Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk defended his WBA (Super), WBO, and WBC world heavyweight titles, defeating Britain’s Tyson Fury by unanimous decision in a gripping bout at the Kingdom Arena on
Saturday. The victory cemented Usyk's status as an undefeated champion in a fight charged with high stakes and electrifying energy.
Despite facing significant disadvantages in height, weight, and reach, the 37-year-old Usyk showcased exceptional skill and strategy to win 116-112 on all three judges’ scorecards. This marked his second victory over Fury, following his triumph in May that established him as the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Fury, 36, delivered a more robust performance than in their first encounter, where he succumbed in the ninth round. However, the Briton once again found himself outmaneuvered by Usyk, whose impeccable footwork and tactical brilliance kept Fury on the defensive for much of the contest.
A battle of contrasts
Fury, weighing in at a career-high 281 pounds (127 kg)—55 pounds (25 kg) heavier than Usyk—began the fight aggressively, seeking to dominate the center of the ring with his jab. However, Usyk’s agility and precise combinations enabled him to stand his ground and counter effectively.
By the fourth round, Usyk’s left hand began to find its mark, prompting Fury to switch tactics and target the body in the fifth. The momentum swung back and forth, but Usyk’s sharp counters and relentless movement consistently gave him the upper hand.
In the sixth round, Fury appeared shaken by a powerful right to the body followed by a sharp left to the forehead. Fatigue visibly set in for Fury by the seventh round, leading him to adopt a southpaw stance in a bid to adjust.
Usyk capitalized on Fury’s slowing pace, pressing forward with combinations that often culminated in his formidable left hand. While Fury landed occasional hard body shots, they failed to deter Usyk’s relentless offense.
Dominance in the final rounds
The 10th round began promisingly for Fury, but Usyk quickly regained control, finishing the round with a flurry of punches and maintaining his dominance through the final frames. His ability to control angles and maintain a high tempo ultimately secured a convincing victory.
When asked about the scorecards in his post-fight interview, Usyk remained humble. “I win, it’s good... I’m not the judges; I’m a sportsman, I’m an athlete,” he said. He also took a moment to commend his sons, who had competed in judo earlier in the day.
Future challenges
In the ring after the fight, Usyk was challenged by Britain’s Daniel Dubois, whom he controversially defeated in August 2023 via a ninth-round stoppage. The earlier fight had sparked debate due to a fifth-round knockdown ruled a low blow.
Meanwhile, Fury, visibly disappointed by the second loss of his professional career, exited the ring without addressing the audience—a stark departure from his usually outspoken demeanor.
Usyk’s victory further solidifies his place among the greats of heavyweight boxing, as fans eagerly anticipate his next challenge. Photo by Andriy Makukha (Amakuha), Wikimedia commons.