Heavyweight Title

Briton loses world title rematch by split decision

In a clash billed as the Rage on the Red Sea, a spirited Joshua, 32, showed some aggressiveness and intent - a vast improvement from their first fight - but could not match the brilliance and ring savviness of the Ukrainian who improved his record to 20 wins from 20 contests.

Two judges scored the fight 115-113 and 116-112 to Usyk and the third gave it 115-113 to Joshua.

While there were some close rounds, Usyk - in just his fourth bout since moving up from cruiserweight to heavyweight - was the deserved winner.

Usyk upsets Joshua to claim world heavyweight titles

The 34-year-old former undisputed cruiserweight world champion put on a masterclass to silence the majority of the 67,000 fans inside the huge arena on Sunday (NZ time).

Usyk proved too elusive for Joshua throughout an enthralling contest and finished with a flurry in round 12 as he went in search of a knockout.

Joshua stayed up but the decision was a formality as Usyk claimed the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts.