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OLEKSANDR USYK celebrated another victory in a controversial decision against Tyson Fury, successfully reclaiming his heavyweight title.
Seven months following their exhilarating split-decision, the score this time was a unanimous 116-112, all in favor of Usyk.
Fury left the ring in anger, leaving his promoter Frank Warren stunned by the outcome.
Here’s how SunSport’s Wally Downes assessed the fight…
Round 1
The usual protocols were overlooked as Fury entered the arena at 11:15pm local time, sporting a beard that would make even Brian Blessed envious.
While his facial hair was surprising, the sight of his belly on camera while shirtless in the dressing room was shocking.
His red shorts rode so high that most of his stomach was concealed; raise them just an inch higher, and the 20st giant might have stashed his nipples in there too.
Fury attempted to intimidate Usyk during their final face-off, widening his eyes like a monster, but the champion stood his ground unflinchingly.
They traded jabs and feinted with their lead hands. Usyk landed left hooks on Fury’s trembling belly followed by a head shot, taking the first round. Usyk.
Round 2
Usyk initiated the second round with a scoring combination to the head, then shifted focus back to targeting Fury’s body, landing a left that caused Fury to stumble.
However, the Gypsy King responded with a series of jabs and a powerful right hand, claiming the round.
There were still no signs of the body shots and uppercuts that had won him the middle rounds in their previous encounter in May. Fury.
Round 3
Usyk connected with three jabs to the body and a left hand up top.
Fury found it challenging to handle the pressure, managing a check hook and even trying a southpaw stance.
Yet, all his threats against the champion turned out to be empty posturing. Usyk.
Round 4
Fury had a strong start, landing a sharp right hand.
However, Usyk quickly retaliated with two effective left hands that found their mark.
Fury responded with a solid right that pushed Usyk back momentarily.
An uppercut then sliced through Usyk’s defense. Draw.
Round 5
Fury took control immediately with a solid right hand to open the round.
He was warned for throwing rabbit punches as he tried to assert dominance over the champion.
Usyk was caught by a lead left uppercut and began absorbing body shots, forcing him to retreat and recover. Fury.
Round 6
Fury seemed troubled. The challenger’s hefty frame started to sweat, prompting Usyk to target it with powerful left punches.
He then switched to head shots, landing one that rocked Fury.
The Morecambe giant appeared buzzed and cautious, striving to survive the round. Usyk.
Round 7
A quieter round featured a crisp one-two from Fury and a single left from Usyk. Draw.
Round 8
A combination of one-two-hook worked effectively for Usyk as he applied continuous pressure while Fury tried to conceal his heavyweight size.
An accidental head clash thankfully did not result in any cuts.
Fury mounted a lackluster attack, but Usyk simply smiled and shook his head in response. Usyk.
Round 9
Fury began to show signs of exhaustion, weighed down by his bulk, while Usyk skillfully dismantled him with effective punches.
Fury struggled to keep pace, unable to dance or counter; he was playing Usyk’s game. Usyk.
Round 10
Fury landed a rare uppercut and targeted Usyk’s body, attempting to take control of the center ring, but quickly absorbed a couple of counter shots in return.
Fury tried to hold on and sap Usyk’s energy, but was met with a sharp left to the cheek.
A significant left from Usyk sent beads of sweat flying off Fury’s head, and although Fury countered with an uppercut, Usyk’s relentless offense triumphed. Usyk.
Round 11
These rounds could prove crucial. Usyk remained busier while Fury threw an uppercut that barely grazed Usyk’s guard.
Fury walked into a quick combination followed by two solid hits, visibly struggling against Usyk’s continuous pressure.
Usyk remained tireless, bouncing, probing, and punching while the 20st Fury became increasingly fatigued. Usyk.
Round 12
Fury began as if he understood he needed a round to secure at least a draw, but this gave Usyk opportunities to counter.
A combination of three straight punches found their target for the Ukrainian star.
Fury kept swinging and adjusting his shorts, growing visibly desperate as the sweat poured off him from Usyk’s relentless attack.
With a segment of the unsatisfied crowd booing and whistling, both fighters traded punches in the final seconds. Usyk.
SunSport’s scorecards: Usyk 118-112 Fury.
