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OLEKSANDR USYK secured another controversial victory over Tyson Fury to reclaim his heavyweight championship.
Seven months after their exhilarating split-decision matchup, the judges scored this fight unanimously 116-112 in favor of Usyk.
The Gypsy King left the ring in frustration, while his promoter Frank Warren expressed confusion about the scoring.
Here’s how SunSport’s Wally Downes evaluated the fight…
Round 1
The regulations appeared to be ignored as Fury arrived at 11:15 pm local time sporting a beard that would make Brian Blessed’s facial hair look sparse.
If his beard was remarkable, the sight of his belly caught topless on camera in the dressing room was astonishing.
His red shorts were pulled up so high that they obscured much of his midsection; another inch higher, and the 20st giant might have been able to tuck in his nipples, too.
Fury tried to intimidate Usyk during the final face-off, bulging his eyes menacingly, but the champion remained utterly unfazed.
They exchanged jabs and engaged with their lead hands. Usyk landed lefts into Fury’s protruding belly before catching him with a head shot to win the first round. Usyk.
Round 2
Usyk quickly landed a scoring one-two to the head at the start of the round, before attacking the body with lefts that even caused Fury to stumble.
However, Fury responded with a flurry of jabs followed by a powerful right hand, allowing him to take the round.
There was still no indication of the body shots and uppercuts that secured Fury victories in the middle rounds of their May encounter. Fury
Round 3
Usyk landed three jabs to the body and a left to the head.
Fury appeared to struggle under the pressure, managing only a little check hook and even trying a southpaw stance.
But all his taunts about skinning and roasting the “bog-eyed rat” or “ugly rabbit” fell flat. Usyk.
Round 4
Fury opened strongly with a chopped right hand.
Usyk answered with two powerful left hands that landed solidly.
Fury then connected with a heavy right hand, pushing Usyk back.
An uppercut pierced through Usyk’s guard. Draw.
Round 5
Fury took the initiative early with a solid right hand.
He then received a warning for rabbit punches as he sought to maneuver Usyk around.
Usyk was hit with a leading left uppercut and began absorbing body shots, prompting him to retreat and readjust. Fury.
Round 6
Fury encountered difficulties. The challenger’s bulky frame started to sweat as Usyk relentlessly targeted it with powerful left punches.
He then shifted to head shots, landing cleanly on Fury’s head.
The Morecambe giant was rattled, his head snapping back, and he spent the remainder of the round on the defensive. Usyk.
Round 7
This round was relatively uneventful, featuring a solid one-two from Fury and a lone left from Usyk. Draw.
Round 8
Usyk executed a one-two-hook combination, exerting pressure, while Fury attempted to conceal his 20st target.
An accidental headbutt thankfully resulted in no cuts.
Fury launched a weak offensive, but Usyk simply smiled back and shook his head. Usyk.
Round 9
Fury began to show signs of fatigue, weighed down by his bulk, while a lumbering Usyk savored the prospect of wearing him down.
Fury was too heavy to dance and counter effectively.
He was playing into the game of the super-fit Usyk. Usyk.
Round 10
Fury landed a rare uppercut and struck Usyk’s body. He attempted to establish control in the center of the ring but was met with several solid shots.
As Fury tried to hold and lean in an effort to sap Usyk’s energy, he was hit with a left to the cheek.
Usyk’s powerful left landed, sending sweat flying off Fury’s head.
Fury did respond with an uppercut, but Usyk’s relentless pressure and punches secured the round. Usyk.
Round 11
These rounds could ultimately determine the outcome. Usyk was the more active fighter, while Fury’s uppercut barely grazed Usyk’s guard.
Fury walked into a quick combination and then absorbed two significant shots. The air seemed to be escaping from his enormous sails.
Usyk was relentless, bouncing, prodding, and throwing punches as Fury struggled at 20st. Usyk.
Round 12
Fury began strongly, clearly aware he needed a knockout, which allowed Usyk to counter effectively.
A combination of three straight punches landed for the Ukrainian icon.
Fury continued to swing wildly, pulling up his shorts that had slipped down due to sweat Usyk had drained from him.
With segments of the disgruntled crowd booing and whistling, they exchanged blows for the final ten seconds. Usyk.
SunSport’s final scorecards: Usyk 118-112 Fury.
