'’I wanted to give praise to Jesus Christ,’’ Usyk says after defeating Anthony Joshua

                                      (Usyk)

Oleksandr Usyk became the latest world boxing heavyweight champion when he defeated Anthony Joshua early Sunday morning. In his victory speech, Usyk said all he wanted to do with the fight was to give praise to Jesus Christ.

He got a spectacular undivided decision to clinch the title at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Consequently, he ended Joshua’s reign as the world boxing heavyweight champion. 

While defending his IBF, WBA, and WBO heavyweight titles in London, Joshua weighed 240 pounds (109kg) while his Usyk weighed 221.25 pounds. Although Joshua had weight and height advantage, Usyk seemed to be more skillful in the match.

In an interview before the match, Joshua, 31, told Sky Sports:  “I feel good. It could fluctuate, go lower, due to the styles of opponents, but I feel good at this weight. Maybe if I’m fighting a shorter, stronger guy I might bulk up a bit, but I’ve got a good fighter with his legs, so I’m going to keep up with his footwork and hand speed and make sure I’m good right through for the duration.”

                           (Joshua and Usyk)

           

34-year-old Usyk is a former undisputed cruiserweight world champion. At the London 2012 Olympics, he won heavyweight gold. Meanwhile, Joshua triumphed in the super-heavyweight. division.

Reactions to Usyk’s Victory Speech

Olusegun Quadri said, ‘’Although I supported Joshua but [with] this your comment, you are a champion for giving the glory to God.’’

Jack Obinyan commented, ‘’Congratulations to both of them. One was destined to win the fight and this time it wasn’t our favorite and patriotic Anthony Joshua. He still has many more years of glory ahead of him. All he needs to do is continuous training and determination.

Uchenna Egbuchunam posted, ‘’Thank God for your success and give him more honor and adoration for the victory and never bow down to any grave image of destruction.’’

Osabuohien Smart said, ‘’AJ was so proud and full of himself which lead to his great fall. Continue to give God praise as you enjoy your victory.’’

Makinde Damilola Gold said, ‘’Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.’’

Igwe Gideon Okpara said, ‘’Those who work with Jesus Christ never work alone. Congratulations for your victory over AJ. Your victory was made possible through hard work and your humbleness, which God used to exalt you. It is not yet over. Hopefully, AJ will reclaim his belt.’’