Tyson Fury’s mission to avenge the only blemish on his professional record ended in bitter disappointment as he suffered another defeat to unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh.
The highly anticipated rematch between the two heavyweight giants lived up to its billing, delivering a spectacle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. In the end, it was Usyk who emerged victorious, retaining his WBC, WBA, and WBO heavyweight titles with a unanimous decision. All three judges scored the fight 116-112 in favor of the Ukrainian, solidifying his reign as the division’s top dog. For Fury, the decision was a bitter pill to swallow, prompting an emotional outburst and an abrupt exit from the ring.
Usyk’s performance in the rematch was nothing short of exceptional. He dominated large portions of the fight with his trademark speed, footwork, and precise punching. The Ukrainian effectively neutralized Fury’s size and power advantage, landing cleaner and more effective shots while controlling the tempo of the bout.
The judges’ scorecards reflected Usyk’s superior strategy, with all three unanimously awarding him the win. Yet Fury saw things differently, calling the decision a “Christmas gift” handed to Usyk by biased judges. His promoter, Frank Warren, went even further, describing the result as “madness,” “ridiculous,” and “nonsensical.”
Many analysts and fans, however, disagreed with Fury and Warren’s assessment. The consensus among most viewers was that Usyk deserved the victory. By consistently outmaneuvering Fury and landing cleaner shots, Usyk showcased why he is widely regarded as one of the most technically skilled heavyweights of his generation.
Fury’s frustration wasn’t limited to the judges’ decision. Throughout the fight, he appeared increasingly agitated, frequently gesturing at the referee and voicing his displeasure over what he perceived as unfair officiating.
“I did everything I needed to win this fight,” Fury said in a heated post-fight interview. “They wanted him to win from the start, and they made sure of it. This wasn’t a fair fight—it was a robbery.”
Critics, however, have pointed out that Fury’s performance lacked the usual dominance and creativity he is known for. While he had his moments, particularly in the middle rounds, he struggled to match Usyk’s pace and precision. By contrast, Usyk appeared sharper, landing a higher volume of punches and capitalizing on every opening Fury left exposed.
Some observers noted that Fury’s preparation for the rematch may have been a factor in his defeat. Leading up to the fight, there were reports of inconsistent training camps and distractions outside the ring. If Fury wants to reclaim his place atop the division, many believe he will need to refocus and bring his A-game to any future bouts.
For Oleksandr Usyk, this victory cements his status as one of the all-time greats in the heavyweight division. At 37 years old, Usyk remains at the peak of his powers, with his sights now set on becoming a two-time undisputed champion. His next target? Daniel Dubois, the IBF champion, who is eager to avenge his controversial loss to Usyk in 2023.
As for Tyson Fury, the loss raises questions about his future. Will he pursue a third fight with Usyk to settle the score, or will he step back to reassess his strategy and perhaps rebuild his momentum against other challengers in the division? Fury’s emotional response to the loss highlights the intensity of his competitive spirit, but it also underscores the challenges he faces in overcoming the mental and physical hurdles that have recently plagued his career.
One thing is certain: Fury and Usyk’s rivalry has become one of the most compelling storylines in modern boxing. With the drama, controversy, and skill on display in their bouts, fans will be eager to see what the future holds for both fighters. Whether Fury can stage a comeback or if Usyk will continue his reign of dominance, the heavyweight division is in for an exciting chapter ahead.
