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OLEKSANDR USYK secured another controversial win over Tyson Fury to reclaim his heavyweight championship.
Seven months after their split-decision clash, the judges rendered a unanimous score of 116-112, all in favor of Usyk.
The Gypsy King abruptly left the ring, leaving his promoter Frank Warren visibly stunned by the outcome.
Here’s how SunSport’s Wally Downes evaluated the fight…
Round 1
The rules seemed to be forgotten as Fury made his entrance at 11:15 PM local time, showcasing a beard that would make Brian Blessed proud.
While his facial hair garnered attention, it was his protruding stomach that truly caught everyone off guard when he was seen topless in his dressing room.
His red shorts were pulled so high they covered the majority of his belly; one inch higher and the 20st giant could have tucked his nipples in there too.
Fury attempted to intimidate Usyk during their final face-off by dramatically widening his eyes, but the champion remained undeterred.
They traded jabs and probed with their lead hands. Usyk landed left hooks to Fury’s sagging midsection, ultimately connecting with a head shot to claim the first round. Usyk.
Round 2
Usyk immediately scores with a one-two combination to the head as the round begins, then targets the body, landing lefts that even force Fury to stumble.
However, the Gypsy King counters with a triple jab followed by a solid right hand to win the round.
No signs yet of the body shots and uppercuts that have previously helped Fury dominate the middle rounds. Fury
Round 3
Usyk scores with three jabs to the body and a left punch upstairs.
Fury struggles to handle the pressure, landing only a check hook and trying out a southpaw stance.
But his threats to skin and cook the “bog-eyed rat” or “ugly rabbit” fail to materialize. Usyk.
Round 4
Fury starts strong with a sharp right hand.
But Usyk counters with two powerful lefts that hit their mark.
Fury responds with a heavy right that forces Usyk back.
The uppercut returns and penetrates Usyk’s guard. Draw.
Round 5
Fury establishes himself right away with a strong right hand to start the round.
He is cautioned for throwing rabbit punches as he attempts to dominate the champion.
Usyk gets hit with a lead uppercut and begins to absorb body shots. He briefly retreats to regroup. Fury.
Round 6
Things start looking grim for Fury. The challenger’s ample body begins to sweat as Usyk relentlessly targets it with powerful punches.
He then shifts focus to Fury’s head, landing a shot that shakes him.
The Morecambe giant appears rattled and spends the rest of the round in survival mode. Usyk.
Round 7
A quieter round features a precise Fury one-two alongside a solitary Usyk left hit. Draw.
Round 8
A one-two-hook combination proves effective for Usyk as he maintains consistent pace and pressure, while Fury tries to guard his sizable torso.
An accidental head clash fortunately leads to no cuts.
Fury makes a weak attempt to attack, but Usyk smiles back, shaking his shaved head. Usyk.
Round 9
Fury begins to show signs of fatigue, struggling under his own weight as Usyk excels at dismantling him.
He’s too cumbersome to evade and counter properly.
In short, he’s now playing Usyk’s game. Usyk.
Round 10
Fury lands a rare uppercut and goes after Usyk’s body, momentarily controlling the ring, but takes a couple of solid punches in return.
He attempts to clinch and wear Usyk down, but receives a stinging left to the cheek.
A significant left from Usyk connects, sending sweat droplets flying off Fury’s head.
Fury counters with an uppercut, but Usyk’s pressure and striking take precedence. Usyk.
Round 11
These could be the crucial rounds. Usyk is more active, and while Fury throws an uppercut, it merely grazes Usyk’s guard.
Fury walks into a quick combination but is met with two serious counters that diminish his resolve.
Usyk’s relentless pressure intensifies as Fury, weighing in at 20st, starts to stumble. Usyk.
Round 12
Fury opens the round knowing he needs at least a knockout, allowing Usyk to counter effectively.
A three-punch combination lands for the Ukrainian champion.
Still, Fury swings wildly and tries to pull up his sagging shorts due to the sweat Usyk has drained from him.
As a section of the crowd begins to boo and whistle, they engage in a slugfest in the final ten seconds. Usyk.
SunSport’s scorecards: Usyk 118-112 Fury.
