Oleksandr Usyk decisively proved his dominance over Tyson Fury in their highly anticipated rematch, capturing victory by unanimous decision and retaining his unified heavyweight titles. Held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this bout saw all three judges score it 116-112 in favor of Usyk, marking his meteoric rise to 23-0 and handing Fury his second professional defeat.
In the post-fight interview, Usyk praised Fury as a formidable opponent, acknowledging the intensity and skill exhibited over their two encounters. “Listen (he’s) a great fighter. (He’s) a great opponent… unbelievable 24 rounds for my career,” Usyk said, highlighting the respect shared between both boxers.
The match unfolded as another tactical duel similar to their first meeting. The fighters showcased their strengths, with Fury using his long jab to keep Usyk at bay while the Ukrainian boxer cleverly maneuvered to target Fury’s body. As the rounds passed, Usyk gained momentum, making effective inroads with powerful shots while avoiding much of Fury’s counterattacks. Overall, Usyk recorded a significant advantage in landed punches, landing 179 to Fury’s 144.
Following the fight, IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois challenged Usyk, expressing a desire for a rematch for the undisputed heavyweight championship. Dubois, who has notably improved since his defeat to Usyk earlier this year, stated his intentions publicly: “Usyk, I want my revenge. Well done tonight, but I want my revenge for the robbery last time. Let’s get it.”
The excitement in the heavyweight division continues as Usyk showed eagerness for a potential Dubois rematch. With Dubois scheduled to defend his title against Joseph Parker in February, boxing enthusiasts can look forward to more thrilling action in the coming months.
The Usyk vs. Fury rematch also featured a diverse undercard, with significant victories including Moses Itauma’s rapid first-round TKO against Dempsey McKean and Serhii Bohachuk’s commanding stoppage win over Ishmael Davis.
This latest victory for Usyk solidifies his position as one of the premier boxers in the heavyweight landscape and offers hope for an exhilarating future matchup against Dubois, promising to further captivate boxing fans around the globe.
In summary, Oleksandr Usyk’s unanimous decision win over Tyson Fury reestablishes his dominance in the heavyweight division, setting the stage for more exciting matchups and showcasing the relentless spirit of competition in boxing.