Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk triumphed over Tyson Fury in their highly anticipated rematch, securing a hard-fought victory and retaining his WBA (Super), WBC, and WBO titles in Saudi Arabia on Sunday morning, December 22.
Usyk, who handed Fury his first-ever career defeat in a split decision seven months ago, once again showcased his superior technical skills and determination.
The rematch, held at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena, saw a thrilling contest that captivated boxing fans around the world.
Fury, 36, had success in the first half of the fight, landing some eye-catching shots, but Usyk’s punch volume and cleaner strikes earned him the judges’ favor.
The three judges scored the bout 116-112 in Usyk’s favor, securing the Ukrainian’s 23rd professional win and further cementing his legacy as one of boxing’s greats.
Despite a strong start by Fury, Usyk’s resilience shone through as he adapted and began to take control in the later rounds.
Fury, known for his size advantage and unorthodox style, struggled against Usyk’s body shots and relentless pressure.
Usyk’s combination punches in the 11th round hurt Fury, and the champion finished the final round on top, further solidifying his dominance in the ring.
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Fury, the two-time world champion, has only ever lost to Usyk, with his record now standing at 34 wins, one draw, and two losses.
He left the ring without speaking to the media, while IBF world champion Daniel Dubois entered the ring to call for a potential future rematch with Usyk.
The fight, dubbed “Reignited,” was a true showcase of elite-level boxing. Fury’s entrance to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” dressed as Father Christmas, added a playful touch to the event, while Usyk’s solemn, warrior-like demeanor, complete with a prayer before the fight, set the tone for his focused approach.
In a contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Usyk’s victory reaffirms his place as the best heavyweight boxer of his generation, while Fury can now be considered the second-best of his era.
. #ANDSTILL
P4P KING 👑
Oleksandr Usyk in Round 12 needs to be studied. What a fighter. pic.twitter.com/4GG9FdB0XH
— Mode One 🇨🇻 (@Ellumi_) December 21, 2024