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Former world champion Tyson Fury was the bigger man; however, for the second time, Oleksandr Usyk was the better man.
In the rematch, Usyk defeated Fury by unanimous decision on Saturday night from the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
All three judges scored the fight 116-112 for Usyk as he retains his titles(WBC/WBA/WBO).
Just like in the first fight, where Usyk won by split decision back in May, this was a very competitive affair, but like in the first fight, Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) seemed to get the better of the championship rounds.
To his credit, Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs), who came into the fight weighing a career-high 281 pounds, fought an excellent fight. According to CompuBox, he threw more punches than Usyk(509-423), but Usyk was the more accurate fighter as he landed more punches(179-144).
Usyk, who came in at a chiseled 226 pounds, had his best success in the final two rounds, where he landed a fight-high 22 punches in Round 11 and 20 punches in Round 12. He appeared to be the fresher guy down the stretch.
While it was a close fight, the right guy got the nod, and these warriors battled for 24 hard rounds, and in the end, the best man won both times.
“He’s a great fighter, he’s a great opponent. It was a great 24 rounds,” Usyk said after the win. “I want to devote this victory to my mother. She’s worried about me all the time, and I want to say to her thank you very much for everything you’ve done for me. I devote this to her and all mothers of Ukraine.”
Fury did not speak after the fight, but he made it clear at the post-fight press conference that he felt he had won this fight and the first one.
After the fight, IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois, who was stopped by Usyk in 2023, called the unified heavyweight champion out. Of course, like the warrior he is, Usyk accepted the challenge.
“No problem,” he said. “I am ready. I want to be home for a little rest, but I’m ready.”
For the 37-year-old Usyk, there’s really not much left to prove. His legacy is complete. He could fight the winner of Dubois-Parker if he wants, but that won’t prove much. Usyk is the best heavyweight in the world, and no fighter can beat him.
For the 36-year-old Fury, an All-England showdown with Anthony Joshua would make him the most money, which probably makes the most sense.
Photo: Leigh Dawney/DAZN