Judge who gave Anthony Joshua victory over Oleksandr Usyk had AJ 5-1 up after six rounds

Anthony Joshua fell to a hugely disappointing split-decision defeat to Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night, but the one judge who saw it otherwise inexplicably had the Briton 5-1 up after six rounds. 

The 32-year-old, after suffering a unanimous decision defeat to the masterful Ukrainian last September, put in a much-improved performance as he looked to regain his collection of heavyweight belts. 

Joshua made a positive start to the fight, perhaps nicking the opening two or three rounds, but two of the three judges had it even at the halfway point, while many onlookers had the Ukrainian pulling away. 

But the judge who gave Joshua the victory somehow had AJ 5-1 up at the halfway point

After 12 gruelling but entertaining rounds, Usyk was announced the split-decision victor, with Joshua claiming one score of 115-113, and the Ukrainian given one of 115-113 and another of 116-112. 

It was the American judge, Glenn Feldman, who scored the fight differently to most, giving Joshua five of the first six rounds, as well as the 12th and final round, eventually coming to a total of 115-113. 

The judge from Usyk’s home country of Ukraine gave the fight 116-112 to the champion, in a total that was perhaps harsh on the challenger, while the British judge saw it 115-113 in favour of the champion.  

More to follow…