Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury by unanimous decision on Saturday to retain his unified heavyweight world titles in their rematch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Usyk, who handed Fury his first career defeat after a split decision in May, outscored the Brit once again inside the Kingdom Arena to retain his WBA (Super), WBC, and WBO heavyweight titles.
All three judges scored the fight 116-112 in favour of the 37-year-old Ukrainian, who, according to DAZN, was the more accurate fighter, landing 42 percent of his punches (179 of 423), while Fury ended with 28 percent (144 of 509).
𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐋𝐋.
Usyk defeats Tyson Fury via unanimous decision and retains his WBA, WBC and WBO world heavyweight titles 🏆#Usyk2Fury | #RiyadhSeason | @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/t3bxBnUurx
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 21, 2024
Fury, dressed as Father Christmas, entered the arena to Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You,’ while Usyk, an Olympic gold medallist, donned a warrior-like robe and had his serious face on.
It was, however, the Brit, who found some joy in the opening rounds of the bout, including rocking Usyk late in the second round, as he used his superior height and reach to his advantages.
Usyk gathered himself, slowing Fury down with body shots as his attacks seemed to worry the Gipsy King, who caught two left hooks in the fourth round before a clean overhand left fell on his forehead.
Fury soon snapped out of his slump, connecting with big punches to visibly take the ninth round. However, the toughness of Usyk was in full display as the champion hurt his challenger in the 11th round to finish on top.
Usyk, a former undisputed cruiserweight champion, claimed the 23rd win of his professional career to extend his undefeated record.
“He [Tyson Fury] is a great fighter, he is a great opponent,” Usyk said. “An unbelievable 24 rounds for my career. Thank you so much.”
Fury, meanwhile, a two-time world champion, picked up his second defeat in a 37-fight career, which saw him record 34 wins and one draw.
The Gipsy King stormed out of the ring without granting an interview, while IBF world heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois called out Usyk for a rematch.
“No problem,” the champion said in response to Dubois’ request. “I’m ready.”
Dubois lost to the Ukrainian by ninth-round knockout in August 2023 and is most likely the Ukrainian’s next opponent.
