I have thought he has becoming too boxing oriented since Ruiz, but the truth is that he lacks the flexibility in the pocket and stamina to bang out an elusive guy like Usyk. I do think "old" Joshua would have a better chance against Wilder, rather than trying to box Wilder. Should they ever fight.
You are blindly missing the evidence of Rounds 9 and 10. Joshu tried to get Usyk with the kitchen sink as hard as he coudl - but he failed and blew his gastank. Usyk is just to wily, mobile and clever to just be walked down blindly by anyone without similar offensive IQ and skills. Then he was battered from pillar to post in Round 10 by a laser-like accurate Usyk. As many had said, if AJ just went fro broke, he was always running the risk of blowing his wad and getting stopped - and actually, I give AJ huge credit he didn't fold in that 10th round, as Usyk was on him like white on rice and didn't give him any respite. To be honest, after the Ruiz defeat I didn't even think AJ had it in him again to even try and 'go for it' like he did in round 9, so I give him solid props there
When AJ switched to Terminator mode in round 9, which all started with him going dirty on Usyk and then immediately pouncing on him, doing his poor man's robotic Calzaghe impersonation, Usyk just covered up and slipped and slided and rode it out. He was never in danger or hurt like the commentary team lead us to believe he was and he came out fresh and unperturbed just 60 seconds later and proceed to beat the crap out of AJ in the next round.
This AJ is more experienced, well rounded and overall clearly the better fighter than the 'Old AJ' which he was in Whyte or Klitschko fights. But that's still not enough to win against Usyk
AJ improved his game and put in a good effort. The problem was is that he was a good world champion vs a historical fighter. AJ may have lost this time but he will have his way against everyone else.
True, all Usyk can do is beat Joshua from post to post like an unwanted stepchild. In the last rounds of TWO (2) consecutive fights.