OLEKSANDRUSYK won a split victory over Anthony Joshua to defend his world heavyweight title.
35-year-old Ukrainian boxer produced another impressive display to win a second victory in 11 months against the Brit.
Joshua was clearly defeated by Usyk to keep his title as world heavyweight champion
After the announcement, Joshua showed respect for Usyk
It was a very emotional victory for Usyk, who dedicated it to the Ukrainian people.
The fight was scored by the three judges as follows: 115-113 Joshua; 115-113 Usyk; 116-112 Usyk.
Most felt that the Ukrainian had done more than enough to win the victory and keep his heavyweight belts.
Here's how SunSport's Dylan Terry saw the unfolding of it round by round.
Round 1
As Joshua begins the exchanges, Usyk starts to bounce around, weave and bobble as Usyk moves in.
The Ukrainian is the one who circles the challenger, showing off his incredible footwork. But both men are just feeling each other out at the moment.
A beautiful jab penetrates the guard of Usyk before Joshua responds with some nice bodywork.
AJ roughhouses Usyk during the clinch in the last 30 seconds - a sign that Usyk is the manhandler many wanted to see.
Positive start by the champion. 10-9 Usyk.
Round 2
AJ is clearly trying to get the body moving in its early stages. They are not much apart so far, Usyk's jab seems to be on point.
Joshua uses a nice left hook to get into Usyk's ribs. The challenger then follows up with a neat one two.
Joshua responds when he needs to with a lovely jab from Usyk
Joshua's bodywork was again impressive as the round came to an end. This is the Brit's tactic.
It is a very difficult round to score, and likely an even one. 20-19 Usyk.
Round 3
It is amazing to see Usyk's movements. Joshua can't find accuracy upstairs because his head is always moving.
She tries to move the body in for a clinch, but Usyk is alert and moves out.
The Ukrainians take the cagey circle. 30-28 Usyk.
Round 4
Joshua is failing with many of his punches. Usyk has so far measured the distance to perfection.
A sharp right clip cuts the top of AJ’s head, but the Brit is not moved.
Joshua appears to be patient and not hurrying his work. He is being beaten by the faster, smarter champion.
AJ tries to land a massive uppercut in the last 30 seconds, but it misses by a considerable distance.
Joshua is able to rest on his hind legs after Usyk's lovely left.
Three more minutes for the world champion. 40-37 Usyk.
Round 5
Joshua's feet move too slowly at the moment. Before AJ can get anywhere near Usyk, he is already out of range.
Oh, Hang On! Joshua hits Usyk in the waistband, and the Ukrainian limps away in pain.
After about 20 seconds, the referee stopped the action and caused some confusion around the arena. It didn't seem like a low blow.
After about 20 seconds, the referee stops all action and causes some confusion around the arena.
Joshua loads the truck and we are back on track. There may be something wrong with Usyk.
The champion regains his composure and bounces on his feet the rest of the round. Is that a turning point? Is AJ's bodywork a problem for the Ukrainian?
Joshua's best round so far. 49-47 Usyk.
Round 6
Replays reveal that the shot to Joshua's body was not quite right - it reached Usyk's waistline and was perhaps a little too low. It must have been so because the referee wouldn't have stopped for Usyk to get back to normal.
We now move on to the action, round six. Has Usyk recovered?
Joshua is now looking to dominate the action more. He drives a right-hand down the pipe but narrowly misses hitting the target. Usyk returns with a sharp hook.
Joshua supports Usyk against the ropes, and has some success using a combination. However, the champion manages to get out of the jam with some beautiful footwork.
Another close match. Joshua failed to land enough. Usyk takes it. 59-56 Usyk.
Round 7
My scorecard shows Usyk leading heading into the second round, but it is a close-fought fight.
Joshua was definitely more aggressive in the final rounds, but it is yet to be of any significance.
The champion pulls off a nice jab. This is Usyk's brilliant three-minute effort. He stops some AJ momentum by making the champion miss and pay.
Usyk land a nice right hook that moves into an uppercut as soon as the bell rings.
These are some really great shots of Usyk's head and body. 69-65 Usyk.
Round 8
The referee announces a time-out 20 seconds into the match because the canvas is slippery.
Joshua gave a nice right uppercut to his body, but Usyk's bodywork is still impressive.
AJ has a wonderful left hand that connects to the body! That one Usyk felt was certain!
Joshua struggles to continue his success with all combinations. Usyk can reset the distance and measure it again.
Another one-two to Usyk's body rifles into his body. Joshua does a much better job.
This was a good round for the challenger, who smiles wryly in the last 10 seconds. 78-75 Usyk.
Round 9
Joshua is so successful at stalling Joshua’s momentum when AJ has some successes.
Usyk must hold on to these head shots.
Joshua is all set to win! Combinations from AJ, and why is Usyk still standing?! !
Huge round by AJ. This was his best fight. This is his last chance to win! 87-85 Usyk.
Round 10
Usyk is looking younger than ever! Joshua is a man made of steel, and Usyk has exhausted all his energy from the previous round.
The Brit is all over the place and the champion shoots big shots at AJ. He is still standing despite his legs feeling like jelly.
Usyk is looking for the finish, but Joshua returns with a brilliant right that shakes the Ukrainian boot!
Amazing action, Joshua returns to the ropes, and Usyk sees that the end is near.
As AJ moves forward Usyk lands three to four shots and five more. Joshua, who is tired looking, eats the remaining shots with the body language a tired, beaten man. Round nine might have been his best chance.
Amazing stuff from the champion. 97-94 Usyk.
Round 11
Joshua is taught by Usyk with amazing movement during the first 90 seconds. This makes the champion miss and then makes him pay.
AJ finally manages to support Usyk against the ropes, but nothing of substance is achieved as the champion takes a few body shots on his arms.
It is amazing to see the angles Usyk creates. He is always outside of the line of AJ, who doesn't have the movement to counter him.
Clear round for the champion. Joshua has three minutes to find an unlikely knockout. 107-103 Usyk.
Round 12
Joshua's final round shot was a nice body shot. He may as well swing if he's going to fall.
Beautiful left hook-right combination by AJ and Usyk must be held! Joshua nearly falls to the ground while trying to wrestle the champion.
Usyk responds with some amazing combination punching. Joshua's tank is empty now. He has done everything but it's not enough.
Usyk wins the fight in the final round. This was a truly magnificent display by the Ukrainian.
SunSport's final scorecard is 117-112 Usyk.
