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OLEKSANDR USYK achieved another controversial win against Tyson Fury, regaining his heavyweight championship.
Following their split-decision fight seven months ago, the judges rendered a unanimous score of 116-112, all favoring Usyk this time.
The Gypsy King stormed out of the ring, leaving his promoter Frank Warren visibly stunned by the result.
Here’s how SunSport’s Wally Downes evaluated the fight…
Round 1
Fury broke protocol by arriving at the venue at 11:15pm local time, sporting a beard that would impress even Brian Blessed.
While his facial hair was surprising, the sight of his exposed belly caught on camera in the dressing room was even more astonishing.
His red shorts were pulled up so high that they obscured much of his stomach; a bit higher, and the 20st giant could have tucked his nipples in there as well.
Fury attempted to intimidate Usyk at the final face-off, but the champion remained calm and collected.
They exchanged jabs, with Usyk landing left punches into Fury’s midsection and finishing with a headshot to take the opening round. Usyk.
Round 2
Usyk quickly landed a scoring one-two to the head at the round’s start, then returned to the body with multiple lefts, one of which even made Fury stumble.
However, Fury countered with a flurry of jabs and a strong right hand to secure the round.
No signs of the body shots and uppercuts that had worked for him in the middle rounds of their previous encounter. Fury.
Round 3
Usyk hit Fury with three body jabs followed by a left upstairs.
Fury struggled to maintain the pace, landing only a small check hook and trying out a southpaw stance.
Yet, his attempts to dominate Usyk proved ineffective. Usyk.
Round 4
Fury began strongly with a chopping right hand.
But Usyk responded with two solid left punches that struck their mark.
Fury answered with a significant right hand that pushed Usyk back.
Then, an uppercut pierced through Usyk’s guard. Draw.
Round 5
Fury took charge immediately with a precise right hand to kick off the round.
He received a warning for rabbit punches as he sought to assert dominance over the champion.
Usyk then was caught by a lead left uppercut and started to absorb body shots that forced him to step back and recuperate. Fury.
Round 6
Fury found himself in a precarious position. The challenger began to sweat as Usyk consistently targeted him with powerful punches.
He shifted focus to headshots, clipping Fury’s skull.
Fury seemed disoriented and worried, his head snapping back. He spent the remainder of the round in defense. Usyk.
Round 7
A quieter round, noted by a sharp Fury one-two and a lone Usyk left. Draw.
Round 8
A one-two-hook combination worked well for Usyk as he increased the pace and pressure while Fury tried to hide his hefty frame.
An accidental head clash fortunately resulted in no cuts.
Fury attempted a lackluster offensive, but Usyk merely smiled and shook his head. Usyk.
Round 9
Fury began to fatigue, struggling to manage his weight while Usyk eagerly took the chance to chip away at him.
Fury felt too heavy to dodge or move effectively.
He was falling right into Usyk’s strengths. Usyk.
Round 10
Fury landed a rare uppercut and targeted Usyk’s body. He took control in the center of the ring but got hit with a couple of punches in return.
Fury tried to clinch and lean against Usyk, attempting to wear him down, but he paid for it with a left punch to the cheek.
Usyk delivered a powerful left that sent sweat flying from Fury’s head.
Fury retaliated with another uppercut, but Usyk’s relentless pressure and jabs clinched the round. Usyk.
Round 11
These rounds could ultimately decide the fight. Usyk remained more active, while Fury’s uppercut merely grazed Usyk’s guard.
Fury walked into a light combination, only to be hit with two solid shots, visibly losing energy.
Usyk was unrelenting, bouncing, pressing, and landing blows, while the 20st Fury appeared fatigued. Usyk.
Round 12
Fury began the final round with the sense he needed a decisive finish, allowing Usyk to capitalize on countering chances.
A combination of three straight punches landed for the Ukrainian star.
Fury continued to swing wildly, adjusting his shorts that were slipping due to the sweat Usyk had sapped from him.
As a section of the crowd booed and whistled, they exchanged blows in the final ten seconds. Usyk.
SunSport’s scorecards: Usyk 118-112 Fury.
