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OLEKSANDR USYK triumphed in a contentious decision against Tyson Fury, regaining his heavyweight title.
Seven months following their narrow split-decision encounter, the judges this time unanimously scored the fight 116-112, all favoring Usyk.
The Gypsy King was visibly upset and stormed out of the ring, leaving his promoter Frank Warren in shock over the outcome.
Here’s how SunSport’s Wally Downes assessed the contest…
Round 1
Breaking the rules, Fury entered the ring at 11:15 PM local time, his beard rivaling that of Brian Blessed.
While his facial hair was eye-catching, it was his belly caught on camera in the dressing room that raised eyebrows even more.
His high red shorts covered much of his midsection; another inch higher, and the 20-stone giant might have tucked his nipples away!
Fury tried to intimidate Usyk during their final face-off by widening his eyes, but the champion remained composed.
They traded jabs, each assessing the other with lead hands. Usyk delivered left hooks to Fury’s unsteady midriff before landing a head shot to claim the first round. Usyk.
Round 2
Usyk opened with a solid one-two to the head right off the bat, then targeted the body with lefts that even made Fury trip.
However, Fury countered with a rapid jab followed by a powerful right, taking this round.
He still showed little sign of the body punches and uppercuts that had earned him the middle rounds during their May fight. Fury.
Round 3
Usyk landed a trio of jabs to the body, followed by an upstairs left.
Fury appeared to struggle under pressure, landing a minor check hook and briefly switching to a southpaw stance.
Yet, his threats to punish the “bog-eyed rat” seemed empty. Usyk.
Round 4
Fury started strong with a slicing right hand.
Usyk quickly responded with two effective lefts that scored points.
Fury retaliated with a strong right that pushed Usyk back.
Then an uppercut came through, slicing through Usyk’s defense. Draw.
Round 5
Fury asserted his authority with a strong right hand at the round’s start.
He later got a warning for illegal rabbit punches while trying to bully the champion.
Usyk found himself on the receiving end of a lead left uppercut and began taking body shots, forcing him on the back foot. Fury.
Round 6
Fury seemed to encounter difficulty as his heavy frame began to perspire, while Usyk consistently targeted him with strong left punches.
Usyk then switched to head shots, landing blows to Fury’s head.
The Morecambe giant appeared rattled, his head rocking back as he defended for the rest of the round. Usyk.
Round 7
An uneventful round featured a sharp one-two from Fury and a single left from Usyk. Draw.
Round 8
Usyk executed a successful one-two-hook combination, applying pressure while Fury struggled to hide his sizable target.
An accidental head clash fortunately didn’t result in any cuts.
Fury made a weak offensive attempt, but Usyk simply smiled and shook his head in response. Usyk.
Round 9
With Fury fatigued from his weight, Usyk seized the opportunity and effectively “chopped” him down.
Fury was unable to evade or counter efficiently.
He was playing directly into Usyk’s hands, favoring the fitter fighter. Usyk.
Round 10
Fury landed a rare uppercut and aimed to target Usyk’s body by controlling the center of the ring, but received a few shots in response.
Fury attempted to hold and lean on Usyk to drain his energy but paid for it with a left to the cheek.
A powerful left from Usyk sent sweat flying from Fury’s head.
The Gypsy King retaliated with an uppercut, but Usyk’s pressure and striking remained dominant. Usyk.
Round 11
These rounds could decide the fight. Usyk stayed active while Fury threw an uppercut that barely connected with Usyk’s guard.
Fury walked into a series of swift combinations before enduring two significant punches. His energy was visibly waning.
Usyk maintained his relentless tempo, continually jabbing and trading punches, while Fury appeared to falter under the burden of his weight. Usyk.
Round 12
Fury began with urgency, aware he needed at least a lockdown, allowing Usyk to counter effectively.
A combination of three straight punches connected for the Ukrainian champion.
Even with Fury’s attempts to swing and adjust his sagging shorts, the sweat Usyk had drained from him took its toll.
As parts of the crowd booed and whistled, the fighters exchanged blows in the final seconds. Usyk.
SunSport’s scorecards: Usyk 118-112 Fury.
