NIGERIA: Usyk Defeats Fury Again To Solidify Legacy In Heavyweight Boxing
By Onoja Baba, Nigeria
Ukrainian boxing sensation Oleksandr Usyk further cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats with a commanding victory over Britain’s Tyson Fury in their heavyweight championship rematch on Saturday night.
The unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the bout 116-112, handed Fury his second consecutive loss and reaffirmed Usyk’s dominance in the division.
The victory extends Usyk’s flawless professional record to 23-0, including 14 knockouts, and solidifies his position as a two-division champion who has never shied away from challenges.
Known as “The Cat,” Usyk, 37, displayed exceptional skill and precision, landing his signature left hooks and dominating key exchanges throughout the 12-round battle.
“This was another unbelievable 24 rounds for my career,” Usyk said, reflecting on his two fights with Fury. Despite the loss, he credited Fury as a “great fighter” and a worthy opponent who pushed him to his limits.
The rematch, held in Saudi Arabia, carried massive stakes and a prize purse reportedly exceeding $190 million. With only the WBA, WBO, and WBC belts on the line—Usyk relinquished his IBF title earlier this year—the bout represented a continuation of one of the most significant rivalries in modern boxing.
Fury, 36, entered the ring in a festive Santa-themed outfit, complete with a red-and-white robe and a bushy beard, while Usyk strode in with the determination of a warrior, clad in traditional Cossack gear. Despite his imposing 6’9″ (206 cm) frame and career-heaviest weight of 281 pounds, Fury struggled to neutralize Usyk’s speed and endurance.
The fight was a rollercoaster of tactics and exchanges. Fury found some early success with his jab and a jarring right hand in the second round. However, Usyk quickly gained control in the third, landing a flush left hook and raising the pace.
The fifth round saw both fighters go toe-to-toe, with Fury focusing on body shots while Usyk targeted the head with precise combinations.
As the rounds progressed, Usyk’s renowned stamina and technical prowess became evident. By the seventh round, he was the clear aggressor, tagging Fury with clean shots while the British fighter struggled to maintain control. Fury briefly regained momentum in the ninth, using his weight advantage to lean on Usyk and land jabs. However, Usyk’s lightning-fast combinations in the 11th round, including a devastating left hook, effectively sealed his victory.
In the final round, Usyk’s uppercut to Fury’s chin highlighted his dominance, leaving little doubt about the outcome. As the bell rang, Usyk sank to his knees, arms raised in triumph, celebrating a career-defining victory.
The post-fight scene was symbolic of Usyk’s pride in his heritage. He held aloft a sabre belonging to Ivan Mazepa, a historical Ukrainian figure who resisted Russian control in the 1700s. The gesture was a powerful nod to Usyk’s nationalistic pride, especially as he continues to represent Ukraine during a time of war.
For Fury, now 34-2-1, the loss raises questions about his future in boxing. Once unbeaten across 35 fights, the self-proclaimed “Gypsy King” expressed frustration during his post-fight remarks. “I thought I won both fights, but the record shows two losses. There’s not much I can do about it,” he said, nursing a bruised right eye.
The fight, staged in Saudi Arabia as part of the nation’s ongoing push into global sports, drew criticism for “sportswashing” concerns. Yet, it delivered a spectacle that will be etched in boxing history, with Usyk now firmly seated among legends like Muhammad Ali and Joe Louis as one of the sport’s greatest heavyweight champions.