Tyson Fury faced Oleksandr Usyk again on December 22, 2024, at the Riyadh Arena. The rematch was billed as one of the biggest events of the year, yet it ended with Fury once again falling short against Usyk. The Ukrainian retained his titles, winning by unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the bout 116-112.
Leading up to the fight, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Fury revealed shocking personal sacrifices, stating he had not spoken to his wife, Paris, for three months. "I haven’t spoken to [my wife] at all... Not one word, sacrificed a lot," he told Queensberry Promotions before the fight. This complete isolation was part of his strategy to focus solely on the rematch after having lost the first bout to Usyk.
The fight itself showcased Usyk's skills, particularly his ability to adapt and capitalize on Fury’s weaknesses. Boxing veteran Oscar De La Hoya noted, "I think Usyk pulled it off in the second half of the fight. Usyk deserves it... I didn’t see Tyson use many jabs or use his distance." This sentiment echoed throughout the boxing community as pundits and fans alike remarked on how Usyk seemed to gain momentum as the fight progressed.
Despite several close rounds, Fury's camp was left perplexed by the outcome. Promoter Frank Warren expressed confusion, stating, "How come Tyson only got four rounds in this fight? I thought he was in control... I’m really disappointed." Similarly, Eddie Hearn admitted he found it difficult to pick a winner. "I found it difficult to pick a winner and thought it was very close," he said to DAZN Boxing.
Additionally, the fight's controversial outcome sparked discussions about Fury's performance. Critics, including Fury's former trainer Ben Davison, suggested he lacked self-awareness about how poorly he boxed. Davison mentioned, "I thought I won it by at least three rounds," reflecting the frustrations echoing from Fury's camp.
Usyk, on his part, displayed grace and humility, stating, "I want to go home, [turn] off my phone, close my house and relax... I want to rest, not think about boxing." His resilience and focus throughout the long training camp contributed to his success, allowing him to leave the ring victorious once more.
Post-fight, Fury's emotional state was visible as he stormed out of the ring, frustrated and angry. Moments later, he confronted his former trainer Davison, insisting he believed he deserved to win. His feelings were echoed by fans who express outrage over the judges’ scoring, claiming it did not reflect the match's reality and suggested it might cast doubts on Fury’s future career choices.
While Usyk now looks forward to potential fights with opponents like Daniel Dubois or Joseph Parker, the call for another encounter with Fury looms large. Comments from boxers and analysts have already begun surfacing, advocating for either a third fight between Usyk and Fury or even a blockbuster showdown between Fury and Anthony Joshua. "I would love to see a third one [Fury vs. Usyk]," said Sergio Mora, highlighting the popularity and historical significance surrounding these potential matchups.
With emotions running high and tensions palpable, the fury around the Fury-Usyk rematch has solidified itself not just as another event but as a chapter in heavyweight boxing history filled with anticipation for what might come next. Will Fury regroup, take stock of his losses, and emerge stronger, or will the weight of defeat overshadow his future ambitions? Fans across the globe eagerly await the answer.
