RIYADH – Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk defended his WBA (Super), WBO, and WBC world heavyweight titles with a unanimous decision victory over Britain’s Tyson Fury in an electric showdown at the Kingdom Arena on Saturday.
Usyk, giving up significant advantages in height, weight, and reach, outclassed Fury with his speed and movement to secure a 116-112 score across all three judges’ scorecards. The victory keeps Usyk undefeated and extends his dominance after defeating Fury in their first encounter in May to claim the undisputed championship.
Fight Highlights
Despite entering the ring at a career-high 281 pounds (127kg) — 55 pounds (25kg) heavier than Usyk — Fury opened aggressively, attempting to control the center with his jab. However, Usyk matched his pace and continually forced Fury onto the back foot with sharp combinations and relentless pressure.
- Rounds 4-6: Usyk began landing his powerful left hand in the fourth, and though Fury responded with body shots in the fifth, Usyk hurt him late in the sixth with a right hand to the body and a precise left to the forehead.
- Rounds 7-10: Fury slowed noticeably, switching to southpaw in the seventh as fatigue set in. Usyk capitalized, maintaining control and outworking Fury in exchanges.
- Final Rounds: Fury’s hard shots failed to deter Usyk, who finished strong, dominating the 10th round and cruising through the final two rounds for a convincing win.
Asked about the scorecards post-fight, Usyk said, “I win, it’s good. I’m not the judges; I’m a sportsman, I’m an athlete.”
Post-Fight Reactions
Disappointed with his second career loss, Fury left the ring without speaking to the media. His promoter, Frank Warren, criticized the scoring, claiming Fury deserved more than four rounds.
“How can Tyson only get four rounds in this fight? It’s impossible,” Warren said, maintaining Fury had won.
Meanwhile, Usyk was challenged in the ring by Britain’s Daniel Dubois, who he defeated in a controversial bout in August 2023.
Usyk’s Legacy
With this victory, Usyk solidifies his status as one of the greatest heavyweight champions of his era, overcoming one of the division’s most physically imposing fighters.