Oleksandr Usyk extended his reign as champion in the heavyweight division with a solid win over Tyson Fury in their rematch bout over the weekend. Usyk, who won the first fight by split decision, earned the vote of all three judges this time to retain the WBC, WBO, and WBA (Super), WBC, WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles. Fury has now suffered his second professional loss, with no hopes of getting a title shot soon.
The rematch was a little similar to the first, in how it played out. Credit is due to Fury for his display of dominance in the first half of the fight. It seems he learnt from the first fight and appeared more composed and in control in the rematch, but it was not still enough to threaten the Ukrainian, who still found ways to land some hard punches.
In the first few rounds, Fury was the punisher as he found ways to leave Usyk shaken, even if for a split second. The Gypsy King was on a revenge mission, and for some moment, it seemed he was going to regain what was lost, but things turned out differently.
The second half of the fight saw a more-strategic Usyk dictate the fight to his rhythm. He was more than a few pounds lighter than Fury but still managed to prove a bully, particularly in the eighth and ninth round, where a barrage of punches managed to unnerve Fury, even though he responded.
By the last round, both fighters were taking turns dealing the last blows, neither of them willing to yield. But it was obvious, at least to the judges, that Usyk was clearly in control and Fury was a visitor in the ring. At the end of the day, Usyk won the fight with 116-112 from the judges, going home with his titles intact and his professional record unblemished.
Speaking after the fight, Fury said he thought he deserved the win and that Usyk’s victory was merely a gift to him from the judges: “I swear to God I thought I won it by at least three rounds. I bossed the fight on the front foot all night.
“I have been in boxing all my life, and you can’t change any decision, but I will always feel hard done by. When you don’t get a knockout, you can’t guarantee a win.
“I think I won both fights. There is no doubt in my mind I won this fight. I think Usyk got a Christmas gift, but it’s not Oleksandr’s fault.”
In his turn, Usyk took his time to thank Fury for being a wonderful opponent. He also responded to a call-out by Daniel Dubois, who stormed the stage to ask Usyk for a rematch. Usyk said he was ready to face Dubois, as soon as he was done resting. A fight between Usyk and Dubois could possibly be an undisputed bout if Dubois wins his upcoming fixture against Joseph Parker.
