Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk retained his titles against Tyson Fury in their highly anticipated rematch at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on December 21. The bout concluded with all three judges scoring it 116-112, marking Usyk's second victory over Fury this year.
The rematch followed their first encounter, where Usyk emerged victorious by split decision, making history as the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis. Usyk displayed speed, tactical finesse, and relentless activity levels throughout the fight, effectively neutralizing Fury's size advantage.
While the opening rounds were competitive, with Fury appearing to edge out the first few, the tide turned decisively from the sixth round onward. Usyk executed sharp combinations and maintained aggressive pressure, leaving Fury struggling to mount effective counters.
Reflecting on the match, Tyson Fury expressed his dissatisfaction with the official scorecards, claiming he thought he had won. “I swear to God I thought I won it by at least three rounds,” Fury stated backstage, visibly frustrated after the result.
Promoter Frank Warren echoed Fury's sentiments, expressing incredulity over the scoring, particularly noting how one judge failed to award Fury any rounds after the fifth. “One judge here did not give Tyson a round from round six onwards, that's nuts. It is mad,” he argued. This viewpoint was supported by many observers who felt the decision was skewed.
Usyk, on the other hand, was celebrated for his performance. His promoter Alex Krassyuk lauded the bout as tactical mastery, referring to it as “an encyclopedia of boxing” and asserting pride over Usyk's skills displayed throughout the fight. Usyk himself downplayed the judges' decisions, focusing instead on his performance and what he has achieved.
The post-fight scene was charged with anticipation for what might come next for both fighters. Daniel Dubois, the IBF heavyweight champion, made his presence felt post-fight by calling out Usyk, expressing his desire for a shot at the unified titles. But Usyk hinted at other potential paths, including returning to the cruiserweight division.
Meanwhile, the split decision from the first bout had many questioning whether Fury has the stamina and technique to combat Usyk's speed and tactical approach. Critics highlighted Fury’s failure to adapt, especially as he began to hold frequently toward the later rounds, indicating he might have accepted defeat.
Retired heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis weighed in, saying, “I didn't score it, but it was close. He should have got more rounds in there.” The sentiment shared among fans and experts suggests there is still substantial debate over the fairness of the scoring and what it implies for Fury moving forward.
Despite the setback, promoters see Fury's next steps as pivotal. Eddie Hearn, Matchroom promoter, pinpointed the biggest fight for Fury as being against Anthony Joshua, pushing for this highly anticipated showdown at Wembley. “There is only one fight for Tyson Fury and it's Anthony Joshua,” Hearn proclaimed, hinting at the massive financial stakes involved.
Fury had previously shown his determination to regain his status, but this loss raises questions about whether he can fend off younger challengers like Dubois or even Joshua's rekindled interest. Fury remains focused, stating, “I’m going to go home and have a good Christmas. I’m going to wait 12 weeks.”
Overall, the fight showcased Usyk’s resolve as one of the elite boxers of this generation, adjusting his strategy effectively against larger opponents. Prominent figures like Wladimir Klitschko remarked, “We are lucky to have such an amazing champion,” underscoring Usyk's role as more than just a competitor, but also as an ambassador for Ukrainian boxing.
On the undercard, Moses Itauma delivered a spectacular first-round knockout against Demsey McKean, leaving spectators buzzing about the future heavyweights. Meanwhile, Johnny Fisher faced criticism after winning by split decision against Dave Allen, with many feeling the decision was undeserved
Fury's defeat, though disappointing, does not mark the end of his illustrious career. The boxing world eagerly anticipates his comeback, resting on whether he can threat Usyk’s reign at the top. There were no festive congratulations for the Fury contingent after the fight, just brief post-fight reflections and contemplations on future battles, all eyes now await how Fury will respond and if he can orchestrate his return to championship glory.
