Usyk Defeats Fury in Thrilling Heavyweight Title Defense
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Oleksandr Usyk successfully defended his undisputed heavyweight title on Saturday night, defeating Tyson Fury by unanimous decision in a highly anticipated rematch. The judges scored the bout 116-112 in favor of Usyk, keeping his unbeaten professional record intact at 23-0.
The fight showcased Usyk’s precision and tactical skill as he landed 42% of his punches, compared to Fury’s 28%. Usyk’s ability to counter Fury’s aggression with swift combinations proved crucial, especially in pivotal rounds. Although Fury started strong and controlled the early pace, Usyk adapted and began to dominate midway through the fight, landing significant left-hand strikes that visibly shook the larger Fury.
Despite the loss, Fury maintained his belief in his performance, claiming he thought he won by at least three rounds. “I can just fight me heart out,” he commented post-fight, addressing the judges’ decision which left him frustrated. His record now stands at 34 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw.
In the aftermath of the match, Usyk echoed gratitude, attributing his victory to divine support while expressing readiness to face his next challenge, Daniel Dubois, who interrupted the post-fight proceedings demanding a rematch after their previous bout where Usyk emerged victorious by knockout.
The event, held at Kingdom Arena, generated significant excitement not just for the high-stakes boxing, but also for flair and spectacle, with Fury arriving in a Christmas-themed robe to the tune of Mariah Carey’s "All I Want for Christmas Is You." Usyk’s tactical acumen ultimately prevailed, reaffirming his status at the top of the heavyweight division while paving the way for future matchups that promise further thrilling encounters.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
