Oleksandr Usyk defeats Tyson Fury via unanimous decision

Oleksandr Usyk defeats Tyson Fury via unanimous decision

(This story originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports.)

There was no revenge for Tyson Fury.

Fury lost again to Oleksandr Usyk, losing Saturday’s heavyweight boxing rematch by unanimous decision after suffering a split decision defeat in the first fight seven months ago.

Usyk once again demonstrated his superior technical skills, responding each time Fury went on the attack in their 12-round heavyweight bout at Kingdom.

All three judges returned a score of 116-112 for Usyk, who retained his WBC, WBA and WBO heavyweight world titles.

Usyk had no interest in discussing the judges’ scorecards.

“I win,” he said. “Is good.”

Usyk, a 37-year-old Ukrainian, improved his record to 23-0.

Fury, a 36-year-old Brit, fell to 34-2-1, with his only pro losses coming against Usyk.

Next up: Usyk will likely face IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois when Dubois defeats Joseph Parker in a heavyweight bout on February 22nd.

It’s unclear what’s next for Fury, who has previously considered retiring.

Days before the rematch, Fury made profane and hostile comments in front of Usyk.

“You ugly, shit-eyed rat bastard,” Fury yelled at Usyk this week.

Fury also roared, “You made a gift decision. I am the man. I’m the (expletive) champion.”

But it was the 6-3 Usyk who prevailed despite the 6-9 Fury’s 6-inch height advantage. Fury also outweighed Usyk by 55 pounds.

At the weigh-in, Fury weighed 281 pounds and Usyk weighed 226 pounds.

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk, heavyweight title

Round 1: Usyk lands an early right. They paw at each other. Fury looks chubby, which might be a generous description, as he jiggles. Usyk is moving forward now and Fury is ready for it. Usyk lunges and scores with his left. Usyk 10, Fury 9.

Round 2: Usyk fires a quick left shot and scores. He then hits the shaky Fury body and scores again. Fury fires two jabs and follows with a right. Nobody lands and the chant rings out: “Usyk!” Usyk stands in the middle of the ring and seems to be in control. They trade with leftists. Fury scores with his left and stuns Usyk with a shot. Usyk 19, Fury 19.

Round 3: Fury looks nervous as he fires. Usyk responds, but now turns around and is out of danger. Usyk pounces with a left and another left. Maybe glancing blows. Usyk misses with his left, follows up and finishes. Fury uses his jab to answer. Fury lands a solid left. Fury 29, Usyk 28.

Round 4: Usyk applies early pressure and Fury responds with a left. And the extra weight that Fury carries around doesn’t seem like a disadvantage at first. Usyk works with the body. Usyk lands a big left shot and another. But Fury advances and Usyk rows back. Fury lands a right. Fury 38, Usyk 38.

Round 5: The boxers tangle and Fury tries to take advantage before they get separated. Fury uncorks a nice left uppercut. But Usyk shakes his head and insists he is not injured. Now Fury is on the trail. Usyk lands a whirlwind and Fury fires right back with a powerful uppercut to the body. Fury with another solid right. Usyk fires off a nice combination. Fury 48, Usyk 47.

Round 6: Fury’s size and weight advantage looks so significant. However, it is not certain whether Fury will tire due to the weight. Boxers circle in the middle of the ring. Usyk works the body and Fury responds. Usyk scores with a right shot and follows with a combination. His agility is starting to pay off. Pops Fury with a left to the kisser and ends the round strong. Fury 57, Usyk 57.

Round 7: Usyk opens with a quick right punch and then cuts Fury off with a right punch. Usyk works to close the distance without exposing himself to Fury’s dangerous right wing. Fury throws a short punch to the right and now works with the left. Usyk hits with his left. Usyk finishes with a look to the left. Usyk 67, Fury 66.

Round 8: Usyk opens with a left and Fury pushes back. Usyk will have to work hard to close the gap. Fury throws a few lefts and follows with an uppercut that is blocked by Usyk. Usyk pursued. Usyk sneaks in and lands body shots. Fury leans on Usyk. That’s a burden. Usyk landing punches – not a headache, but solid. Usyk 77, Fury 75.

Round 9: Fury appears more aggressive behind the left side. He then lands three strong body shots. The anger comes to life. Usyk looks more passive while Fury turns up the heat. But here comes Usyk as a Fury tire. Usyk 86, Fury 85.

Round 10: Usyk moves forward and throws a few Fury punches straight away. Fury tries to take advantage of his size and lean forward, but the referee separates the boxers. Fury lands hard right. Usyk clearly felt this, but now it’s moving on. Fury leans on Usyk and scores. Usyk fights back and finishes strong. But it’s too late to win the round. Usyk 95, Fury 95.

Round 11: Fury misses with a big uppercut. Usyk leaves a nice left side and his technical skills stand him in good stead. But the jerky, jerky Fury lands a shot. Usyk lands two hard lefts. And another one. Usyk is heating up. Usyk 105, Fury 104.

Round 12: Fury lands a hard right to Usyk’s body. Usyk responds with a hard right. Some impressive exchanges. Fury looks tired, but he’s digging deep. Usyk scores with another left attack as Fury and both fighters let their fists fly. Fury looks exhausted. Usyk lands a hard left seconds before the end of the round. Usyk 115, Fury 113.

For more information on the card, check out MMA Junkie’s Usyk vs. Fury 2 event hub.

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