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OLEKSANDR USYK secured another controversial win against Tyson Fury, regaining his heavyweight title.
Seven months after their split-decision clash, the judges awarded this fight unanimously to Usyk with a score of 116-112.
The Gypsy King stormed out of the ring, leaving promoter Frank Warren visibly stunned by the results.
Here’s how SunSport’s Wally Downes evaluated the match…
Round 1
The proceedings began with Fury entering the ring at 11:15 PM local time, flaunting a beard that would impress even Brian Blessed.
As striking as his beard was, the true astonishment came when cameras revealed his bare belly backstage.
His red shorts were hoisted so high that his midriff was barely visible; one inch higher, and the 20-stone giant could have tucked his nipples in there as well.
Fury attempted to throw Usyk off with an intense stare-down, bulging his eyes in an intimidating manner, but the champion kept his composure.
They exchanged jabs to gauge each other’s reach. Usyk landed a few left hooks to Fury’s softening midsection and finished strong with a headshot to claim the first round. Usyk.
Round 2
Usyk started with a scoring one-two to the head, quickly refocusing on body shots that caused Fury to stagger slightly.
Fury countered with three jabs followed by a powerful right hand, winning the round in the end.
Still, there was little of the body shots and uppercuts that had helped him in the middle rounds of their last fight. Fury
Round 3
Usyk enjoyed success with three jabs to the body and a left hand above.
Fury struggled to keep up, landing a light check hook and even experimenting with a southpaw stance.
Yet, all Fury’s threats of dominating Usyk were ultimately empty. Usyk.
Round 4
Fury began with a powerful right hand.
However, Usyk quickly responded with two solid left hands that found their mark.
Fury fought back with a strong right that pushed Usyk back, and an uppercut sliced through Usyk’s defense, making it a competitive round. Draw.
Round 5
Fury took control from the start with a strong right hand.
But he was cautioned for landing rabbit punches as he sought to overpower the champion.
Usyk took a left uppercut and began receiving body shots, prompting him to retreat and recover. Fury.
Round 6
Fury appeared to be in trouble, with sweat pouring from his hefty frame, while Usyk relentlessly targeted it with powerful left hooks.
Usyk then aimed for Fury’s head, landing a solid strike that sent the giant stumbling backward.
Fury looked dazed and spent the remainder of the round defending himself. Usyk.
Round 7
A relatively quiet round featured a sharp one-two from Fury and a single left from Usyk. Draw.
Round 8
Usyk executed a one-two-hook combination, maintaining pace and pressure as Fury tried to shield his considerable size.
An accidental clash of heads thankfully resulted in no cuts.
Fury attempted a weak counterattack, but Usyk simply smiled and shook his head. Usyk.
Round 9
Fury looked fatigued under the weight he carried, and Usyk seized the moment to take him down.
Fury was too large to effectively evade or counter Usyk’s relentless assault. Usyk.
Round 10
Fury landed a rare uppercut and hammered Usyk’s body, briefly taking center ring, before absorbing several shots in return.
He struggled with holding and leaning, trying to sap Usyk’s energy while being met with a sharp left to the cheek.
A powerful left from Usyk sent sweat flying off Fury’s head.
Fury struck back with an uppercut, but Usyk’s tenacity and power ultimately triumphed. Usyk.
Round 11
These rounds could prove decisive. Usyk was more active while Fury’s uppercut barely grazed Usyk’s guard.
Fury was hit by a combination and seemed to be losing momentum.
Usyk was relentless, his energy unwavering, while Fury appeared to be fading fast under the weight of his own mass. Usyk.
Round 12
Fury began the round as if knowing he desperately needed a win, which played into Usyk’s strategy for counterattacks.
The champion landed a trio of straight punches.
Yet, Fury continued to swing, adjusting his shorts that were slipping due to the perspiration Usyk had drained from him.
Amidst a mix of boos and whistles from part of the crowd, both fighters exchanged blows in the final seconds. Usyk.
SunSport’s scorecards: Usyk 118-112 Fury.
