Tyson Fury’s quest to avenge his sole professional defeat ended in disappointment on Saturday night as Oleksandr Usyk secured a unanimous points victory in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The unified heavyweight champion retained his titles with a scoreline of 116-112 on all three judges’ cards.
The Ukrainian champion, who holds the WBC, WBA, and WBO belts, controlled much of the 12-round bout with his signature pace and precision. Usyk’s performance, marked by relentless pressure and effective combinations, underscored his status as one of boxing’s all-time greats.
“Beast mode” was how Fury described his determined demeanor leading up to the fight. While the Briton showed greater focus, avoiding his usual showmanship, he was unable to trouble the extraordinary Usyk.
Weighing nearly four stones heavier than Usyk, Fury aimed to impose his size advantage, particularly in the early rounds. However, Usyk’s sharp footwork and consistent left-hand shots kept Fury on the defensive. By the halfway mark, the fight was closely contested, with Fury landing some impactful punches, including a short left uppercut, but failing to sustain the momentum.
Usyk turned the tide decisively in the later rounds, showcasing his superior stamina and technique. The eighth round saw him unleash a flurry of punches, pushing Fury to the ropes. By the 10th round, the Ukrainian had firmly established his dominance, outworking Fury and landing impactful combinations.
In the final two rounds, Fury sought a dramatic turnaround, but Usyk’s relentless pace and precision sealed his victory. The conclusive decision reaffirmed Usyk’s reign as the heavyweight division’s leading force.
At 37, Usyk now aims to unify all heavyweight titles by defeating IBF champion Daniel Dubois, potentially making history as a two-time undisputed champion.
Meanwhile, Fury, who entered the fight at 20 stones 1lb, will face questions about his future in the sport following another loss to Usyk.
