OLEKSANDR USYK is back as Ring Magazine’s No1 pound-for-pound best after outclassing Anthony Joshua for a second time.
The Ukrainian, 35, defended his WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles against Joshua in Saudi Arabia.
Usyk beat Joshua by split decision, and also picked up the vacant Ring Magazine belt left by the “retired” WBC champ Tyson Fury.
The victory against Joshua also returns Usyk as Ring Magazine’s No1.
Usyk had previously been given the title in May following Canelo Alvarez’s loss to Dmitry Bivol.
He became the first heavyweight to hold the crown since Mike Tyson 30-years-ago.
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However, after Naoya Inoue’s victory over Nonito Donaire in June, Usyk was knocked off top spot by the Japanese bantamweight.
Usyk’s win has also opened up a potential pathway for a fight with Tyson Fury.
Both fighters have been calling each other out over a heavyweight showdown.
But the Gypsy King has demanded a mega sum of money to come out of retirement.
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Fury has given his team a short deadline in order to make the crunch bout with Usyk.
He said: “To all these suitors out there who want to make the fight, I’m gonna give you all seven days – til September 1 – to come up with the money.
“If not, thank you very much it’s been a blast!”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
