Tonight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oleksandr Usyk decisively defeated Tyson Fury, retaining his unified heavyweight titles in their highly anticipated rematch.
Despite a massive 55-pound weight advantage for Fury, Usyk was able to utilize opportunistic combinations, capitalize on his opponent’s mistakes, and of course display his trademark quick footwork to systematically dismantle the former lineal heavyweight king.
𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝟏𝟑 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐖❗️#Usyk2Fury | #RiyadhSeason
Live NOW on DAZN: Click link in bio to buy | @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/hUvt3R4Yx3— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 21, 2024
It was clear from the start of the match that Fury had intended on coming in with a quite aggressive style, as he moved forward probing with his jab, forcing his opponent to retreat. But, by the later stages of the fight, it was clear that Usyk’s relentless pace and unmatched cardio was becoming the difference maker in this 12 round match. This was made evident by the Ukrainian champion stepping into the role of aggressor while ‘The Gypsy King’ was spending a lot of time back peddling.
Even though Fury did fall behind on the scorecards as the right advanced, the Englishman kept this fight extremely competitive and entertaining. Every time Usyk would land, Fury was firing back shots of his own. While the returning fire was extremely powerful and the punches were clearly affecting his adversary, they just weren’t enough to slow down the champion.
The battle for heavyweight supremacy! 👑#Usyk2Fury | #RiyadhSeason
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In the end, all 3 judges scored the fight 116-112 for Usyk. Not only did the champion retain his belts and add a second victory over the great former heavyweight titleholder in Fury, but he also added an impressive 23rd straight victory to his undefeated professional boxing career.
Following the bout, IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois entered the ring to call for a shot at unifying all the heavyweight belts in a rematch with Usyk. The pair first met back in 2023 and their meeting resulted in a ninth round knockout victory for Usyk.
Usyk vs. Dubois NEXT⁉️#Usyk2Fury | #RiyadhSeason | @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/shVblX0tiS
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 21, 2024
Official Result: Oleksandr Usyk def. Tyson Fury via Decision (Unanimous) 116-112, 116-112, 116-112