Oleksandr Usyk once again outclassed Tyson Fury, securing a unanimous decision victory in their heavyweight rematch on Saturday, seven months after winning their first bout by split decision.
The Ukrainian’s technical brilliance shone in the 12-round battle at Kingdom Arena, as he retained his WBC, WBA, and WBO world heavyweight titles.
Usyk’s precision proved decisive, landing 42% of his punches (179-of-423) compared to Fury’s 28% (144-of-509), according to DAZN. All three judges scored the fight 116-112 in Usyk’s favor.
Speaking on his triumph, Usyk said during a DAZN interview, “I win. Is good.” Reflecting on the two fights with Fury, he added, “An unbelievable 24 rounds for my career.”
Fury, 36, had hoped to avenge his earlier defeat but was visibly frustrated by the decision. “I swear to God, I thought I won it by at least three rounds,” Fury remarked post-fight. “I think he got a little Christmas gift from them judges. An early Christmas gift. I thought I’d won both fights, but I’ve gone home with two losses on my record. I’m not going to cry over spilt milk. It’s happened now.”
Fury exited the ring without addressing the media, leaving his promoter Frank Warren to share his thoughts. Warren expressed disbelief at the scorecards: “How can Tyson only get four rounds in this fight? It’s impossible. I thought he was in control of the fight and boxed extremely well. Usyk was on the back foot for most of the fight, but it is what it is.”
Usyk, meanwhile, praised Fury for his effort. “He’s a great fighter, a great opponent, and it was a great 24 rounds. Unbelievable 24 rounds in my career. Thank you so much,” he said.
The victory cements Usyk’s dominance as he remains the only man to defeat Fury professionally.
He first claimed the distinction in May when he became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years and the first to hold all four major belts simultaneously.
However, his reign over all the belts ended shortly after when he vacated the IBF title to prioritize the Fury rematch, foregoing a mandatory defense against Daniel Dubois.
Dubois, who defended his IBF title with a knockout victory over Anthony Joshua in October, has already called for a showdown with Usyk.
“I want my revenge. Let’s go,” Dubois declared after the fight. He is scheduled to face Joseph Parker in February, a bout that could set the stage for a unification clash.
Ahead of their rematch, Usyk and Fury engaged in a tense 11-minute stare-down at a press conference.
On the scales, Fury weighed in at a career-high 20 stones 1lb, while Usyk recorded his heaviest weight at 16 stones 2lb, with both fighters fully clothed.
