Oleksandr Usyk reaffirmed his dominance over heavyweight boxing with yet another victory over Tyson Fury, this time with a resounding unanimous decision win at the Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, on Saturday night. The triumph solidified Usyk's status as one of the all-time greats, extending his professional record to 23 wins without any losses, and leaving Fury at a crossroads in his career.
This rematch was notable not just for its outcome but for the significance it holds within the heavyweight division's legacy. At 36, Fury has now tasted defeat twice at the hands of Usyk, once by split decision earlier this year and now with judges scoring the latest contest 116-112 across the board. While many had hoped for Fury to reclaim his place on boxing's top table, it now appears the once-unstoppable champion must navigate the twilight of his career with caution.
Both fighters entered this highly anticipated bout with considerable stakes—Usyk was defending his WBC, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles, and Fury aimed to regain the crown and prove he was still on top. The match showcased Usyk's superior technique and tactical acumen, allowing him to adeptly outmaneuver the larger Fury, who struggled with stamina and precision as the rounds progressed.
Post-fight, Usyk expressed respect for his opponent, declaring, "It's Tyson Fury," when asked about the toughest British fighter he had faced. Usyk’s humility was apparent as he praised Fury, stating, "Tyson Fury makes me strong... He is my best friend," highlighting the respect built over their 24 rounds of shared combat.
Following the bout, the boxing world is now fixated on what’s next for both competitors. A notable name resurfaced as Daniel Dubois made his intentions clear by entering the ring to call out Usyk, demanding revenge for his previous defeat. Dubois stated, "Usyk, I want my revenge for the robbery," asserting his desire for another shot at the title. Yet, Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, urged caution as Dubois must first defend his title against Joseph Parker before any rematch is scheduled.
Meanwhile, Fury's future remains uncertain. Boxing insiders, including experts from talkSPORT, suggest the next logical opponent for Fury could be Anthony Joshua. Both fighters have recently suffered losses, but their drawing power remains significant. Gareth A Davies remarked, "All Brits would love to see this fight," indicating the British public's eagerness for this clash, which would likely be staged amid the dazzling backdrop of Saudi Arabia.
Tyson Fury, not one to shy away from controversy, expressed skepticism about the fight’s verdict, dismissing the AI judge's score of 118-112 as "absolutely s" and remarked, "F robots, give more jobs to humans," as he aired frustration about the decision. Both he and his promoter, Frank Warren, have not backed down from their belief the fight could have swayed more favorably for Fury. Nevertheless, many analysts upheld the judges' decisions as fair and conclusive, with Usyk’s performance being deemed the decisive factor.
This match not only questioned Fury's place at the top but also sparked discussions on his legacy against iconic boxers such as Muhammad Ali and Lennox Lewis. What could have been the biggest British fight of this era now seems more like a mere cash grab, potentially missing the prestige once surrounding bouts of this magnitude.
For Usyk, aside from continuing to reign among the elite heavyweights, his legacy intertwines with his emotional and patriotic ties to Ukraine amid its strife. After his victory, Usyk presented his fight as part of his campaign to uplift and support his nation, dedicatory gestures such as showcasing artifacts symbolizing Ukraine's strength and resilience have deeply endeared him to fans, transcending the sport.
Looking down the road, the heavyweight division is glaringly void of new contenders capable of dethroning Usyk, who seems positioned to retire as one of the sport's extraordinary champions. His immediate focus appears to be on family and recuperation following this intense pop-culture spotlight.
Stepping away from the ring for personal reflection, Usyk expressed his desire for rest, and family time, emphasizing, "I want to rest... I want to sit like this and look at the sky." This down-to-earth perspective connects with many fans who view boxing as more than just sport, admiring how the champions balance personal aspirations with their professional endeavors.
With so many variables at play, the boxing community watches closely as to what will come next for Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Will the anticipated fight between Fury and Joshua materialize? Or will Usyk seek to continue his reign over the division, fighting Dubois or perhaps another contender? The answers await but one thing remains certain: the echoes of their battle will resonate as part of boxing history.
This richly layered story—spanning athletic achievement, national pride, and the quest for legacy—will no doubt continue long after the final scorecards were tallied, keeping boxing fans on edge as they wait for the next chapter.
