Oleksandr Usyk gained his heavyweight championship rematch towards Tyson Fury by unanimous resolution in a single day on Saturday to remain unbeaten throughout two divisions and cement his place among the many greats. The Ukrainian, who compelled the tempo and repeatedly tagged Fury along with his correct left hook, was awarded the battle 116-112 by all three judges, handing Fury his second straight loss. Usyk’s win takes him to 23-0 with 14 knockouts and extends one of many all-time greatest careers that features Olympic gold and undisputed champion at cruiserweight.
“He’s a great fighter, it’s a great performance,” Usyk, 37, stated of Fury, who was unbeaten over 35 fights till he misplaced their four-belt unification bout in May.
“Unbelievable 24 rounds for my career.”
Only the WBA, WBO and WBC belts have been on the road this time after Usyk, centered on the profitable rematch, relinquished his IBF title somewhat than face challenger Daniel Dubois.
By beating Fury in May, “The Cat” had already joined the likes of Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis and Mike Tyson as undisputed heavyweight, and the primary of the four-belt period.
“He’s my best friend,” he stated of Fury. “I respect this guy because I think he’s a really tough opponent. Tyson Fury makes me strong.”
‘Crazy man’
But the defeat opens up an unsure future for the 36-year-old Fury, now 34-2-1, who introduced his retirement in 2022 solely to return to the ring.
“I thought I’ve won both fights, but then again I’ve got two losses on my record now, so there’s not much I can do about it,” stated the Briton, who refused to debate his subsequent steps.
Promoter Frank Warren additionally known as the judges’ resolution “nuts”. But Usyk dismissed his complaints.
“Uncle Frank, I think is blind… crazy man,” joked the Ukrainian.
Fury, sporting a Santa-style red-and-white gown and bushy beard, appeared to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You”, earlier than a determined-looking Usyk strode out in Cossack gear.
The 6ft 9ins (206cm) Briton’s jab held Usyk at bay early on and he landed a jarring proper in spherical two. Usyk caught Fury flush with a left as he raised the tempo in spherical three.
They went toe-to-toe in a punishing fifth spherical, with Fury pummeling physique photographs whereas Usyk launched a flurry to the top. In the sixth, he stung Fury with a clear hit to the nostril.
The supremely match Usyk, famend for taking cost within the closing rounds, was the aggressor within the seventh, tagging Fury with a hook because the “Gypsy King” backed away.
Fury regained the initiative within the ninth, wielding his jab and one-two combos and leaning on the Ukrainian, using his career-heaviest 281lb (127.4kg) of weight.
It was see-saw stuff as they traded blows however Usyk rocked Fury within the eleventh with a lightning mixture that ended with one more left hook to the face.
An Usyk uppercut to Fury’s chin highlighted a livid closing spherical and there appeared little doubt in regards to the winner because the Ukrainian sank to his knees, arms aloft.
historical saber
Usyk, who briefly served as a soldier after the Russian invasion, then celebrated by holding up a saber that belonged to Ivan Mazepa, a hero of Ukrainian nationalism who fought towards Russian management within the early 1700s.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was fast to hail the victory, calling it proof that Ukraine “will not give up what’s ours” after practically three years of battle with Russia.
“Victory!” Zelensky stated in a submit on Telegram. “So important and so necessary for all of us now.”
Reports put the prize purse at an elevated $190 million with Usyk, as defending champion, anticipated to obtain the larger share — a reversal of fortunes from May.
The battle sits excessive within the portfolio of Saudi Arabia’s oil-funded push into sports activities, which has drawn accusations of “sportswashing” its doubtful human rights report.
After Formula One, the LIV Golf tour, Newcastle United and a swathe of ageing soccer stars, the conservative kingdom’s technique confirmed its crowning second this month when it was awarded soccer’s 2034 World Cup.
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