Oleksandr Usyk successfully defended his unified heavyweight world titles with a close points win over Tyson Fury in their rematch at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on Saturday.
The 37-year-old Ukrainian champion kept his WBA (Super), WBC, and WBO belts after all three judges scored the fight 116-112 in his favour. Usyk had won their first fight in May by split decision and showed his smart tactics and determination once again to beat the 36-year-old Fury, who used his size advantage early on.
Fury started strong, landing powerful punches, including a big one in the second round that nearly knocked Usyk down. Furyβs height and weight advantage made him aggressive in the early rounds. But Usyk fought back in the middle rounds with precise punches, including two left hooks in the fourth and a clean shot in the sixth.
Fury found some energy in the ninth round, but Usyk finished strong with a great combination in the 11th that left Fury open. After the fight, Fury, frustrated, left the ring without speaking to the media and claimed he won by βat least three rounds.β
Usyk, on the other hand, praised Fury in a post-fight interview, calling him a great opponent. The event, called “reignited,” had many famous spectators, including boxing legends Lennox Lewis and Roberto Duran, as well as actor Jason Statham and model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
After the loss, Fury’s unbeaten record is now broken, and he faces uncertain next steps. Usyk, meanwhile, might face new challenges, including a potential rematch with IBF champion Daniel Dubois, or even a return to cruiserweight. Usyk’s place as one of the best fighters of his time is secure, but his next moves could define his career further.
