Oleksandr Usyk triumphed over Tyson Fury to maintain his hold on the unified WBA, WBC, and WBO world heavyweight titles. This was their second bout, following the Ukrainian’s victory over Fury in May, which crowned him the undisputed world heavyweight champion.
In the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Usyk successfully defended his titles after 12 grueling rounds where the momentum swung between both fighters. Ultimately, he managed to withstand Fury’s fierce attacks, gaining an advantage and securing a win by unanimous decision.
The judges unanimously ruled 116-112 in Usyk’s favour. Earlier this year, Usyk had already delivered Fury his first professional defeat, marking a historic achievement as he became the first undisputed heavyweight world champion since Lennox Lewis, 25 years ago. This victory was another milestone in Usyk’s remarkable career, which includes becoming the undisputed cruiserweight champion and clinching Olympic gold in London in 2012. He was determined not to relinquish his status as the world-leading heavyweight to Fury.
The triumph in May had elevated Usyk’s rivalry with Fury to unprecedented levels of intensity. The British fighter had exerted tremendous effort to outdo his previous performance and continued to be Usyk’s toughest adversary in the division.
Pursuing this rematch required Usyk to relinquish the IBF title, now in the possession of Britain’s Daniel Dubois, but his unified WBO, WBA, and WBC world heavyweight titles were at stake.
Fury, having previously held these titles at various times, was eager to reclaim them. He glared intently at Usyk when they first met in the centre of the ring, delivering a final message to his rival. The Englishman appeared imposing at 281 pounds (though fully dressed), especially compared to Usyk. He delivered the most powerful punch of the initial round, causing Usyk to blink as he retreated from Fury’s right cross.
Nevertheless, Usyk advanced to dominate the centre of the ring in the second round, with his southpaw strikes pushing Fury back.
Yet, in the third round, the challenger landed a firm right on the side of Usyk’s head, prompting the Ukrainian’s first complaint.
Usyk signalled to the referee about being struck on the back of the head. Fury perceived this as a vulnerability and advanced aggressively, compelling Usyk to react swiftly.
Refusing to retreat, Usyk intensified his efforts, landing a left punch on Fury’s jaw.
The Ukrainian maintained his attack momentum, weaving his body to find an opening for his powerful backhand.
In the fifth round, Fury thrust his extended right arm forward. With power and mass behind his strikes, he began pushing Usyk backwards.
The Briton pressed on, delivering a left hook followed by a right that targeted Usyk’s body. Although Usyk nodded and smiled, those blows were undeniably forceful.
At the bout’s mid-point, the contest was evenly poised. However, as the sixth round drew to a close, Usyk started gauging Fury with a series of menacing left crosses. He maintained control of the pace and unleashed another powerful left in the subsequent round. Continuously tagging Fury with his backhand, he became increasingly formidable – a swift, curving left sweeping overhead. Yet another warning shot.
Usyk landed a left cross followed by a right hook, prompting Fury to clinch. Fury wasn’t passive; he retaliated with wide hooks, and there was a brief moment when Usyk flinched as a left hook connected.
In the ninth round, Fury attempted to halt the momentum Usyk had gained, delivering a quick one-two combination. He then retreated, trying to maintain mobility. Despite the crowd’s support for Usyk, he remained calm and collected. By the tenth round, Fury advanced aggressively, aiming to apply pressure on Usyk with powerful right swings. He unleashed more heavy shots, pursuing Usyk to the ropes and leaning on him when they moved into the centre of the ring.
Usyk, undeterred, countered with a cross aimed at Fury. An uppercut from Fury caught Usyk during his attack, keeping the fight closely contested.
However, a powerful left from Usyk turned Fury’s head to the side. Fury quickly regained his stance, staying engaged in the bout. Usyk pursued him across the ring, yet Fury maintained a solid defensive posture.
In the final round, Fury attempted to advance on Usyk, with the champion indicating that an elbow might have been involved.
A right hook grazed Fury, and Usyk caught his opponent, reaching again with his right hand. The Ukrainian followed up with a left. However, a swift straight one-two allowed Fury’s right to penetrate Usyk’s defence.
Neither fighter was willing to give in. Usyk pressed forward, while Fury retaliated.
Just before the final bell, Usyk delivered a quick one-two, and then the two fighters separated, with Usyk dropping to his knees in the centre of the ring for a brief moment of reflection. The judges, Ignacio Robles, Patrick Morley, and Gerardo Martinez, were unanimous in their decision, all scoring it 116-112.
“I win,” Usyk remarked simply afterwards, “it’s good.”
