Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk faced off again on Saturday night, this time at the Diriyah Arena in Riyadh, and the result echoed the past. Usyk triumphed over Fury for the second time, walking away with a unanimous decision victory after their first encounter ended similarly back in May. The judges unanimously favored Usyk, scoring the bout 116-112, even though many observers felt the fight was far closer.
This title rematch proved lucrative for both fighters, with the total purse reportedly reaching around £150 million. Usyk, benefiting from winning the earlier contest, took home 60% of the earnings, amounting to £90 million, leaving Fury with £60 million after taking 40%. While these figures sound astronomical, they are not without consequence. Fury is expected to pay close to £28 million in taxes upon his return to the UK, significantly lowering his take-home amount.
Reflecting on the fight, Fury was visibly frustrated, claiming, "The judges gave him a Christmas gift. I feel like I won both fights. There's no doubt in my mind I won this fight," he stated post-fight. Boxing's unpredictability seems to have reared its ugly head again, provoking strong reactions from fans and commentators alike. Fury's promoter, Frank Warren, also expressed disbelief at the scoring, describing the judges' scores as "dumbfounding" and criticized their inability to recognize Fury's control during the fight.
Despite his disappointment, Fury's career isn’t narrowly defined by this loss. Prominent boxing promoter Eddie Hearn is eager to set up a megafight with Anthony Joshua, urging for two matches - one at Wembley Stadium and another back at Riyadh. Hearn believes there’s still significant interest from fans, insisting the Joshua-Fury showdown remains the pinnacle of British boxing history and has the potential to draw exceptional viewership.
Fury, who now stands at 34 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, faced deep reflection after the match, his emotions clearly running high. Post-fight interviews highlighted his sense of loss and frustration, emphasizing, “I’ll always feel hard done by – not a little bit, a lot.” The match’s intense scrutiny speaks to broader themes within boxing, especially concerning how fighters manage their careers following defeats.
Usyk, on the other hand, remained contemplative following his victory. When asked about future opponents, he expressed the need to unplug and take time away: “I want to go back home, rest, turn off my phone, sit and look in the sky and how the trees grow,” he stated. Both fighters have had their share of pressuring moments and face the continued scrutiny of fans and pundits alike.
The fight's location brought additional discussion, highlighting Saudi Arabia's role in hosting such high-stakes matches, sometimes labeled as sports-washing. Critics argue the motivation lies more with image rehabilitation than sportsmanship. Yet, the glamour and wealth involved can’t be denied with events like this drawing elite attention worldwide.
Controversy surrounded the aftermath of this latest match, with social media ablaze with opinions about the judging. While some vehemently argued Fury was robbed, others pointed to Usyk’s skill and strategy, which kept Fury at bay for the more significant part of the contest. Usyk’s evasiveness drew praise, especially among those appreciating the technical aspects of boxing, underlining how opinions about the same fight can vary broadly.
Historic bouts like this ignite passion among boxing fans, and the rivalry between Fury and Usyk has already proven engaging for many. The road for both fighters is unclear—Fury faces the possibility of retirement discussions, and Usyk has future championship opportunities on the horizon, potentially against challengers like Daniel Dubois. With so much at stake, every fight can change the course of their careers.
Both fighters are at pivotal crossroads. While Fury takes time to reconvene and recuperate from his losses, Usyk stands triumphant and ready to explore future matchups brimming with opportunity. Regardless of their paths, the engagement and discussions following this match signal just how interlinked boxing is with the broader desires of sports fans—both for adrenaline-packed creativity and the track record of their heroes.