-old who fought for the world title against Dmitry Bivol on the Usyk vs Witherspoon undercard.
By the way: I’m watching tonight’s fights in an office in central London on my own, so it would be nice to hear from some of you. Either email me at [email protected] or tweet me at @lukedbrown.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 2:04 PM EDT
How on EARTH...
... did one judge score that 99-91 to Prodan.
Boxing!
Let us all pray to the boxing gods that that isn’t an omen of dodgy scorecards to come.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 2:00 PM EDT
RESULT: Marku beats Prodan
But it's by split decision! 99-91 Prodan, 97-93 Marku , 96-94 Marku.
Marku wins the IBF international welterweight title.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 1:56 PM EDT
Ding ding ding
The fight is over and it was another strong round for Marku, who even switched to southpaw and found some time to dance around his opponent with both of his arms raised in the air. A bit cocky, but he's fought well and can afford to be happy with his night's work.
The bell goes and Prodan's corner start celebrating. You suspect their cheers won't last for very long. With the exception of that one round Marku looked very composed and deserves his win.
We go to the judges' scorecards.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 1:53 PM EDT
The Spurs Stadium really is dreamy
Yes, I am a Spurs fan.
And yes, this blog will feature lots of photographs of the stadium looking beautiful.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 1:48 PM EDT
Marku vs Prodan
Our second fight of the night is currently in the eighth round: a welterweight grudge match between Florian Marku and Maxim Prodan.
The two had to be dragged apart at Friday's weigh-in and it has been a fun, eventful fight. Marku started the better and looked to be in control, only for Prodan to land a huge left hand out of nowhere in the seventh. Marku's legs went stiff and he did very well to get to the end of the round.
But he recovered in the eighth and it's looking as though Prodan will need to secure a knockout if he's going to win this one. Two rounds remaining.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 1:25 PM EDT
Look who has arrived...
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 12:57 PM EDT
We have our first result of the night
Ousley has beaten Baysangurov by majority decision.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 12:39 PM EDT
Tonight's venue
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is looking BEAUTIFUL tonight, by the way.
A number of memorable fights were staged at White Hart Lane, which was knocked down at the end of the 2016-17 season to make way for Tottenham’s new stadium.
In 1987 Frank Bruno stopped Joe Bugner at the ground, while four years later Chris Eubank beat Michael Watson in a super-middleweight rematch. That night of course ended in tragic circumstances, with Watson’s superb career cut short as a result of near-fatal brain injury.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 12:31 PM EDT
The action starts here
The fight of the night may still be around five hours away (if you’re watching in the UK, it might be good to go and stock up on snacks now) but the action is already underway at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London.
America’s Christopher Ousley is taking on Russia’s Khasan Baysangurov for the vacant WBA intercontinental middleweight title.
Managing Editor, News
September 25, 2021 at 12:14 PM EDT
Good evening!
Welcome to our live coverage of Joshua vs Usyk — and what a fight this promises to be.
Joshua, the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight champion of the world, is the overwhelming favourite to win this fight with the bookmakers. But he has never faced a man as naturally talented as Usyk.
True, Joshua is bigger and much more experienced in this weight class, with Usyk only stepping up from cruiserweight after his thrilling knockout victory over Tony Bellew in November 2018. But Usyk is one of the finest boxers of his generation, having cleaned out the cruiserweight division with a series of sublime performances. He has never been beaten. He has never even been knocked down.
If he reaches for his most ferocious shots Joshua could win this by knockout. Or he could box clever and attempt to outpoint his rival. But what a risk that would be, in a fight with a man as talented as Usyk. So ignore the bookies — this fight hangs in the balance and it promises to be an enthralling night of boxing in north London.
Managing Editor, News
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September 26, 2021 at 04:04AM
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Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk fight results: Live updates, start time, fight card, DAZN boxing and PPV info - The Athletic
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