Oleksandr Usyk remains the unified heavyweight champion of the world after another riveting encounter with Tyson Fury, decisively winning the rematch on Saturday night at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This time, Usyk emerged victorious by unanimous decision, with the judges scoring it 116-112, echoing the score from their first meeting earlier this year.
Fury, who aimed to avenge his sole professional defeat against Usyk, was visibly upset and even stormed out of the ring after the announcement of the decision. The chaotic atmosphere post-fight mirrored the contentious nature of the bout itself, as Fury and his promoter Frank Warren labeled the result as “nonsense” and “crazy.” On the contrary, many boxing experts, including Matchroom Boxing head Eddie Hearn, noted Usyk's tactical mastery, particularly his ability to outwork Fury throughout the 12 rounds.
“Usyk did dominate more in the second half of the fight, like we said he would,” Hearn remarked after the fight, indicating the Ukrainian's strategy to break down the less-fitter Fury as the rounds progressed.
The rivalry between the two heavyweights has certainly captivated the boxing world, but questions linger over Fury's future after this loss. With this defeat, Fury’s record fell to 35-2-1, and speculation about potential retirement has emerged. Meanwhile, Usyk continues his undefeated streak, now standing at 23-0, and is expected to challenge IBF champion Daniel Dubois for another shot at becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion.
The rematch showcased not only the technical skills of both fighters but also the physical dichotomy between them—Usyk came to the ring having to overcome significant size and weight disadvantages against the larger Fury. His game plan involved not only avoiding Fury's powerful strikes but effectively countering them with precision strikes of his own. By maintaining his composure under pressure and executing his strategy, Usyk was able to dictate the pace of the fight.
“I’m not the judges, I’m an athlete,” Usyk said after his victory, elegantly sidestepping questions about the controversial scoring. “It’s not my decision. I win. Thank you, God.” His humility contrasted sharply with Fury's emotional response, highlighting the different mental approaches these champions embody.
Despite moments of controversy during the match, it was clear to many spectators and ringside analysts alike who had the upper hand. The bout was characterized by strategic exchanges marked by Usyk’s speed and agility against Fury’s power and size. Both boxers had their moments where they appeared to gain the upper hand, labeling the fight as more of a chess match than a brawl.
Round after round, Usyk's ability to slip punches and counter effectively led to him garnering more rounds on the scorecards. Although Fury claimed to have won by at least three rounds, the judges remained steadfast, awarding Usyk every bout as the attacking champion.
Meanwhile, the undercard fight drew attention as well, especially with the sensational performance by Moses Itauma, who obliterated his opponent Demsey McKean within the first round. The audience during the event included notable figures from the sporting world, emphasizing the significance of the occasion.
Moving forward, Usyk's attention is likely to fixate on capturing the remaining heavyweight title belts to claim undisputed status. His performance against Fury only solidified his legacy among boxing's elite, and the fight itself has sparked conversations about the direction both fighters will take next. Fury's harsh criticisms of the judges reflect his disappointment but detract from Usyk's accomplishments—a narrative fueled by the egos often inherent to world-class athletes.
Fury’s future remains uncertain, and as he contemplates his next steps, Usyk's victory has undoubtedly cleared his path toward unification bouts. The heavyweight division remains electrifying with such high-stakes matchups, and boxing fans will surely keep their eyes peeled for what’s next for these champions.
With the second encounter now complete, the boxing community awaits announcements on Usyk's potential title challenge and Fury’s path forward as he assesses the aftermath of this difficult defeat.
