Oleksandr Usyk has successfully defended his three world heavyweight titles with a classy display against a spirited Tyson Fury on Saturday night.
The rematch followed a similar pattern to May's first instalment with little to separate the pair at the midway point, yet it was the Ukrainian who pulled away to claim a unanimous points decision.
All three judges scored the bout 116-112 in Usyk's favour, arguably doing the level of Fury's performance a disservice as he managed weighing a career-high 20st 1lb.
While opinion may be split over whether the scores could have been closer or if Fury had done just enough for a draw, it was difficult to make a case for the British fighter winning the seven rounds necessary to become world heavyweight champion for a third time.
REPEAT 😤
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 21, 2024
Oleksandr Usyk reigns supreme once again! 🇺🇦#Usyk2Fury | #RiyadhSeason | @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/qevlyDjP8f
How did the fight pan out?
The four stone difference between the pair looked like it could make a difference during the opening two rounds, Fury largely in control with his jab and Usyk wary of the extra power that may come back from the challenger in comparison to the first fight.
However, Usyk - as he always does - nipped away at Fury with purpose and gained a stranglehold in the fight until Fury enjoyed his best round in the fifth, a thunderous uppercut and left hook rocking the champion to his boots.
If anything, that led to Usyk starting to go through the gears, Fury being peppered with accurate shots in the sixth and seventh before a quieter eighth.
Although Fury did enough to keep himself in the fight in the ninth, Usyk had an answer to the majority that he was throwing, revelling in the perception that Fury was chasing the fight.
Usyk's overhand left was proving to be an effective weapon, the attack being mixed up with body shots to keep Fury guessing, and the words coming from Fury's corner ahead of the 12th indicated that they knew that their fighter was down.
During the final three minutes, Fury fleeted between a gung-ho approach and taking breathers, perhaps aware that only a knockout would do, yet Usyk reached the final bell with minimal fuss, falling to his feet when it sounded aware that he had done what was necessary to further cement his legacy in the sport.
Usyk vs. Dubois NEXT⁉️#Usyk2Fury | #RiyadhSeason | @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/shVblX0tiS
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 21, 2024
What next?
While Usyk retained his WBA, WBO and WBC belts, Daniel Dubois - an opponent that he has already defeated - holds the IBF title and is preparing to face Joseph Parker on February 22.
After the Englishman entered the ring during Usyk's post-fight interview, the 37-year-old acknowledged that he was ready to try to become undisputed champion for a second time in 2025.
Despite saying that he wanted that contest to be his next bout, Usyk may have to deal with a mandatory in the meantime if he wants to retain each of his three world titles.
Darren Plant
