Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk punch stats highlight Ukrainian's masterclass

If there was any question regarding Anthony Joshua’s feud with Oleksandr Usyk before Saturday’s thrilling rematch between the heavyweight juggernauts, lingering uncertainty evaporated like water in sodden clothes on a sun-streaked summer day.

The numbers suggest Usyk was well worth his decision victory over Joshua, with output and aggression steering him toward a split points win: 113-115, 115-113, 116-112.

When the pair were pitted against each other last year, supporters of Joshua’s stellar career were confident that Britain’s golden boy could defeat Usyk, bypass his slick combinations and weaving block, and ground the Ukrainian with his devastating power.

It was not to be. Usyk put in a performance for the ages and navigated toward a convincing decision victory that handed ‘AJ’ the second loss of his professional career.

Many fans thought Joshua would be galvanised by this setback, much like he did in his second meeting with hard-hitting Andy Ruiz Jr, and produce a fine mesh of offensive and defensive boxing to steer back on course and reclaim his heavyweight world titles.

Faith was misguided, Usyk again overcame the larger man and Joshua was forced to remain confined to the depths of despair that professional sport can inflict on competitors.

Usyk’s victory was punctuated by statistics that backed up what everyone saw last Saturday night; the menacing European was faster, more aggressive, more tenacious. His display embodied the heart of fighting spirit.

Per The Sun, Usyk threw 712 punches to Joshua’s 492 and landed 170 to the Brit’s 124.

Despite being marginally pipped in accuracy – Usyk landed at a rate of 24% whilst AJ finished with 25% – the sustained output and aggression tipped the odds firmly in his