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OLEKSANDR USYK secured another disputed win over Tyson Fury to regain his heavyweight championship.
Seven months after their split-decision clash, this time the judges ruled it unanimously 116-112 in Usyk’s favor.
The Gypsy King stormed out of the ring as his promoter, Frank Warren, appeared bewildered by the judges’ decisions.
Here’s how SunSport’s Wally Downes assessed the fight…
Round 1
The regulations appeared to be irrelevant as Fury entered the ring at 11:15 PM local time, sporting a beard that would make Brian Blessed look well-groomed.
If his facial hair was startling, we were taken aback by the size of his belly when the cameras captured him shirtless in the locker room.
His red shorts were pulled so high that much of his stomach was obscured—had they been an inch higher, that 20st giant could’ve tucked his nipples in there as well.
Fury attempted to intimidate Usyk during the final face-off, widening his eyes like a beast, but the champion remained completely unbothered.
They exchanged jabs and engaged with their lead hands, with Usyk landing left punches into Fury’s wobbly midsection and following up with a head shot to take the opening round. Usyk.
Round 2
Usyk began the round with a scoring one-two to Fury’s head, then focused on body shots landing lefts, one of which even caused Fury to stumble.
However, the Gypsy King countered with a three-punch combination, followed by a solid right hand to claim the round.
Still, there were no signs of the body shots and uppercuts that had brought Fury success in the middle rounds of their prior meeting. Fury
Round 3
Usyk landed three jabs to the body and left hands up top.
Fury seemed overwhelmed by the pressure, managing a small check hook and attempting the southpaw stance.
But all his threats to skin and cook the “bog-eyed rat” or “ugly rabbit” proved to be empty. Usyk.
Round 4
Fury started off strong with a chopping right hand.
However, Usyk responded with two impressive lefts that connected well.
Fury then landed a significant right that pushed Usyk back.
The uppercut came back to slice through Usyk’s guard. Draw.
Round 5
Fury established immediate control with a right hand to initiate the round.
Then the Brit received a warning for throwing rabbit punches while trying to bully the champion.
Usyk was hit by a lead left uppercut and began taking body shots, prompting him to retreat and recover. Fury.
Round 6
Fury was in trouble as his hefty frame began to sweat, while Usyk continued to target it with powerful left punches.
He then switched to head shots, landing one on Fury’s head.
The Morecambe giant looked dazed and troubled, with his head being rocked back. He spent the remainder of the round on the defensive. Usyk.
Round 7
A quieter round featured a sharp one-two from Fury and a single left from Usyk. Draw.
Round 8
A one-two-hook combination proved effective for Usyk as he upped the pace and pressured Fury, who struggled to conceal his sizable target.
Fortunately, an accidental head clash resulted in no cuts.
Fury launched a weak attack, but Usyk just smiled back and shook his head. Usyk.
Round 9
Fury began to tire under the burden of his excess weight, while Usyk capitalized, continuously wearing him down.
He found Fury too heavy to dance or evade effectively.
Fury was playing right into the hands of the super-fit Usyk. Usyk.
Round 10
Fury managed to land a rare uppercut and aimed at Usyk’s body. He took the center of the ring but then absorbed a couple of punches.
Fury tried to hold and lean to wear down Usyk but paid for it with a left to the cheek.
A powerful left from Usyk landed, sending sweat flying from Fury’s head.
Fury countered with an uppercut but came up short as Usyk’s pressure and strikes dominated the round. Usyk.
Round 11
These rounds could be pivotal. Usyk was more active, and while Fury threw an uppercut, it only grazed Usyk’s guard.
Fury walked into a quick combination but then got hit with two solid shots. His energy levels were clearly fading.
Usyk was relentless, bouncing, prodding, and punching, while Fury, at 20st, was visibly fatigued. Usyk.
Round 12
Fury began the round like a man who knew he needed at least a knockout, giving Usyk the opportunity to counter effectively.
A combination of three straight punches landed flush for the Ukrainian star.
Despite Fury’s continuous swings and attempts to pull up his shorts slipping due to the excessive sweat, they exchanged blows amid a section of the unsatisfied crowd booing and whistling for the final ten seconds. Usyk.
SunSport’s scorecards: Usyk 118-112 Fury.
