In a rematch that was nowhere near as dramatic as the first bout, Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) topped Tyson Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) for a second time, defending his WBA, WBC, and WBO world titles– and undisputed heavyweight champ status– via unanimous decision
This time around, Ukraine native Usyk fought at a steady pace and never really fell behind, thereby nullifying the need for a thrilling comeback, like in his first encounter with the Irishman former WBC titlist back in May.
Using his customary perpetual-motion style and usual true-grit determination/focus from the opening bell, the 37-year-old never allowed his opponent to build the kind of momentum that would create any degree of “must push forward” urgency. Instead, Usyk’s steady pace and efficiency had Fury put-off and somewhat hesitant throughout the twelve-round encounter.
Fury, who came into this contest 19 pounds heavier (281) than in the first encounter and sported a 55 lb. advantage over Usyk, had instances where he looked sharp and looked to be effective in employing his long-arm strategy, but those moments were fleeting and too far apart to create any sort of momentum.
At the end of the engaging, but not thrilling heavyweight title clash, Usyk would be awarded the unanimous decision by three on-the-mark scores of 116-112.
“It’s a great fighter,” Usyk said of Fury in his post-fight interview. “It’s a great opponent. It’s a great 24 rounds, an unbelievable 24 rounds for my career.
“I want to devote this victory to my mama, Nadezhda. She’s worrying about me all the time. And I want to say to her, thank you very much for everything you’ve done to me. And I devote this to her and to all mothers of Ukraine.”
The undisputed champ would also answer– and accept– the call-out of former foe and current IBF titlist Daniel Dubois, who came into the ring to issue a challenge after the fight.
“Your Excellency,” Usyk responded, addressing Saudi figurehead Turki Alalshikh. “Organize it. Make me. Make me fight with Daniel Dubois. Thank you so much.”
The 36-year-old Fury would leave the ring without granting an interview, but later unloaded his unhappiness with the judges’ scorecards to media.
“The judges gave him a Christmas gift,” Fury said.
“I feel like I won both fights. I know I had to knock him out, but it’s boxing and this happens. There is no doubt in my mind I won this fight.
“[Promoter]Frank [Warren] had me three or four rounds up and a lot of people had me up by at least two…
“I’m not going to cry over spilt milk, it’s over now.”
“I’ve been in boxing my whole life but I’ll always feel a little bit hard done by – not a little bit, a lot.”
Paul Magno has over forty years of experience in and around the sport of boxing and has had his hand in everything from officiating to training. As a writer, his work has appeared on Yahoo Sports, Fox Sports, Fight Hype, Max Boxing, Boxing.com, Inside Fights, The Queensberry Rules, Overtime Heroics, Bleacher Report, and Premier Boxing Champions. He is currently the owner and managing editor or The Boxing Tribune. You can follow his Twitter/X account, @boxing_tribune, for breaking boxing news, analysis, and sometimes NSFW commentary. For Advertising, Inquiries, etc., send him an email here: paulmagno@theboxingtribune.com