Oleksandr Usyk Defends Heavyweight Title with Unanimous Decision Over Tyson Fury
In an exciting rematch on Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oleksandr Usyk successfully defended his heavyweight titles with a unanimous decision victory over Tyson Fury. The judges scored the bout 116-112 in Usyk’s favor, with identical scorecards from Gerardo Martinez, Patrick Morley, and Ignacio Robles.
Usyk Outpaces Fury in Key Moments
Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) proved his dominance in the ring by landing 179 out of 423 punches (42%), while Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) landed just 144 of 509 punches (28%). When asked if he agreed with the judges’ scores, Usyk humbly responded, “I win, it’s good. Not my deal. I win. Thank you, God.”
Usyk, the betting favorite at -145, had a steady and calculated approach, while Fury (who closed at +110) struggled as the fight progressed. Despite an energetic start, Fury began to tire, allowing Usyk to gain control.
The Fight Breakdown
The highly anticipated rematch, which followed Fury’s first career loss in May, lived up to the hype from the moment the fighters entered the arena. Interestingly, Usyk’s team requested that Fury trim his beard before the bout. Fury, however, showed up with his bushy beard and a festive appearance, walking to the ring in a bright red Christmas-themed robe with Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” playing.
Fury came out fast and controlled the first two rounds, but Usyk fought back in the third and fourth, working the body while landing power shots to the head. Fury had moments in the fifth, but Usyk took charge in the sixth, landing a powerful left hand that staggered the larger fighter twice.
As the fight wore on, Fury seemed weighed down by his extra pounds, while Usyk’s patient style continued to wear on him. Usyk’s ability to slip inside and land quick, damaging combinations proved crucial.
In the tenth round, Fury came out swinging, trying to take control, but Usyk held his ground, landing jabs and an uppercut late. By the eleventh, Usyk’s speed was evident as he landed blistering combinations to keep Fury at bay.
The Final Round and Innovative AI Judge
Both fighters exchanged punches in the final round, Fury hoping to impress the judges, while Usyk sought a dramatic finish. The fight ended with an innovative twist — AI judging. The experimental system gave Usyk a commanding 118-112 win, further validating his performance.
Post-Fight Drama and Challenges
Fury now holds a 5-1 record in rematches. Only three titles were on the line in this bout, as the IBF had stripped Usyk for not facing its mandatory challenger, Daniel Dubois.
Dubois, who lost to Usyk by knockout in their August 2023 bout, interrupted Usyk’s post-fight interview, demanding a rematch. Usyk responded with a challenge: “Your Excellency, make me fight with Daniel. Thank you so much.”
Other Highlights from the Night
- Serhii Bohachuk defeated Ismael Davis by sixth-round TKO.
- Johnny Fisher won a split decision over Dave Allen (95-94, 93-96, 95-94).
- Lee McGregor secured a unanimous decision against Isaac Lowe (96-92, 97-91, 97-91).
- Peter McGrail outpointed Rhys Edwards by unanimous decision (96-95, 96-94, 96-94).
Usyk’s victory cements his place as one of the top heavyweights, but the drama surrounding Fury and the looming challenge from Dubois ensures that the heavyweight division remains as exciting as ever.
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