Photo Credit: The Guardian
Ukrainian boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk defended his unified world heavyweight titles in a thrilling 12-round rematch against Britain’s Tyson Fury at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The match, filled with dramatic shifts in momentum, ended with a unanimous decision in favor of Usyk, solidifying his status as the division’s top fighter.
Usyk showcased his technical mastery and resilience throughout the bout. Despite Fury’s physical advantages, including his massive 281-pound frame, Usyk maintained his composure, skillfully countering Fury’s aggression. The judges unanimously scored the fight 116-112, marking Usyk’s second victory over Fury this year.
“I win,” Usyk said simply after the fight. “It’s good.”
The Ukrainian champion had previously defeated Fury in May, handing the British boxer his first professional loss and becoming the first undisputed heavyweight world champion in 25 years since Lennox Lewis.
The fight began with Fury landing a powerful right cross in the first round, causing Usyk to momentarily retreat. However, the Ukrainian quickly regained control, pushing Fury back with precise southpaw punches in the second round. Fury’s strength and weight became evident in the early rounds, as he targeted Usyk’s body with powerful hooks.
Usyk responded with a combination of speed and strategic movement. By the sixth round, he began to find his rhythm, landing a series of sharp left crosses that set the tone for the latter half of the fight.
Fury, determined to reclaim the WBO, WBA, and WBC titles he once held, intensified his attacks in the middle rounds. He unleashed a series of heavy punches, driving Usyk onto the ropes and clenching when the Ukrainian retaliated.
But Usyk’s relentless pace and accuracy began to wear Fury down. In the ninth round, the champion landed a series of left crosses that snapped Fury’s head to the side. Fury fought back with his signature one-two combinations, but Usyk’s counter attacks kept him on the defensive.
The final rounds saw both fighters refusing to back down. Fury tried to corner Usyk, delivering uppercuts and leaning his weight onto the Ukrainian. However, Usyk responded with precision, landing a huge left hand that visibly rocked Fury.
In the 12th round, the intensity peaked as both fighters traded punches in a desperate bid to dominate. Usyk’s speed and accuracy gave him the edge, as he landed a rapid one-two combination just before the final bell. Exhausted but victorious, Usyk fell to his knees in the center of the ring, reflecting on his hard-fought win.
Judges Ignacio Robles, Patrick Morley, and Gerardo Martinez all scored the fight 116-112 in favor of Usyk. The victory marked another milestone in the Ukrainian’s remarkable career, which includes Olympic gold at London 2012 and an undisputed cruiserweight championship.
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Fury entered the rematch with high hopes of reclaiming the heavyweight titles. His aggressive strategy and physicality posed a significant challenge for Usyk, but the British boxer ultimately fell short.
“Usyk is a great fighter,” Fury acknowledged after the match. “He fought well.”
Usyk’s victory resonated beyond the boxing ring, symbolizing resilience and determination for Ukraine during difficult times. As the undisputed heavyweight champion, Usyk has solidified his legacy as one of the greatest boxers of his generation.
With this win, Oleksandr Usyk remains undefeated and firmly at the top of the heavyweight division, leaving fans eager to see what challenges lie ahead for the Ukrainian champion.