In a rematch described as “rekindled,” the sport’s two most technically gifted heavyweights put on another classic and showcased elite-level boxing.

The Gypsy King was in a playful mood with an unorthodox ring performance to Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas is You.”

He was dressed as Santa Claus and still sported the bushy beard, which was sorted out at a rules meeting despite protests from Usyk’s team.

A stern-faced Usyk marched to the ring in no time. He wore a warrior’s robe and crouched in a corner to say a prayer.

After a long 11-minute duel on Thursday, Fury and Usyk picked up where they left off; Their eyes were locked on each other as they met in the middle of the ring.

Neither player over-exaggerated themselves in the cautious opening round. Fury fought his way through the first fight, but his work was more serious. He sent Usyk reeling in the final seconds of the second.

With a height of 15cm, a reach of 20cm and a four stone weight advantage, Fury used his physicality to keep Usyk at bay.

But just like in the first fight, Usyk managed to target Fury’s body.

Two hard left hooks landed flush on Fury in the fourth round. “Keep it simple. he runs around. Slow it down.’ Coach SuharHill Steward told Fury after the fifth.

At half time, the eye-catching shot came from Fury, the strike from Usyk, who began to close the gap.

An overhand left hit Fury cleanly in the forehead in the sixth round. Fury slowed down and Usyk got into his rhythm.

Team Fury suggested that a lack of sparring due to an eye injury affected his preparation for the first fight and there was significant improvement. He found a second wind to overtake the ninth.

It felt like everything was on the line in the championship rounds. Model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and actor husband Jason Statham watched from comfortable ringside seats, along with a stellar list of boxing royalty including Roberto Duran, Lennox Lewis and Prince Naseem Hamed.

Usyk unleashed a great combination in the 11th. With Fury temporarily injured, the champion applied pressure.

Fury appeared to be the more desperate of the two as Usyk ended the fight victorious. Although Fury appeared frustrated, there were no cries of robbery from ringside observers.