The rematch between Tyson Fury and Alexander Usyk was one of the most highly anticipated events in boxing for 2023. The entire world was watching as the two heavyweights clashed once again, and the outcome did not disappoint, bringing both skill and controversy into the spotlight.
John Fury, Tyson’s father, was absent from the corner in this rematch; he was seated far into the crowd. There had been speculation that John Fury’s intense presence during the first fight might have contributed to Tyson’s loss. However, Usyk’s victory in the rematch by unanimous decision suggests it was not John Fury’s antics but rather Usyk’s skill that was decisive.
To the winner by unanimous decision, still undefeated: Alexander Usyk. This was a repeat of the outcome in the first match, showing that Usyk has figured out Fury’s style to achieve victory. While John Fury loudly disputed the judges’ decision, the consensus among other boxing analysts and fans was that Usyk’s win was even clearer this time around.
Tyson Fury came into this fight heavier than in past bouts. Some analysts believed this extra weight hampered his agility and handed Usyk an advantage. Despite this preparation strategy, John Fury felt profoundly wronged, vocalizing his belief that his son was cheated by the judges.
Fury attempted to take control from the start, trying to establish his jab. Usyk, however, parried and countered, maintaining his composure. The rounds were tight, with neither boxer clearly dominating. Trainer Sugar Hill Steward advised Fury to be cautious of Usyk’s counterpunching.
Usyk landed a clean overhand left in the fourth round. Fury showed versatility by switching to a southpaw stance but could not fully capitalize. By the sixth, Usyk landed heavy shots, visibly shaking Fury. Rounds remained closely contested but slightly leaned towards Usyk due to his agility and higher output.
The tempo slowed a bit by the seventh round, with both fighters pacing themselves. Fury looked to land powerful single shots, employing a punch-and-hold tactic to stifle Usyk’s rhythm. Trainer Sugar Hill urged Fury to press forward and stay aggressive.
The fight was still tightly contested entering the final rounds. Usyk continued to use his superior footwork and technical skills to keep Fury off-balance. The 11th round was notable for Usyk landing some clean shots on Fury, and Steward, sensing the fight’s closeness, urged Fury to push hard in the 12th. Both fighters had their moments, leading to an engrossing final round. As the judges’ decision was read, Usyk sank to his knees in gratitude while Fury stormed off, convinced he had done enough to win.
Usyk retained his heavyweight titles and celebrated the win. He acknowledged the support from his country, Ukraine, and dedicated the victory to his mother and all Ukrainian mothers. Despite his continued dominance in the ring, Usyk remained humble, consistently pointing to his training and support system as the keys to his success.
John Fury continued to express his outrage post-fight, maintaining that Tyson was wrongfully judged. Tyson himself shared the sentiment, insisting he won the fight by at least three rounds.
Daniel Dubois interrupted Usyk’s celebration, demanding a rematch after feeling his own loss to Usyk was unjust. Declaring “I want my revenge,” Dubois’s challenge was met with Usyk’s calm response: “No problem, I’m ready.”
The rematch, while not the most dramatic bout in terms of knockout action, showcased the technical prowess of both fighters. Frank Warren and other promoters emphasized the complexity of scoring such a closely contested fight. For now, Usyk stands tall as the champion, while Fury’s team insists on the need for concentrated effort to get their titles back.
This rematch not only answered some lingering questions from the first bout but also opened the door to future matchups in a heavyweight division brimming with potential and excitement. Whether or not Tyson Fury gets the rematch he and his camp so desperately want remains to be seen, but the world of boxing will undoubtedly be closely following the unfolding saga.
