Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury in a thrilling rematch on Sunday morning, December 22, in Saudi Arabia, successfully retaining his unified heavyweight titles and solidifying his place as one of the greatest of his era.
Seven months after handing Fury his first career loss by split decision, Usyk’s skill and determination once again proved decisive at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena, where he held onto his WBA (Super), WBC, and WBO titles.
Fury, 36, had a strong showing in the early rounds, landing some notable shots, but it was Usyk’s precision and higher punch volume that made the difference. All three judges scored the fight 116-112 in favor of the 37-year-old Ukrainian.
Usyk, an Olympic gold medalist and former undisputed cruiserweight champion, extended his undefeated record to 23 professional victories.
“Tyson Fury is a great fighter, a great opponent. These 24 rounds have been unbelievable for my career. Thank you so much,” Usyk said after the win.
Fury, a two-time world champion, has only been defeated by Usyk, with his record now standing at 34 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses.
After the fight, Fury left the ring without speaking to the media, while IBF world champion Daniel Dubois entered and called for a rematch with Usyk.
The rematch, billed as ‘Reignited,’ lived up to its name, with both fighters showcasing elite-level boxing. Fury made a playful entrance, dressed as Father Christmas and walking to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You,” while Usyk, serious and focused, marched to the ring in a warrior-like robe, reciting a prayer.
The two fighters picked up where they left off after a tense 11-minute face-off on Thursday. The first round was cautious, with neither man fully committing. Fury showed off his usual flair but adopted a more serious tone in this bout. He stunned Usyk in the final moments of the second round.
Fury’s physical advantages—six inches in height, eight inches in reach, and a 56-pound weight advantage—allowed him to maintain distance, but Usyk once again targeted Fury’s body with success.
As the fight progressed, Usyk’s volume of punches increased, and he began to find his rhythm, landing a clean overhand left to Fury’s forehead in the sixth. Fury appeared to slow, while Usyk grew stronger.
Team Fury suggested that a lack of sparring due to an eye injury affected Fury’s preparation for the first fight, but Fury found a second wind in the ninth round, keeping the fight competitive.
Heading into the championship rounds, it was all to play for. Usyk delivered a stunning combination in the 11th, briefly hurting Fury, and continued to apply pressure. Fury looked increasingly desperate, with Usyk dominating the final round.
Following the announcement of the decision, Fury appeared frustrated, with all three judges scoring the fight in Usyk’s favor. Usyk’s victory cements his status as the best heavyweight boxer of this generation, while Fury now stands as the second-best of his era.
