Usyk pulled the Ukrainian flag over his head as his name was called out as the winner after the heavyweight bout.
- I dedicate this victory to my country, my family, my team, to all the military who defend our country.
Thank you very much, he said from the ring.
The Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk entered the ring in the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with the entire war-torn country behind him.
Just six months ago, he himself participated in the defense of his homeland before leaving army life to resume training.
Ahead of the meeting, in his daily address on Saturday evening, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said:
- We fight for all our people.
And we're rooting for those representing Ukraine today - especially for Usyk, our guy!
And Usyk delivered.
Briton Joshua, who was outclassed by Usyk when they met in London last September, admittedly did better this time.
After twelve rounds, two of the judges ruled Usyk the winner, 115–113 and 116–112, respectively, while the third gave the win to Joshua, 115–113.
The 35-year-old Ukrainian thus retains his world championship belts with the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO organizations.
Now only the WBC belt is missing for Usyk who is undefeated as a pro with 20 wins.
And after the fight, he called on WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who recently announced his retirement, to come back to the sport to face him.
- I'm sure Tyson Fury wants to fight me.
If I don't fight Tyson Fury, I won't fight at all, Usyk said.