Oleksandr Usyk denies Tyson Fury in intense world heavyweight championship rematch

Oleksandr Usyk triumphed over Tyson Fury to retain his unified world heavyweight titles at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.

Usyk emerged victorious after a hard-fought 12 rounds filled with intensity, with the advantage shifting back and forth between the fighters.

In the end, he was able to manage Fury's intense attacks, pulling ahead of his opponent and securing a victory by unanimous decision.

All three judges unanimously scored the match 116-112 in favor of Usyk.

Judges' Scores For Usyk Vs Fury 2

Earlier this year, Usyk dealt Fury his first loss as a professional, making history by becoming the undisputed heavyweight world champion. He is the first to achieve this title in 25 years, following in the footsteps of Lennox Lewis.

It marked a pinnacle in an exceptional career, during which the Ukrainian has not only held the undisputed title in the cruiserweight division but also secured Olympic gold in London 2012.

However, he wasn't willing to give up his status as the top heavyweight in the world to Fury.

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That win in May had pushed Usyk's competition with Fury to an entirely new level of intensity. The British fighter had trained with relentless determination to enhance his previous showing, and he continued to be Usyk's toughest opponent in the division.

In order to go after this rematch, Usyk had to give up the IBF title, which is currently held by Britain's Daniel Dubois. However, he was still defending his unified WBO, WBA, and WBC world heavyweight championships.

Fury, a former champion who has held those titles on several occasions, was eager to reclaim them. When he faced Usyk in the center of the ring, he fixed him with an intense stare and silently conveyed a final message. The Englishman, weighing in at 281 pounds (even while fully dressed), appeared enormous next to Usyk.

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He delivered the most powerful punch of the opening round. Usyk had to momentarily close his eyes while pulling away from Fury’s right hook.

In the second round, Usyk stepped up to take control of the center of the ring, and his left-handed punches forced Fury to retreat.

However, the challenger landed a strong right punch to the side of Usyk's head, prompting the Ukrainian to express his first grievance in the third round.

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Usyk signaled to the referee that he was being struck at the back of the head. Fury interpreted this as a sign of vulnerability and moved aggressively towards him, prompting Usyk to quickly react.

Usyk, always determined, intensified his efforts and swiftly landed a left punch on Fury's chin.

The Ukrainian maintained the intensity of his assaults, employing intricate footwork as he sought to create an opportunity for his backhand shot.

In the fifth round, Fury launched a powerful right punch that caught Usyk's attention. He used his strength and size to push Usyk back, starting to take control of the fight.

The British fighter moved in, throwing a left hook followed by a right, repeatedly targeting the Ukrainian’s body. Usyk acknowledged the hits with a nod and a grin, but those punches landed with significant impact.

The match was evenly matched as they reached the midpoint. However, as the sixth round progressed, Usyk started to gauge Fury's movements, landing two menacing left crosses.

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He maintained his speed and in the following round, launched a powerful left hook from above. Hitting Fury repeatedly with that backhand, he grew more menacing, delivering a swift, arching left that soared overhead. It was yet another cautionary strike.

Usyk landed a left cross, and then followed up with a right hook, prompting Fury to hold on. However, Fury retaliated with his own punches, throwing sweeping hooks. For a brief moment, Usyk flinched when one of Fury's left hooks landed.

In the ninth round, Fury aimed to halt the momentum the champion had gained by landing a quick one-two punch. He then stepped back to create space and continue fighting on the move. Despite the growing cheers from the crowd supporting Usyk, the challenger maintained his calm and focus.

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In the 10th round, Fury began to take control, aiming to put Usyk on the defensive as he swung his right arm. He unleashed several powerful punches and continued to press forward, pinning Usyk against the ropes. When they moved into the middle of the ring, Fury leaned in to maintain the pressure.

Unfazed, Usyk fired back with a powerful cross aimed at Fury. As Usyk made his move, he was met with a right uppercut from Fury, who maintained a tight distance in the bout.

Usyk delivered a powerful left punch that sent Fury's head snapping to the side. Fury quickly pivoted, refusing to back down from the matchup. Usyk pursued him around the ring, but Fury maintained his solid defensive stance.

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In the final round, Fury attempted to close in on Usyk, while the champion indicated that there had been an elbow strike.

Fury landed a quick right hook, and Usyk responded by catching his opponent with a right of his own. The Ukrainian then followed up with a left punch. However, Fury delivered a swift one-two combination that allowed his right hand to slip through Usyk's defense.

Both were determined not to back down. Usyk charged forward, and Fury countered with a strong response.

As the final seconds ticked away, Usyk connected with a quick combination before they separated. He then dropped to his knees in the middle of the ring, taking a moment to collect his thoughts.

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Judges Ignacio Robles, Patrick Morley, and Gerardo Martinez all came to the same conclusion, scoring the match 116-112 in unanimous agreement.

"I came out on top," Usyk stated matter-of-factly afterward, "and that feels great."

Dubois Challenges Usyk Directly

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Daniel Dubois, the IBF heavyweight champion, wasted no time stepping into the ring to challenge Usyk for a match.

"I seek to settle the score," he said to Usyk without hesitation. "Let's do this."

If Dubois manages to defeat Joseph Parker in February, it would set up a second match for the undisputed heavyweight championship.

"Perhaps a match against Daniel Dubois," Usyk stated, "I really appreciate it."

You can catch reruns of the spectacular heavyweight rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury at 8 AM and 6 PM on Sunday, December 22, on Sky Sports Box Office. Make sure to reserve your spot to watch Usyk vs Fury 2 again!