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OLEKSANDR USYK has cemented his status as a generational great by scoring a consecutive points victory over Tyson Fury.
Seven months after claiming the title of undisputed heavyweight champion, Usyk set out to resolve his rivalry with the British fighter once and for all in a high-stakes bout held in Saudi Arabia.
Touted as the Gypsy King, Fury stepped into the second consecutive rematch in Riyadh with fierce intent to secure a definitive win over the unbeaten Ukrainian, who narrowly triumphed in their last bout by split decision in May.
However, once again he found himself bewildered by what is widely considered the slickest boxer the division has ever produced, ultimately succumbing to a points decision reflected in the 116-112 scorecards.
Usyk has now effectively CLEARED OUT the heavyweight division just a mere SIX fights after moving up from cruiserweight.
A successful performance against the southpaw would have further solidified Fury’s legacy in boxing history, joining the ranks of Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis, and Evander Holyfield, as well as Vitali Klitschko and Michael Moorer, as the only boxers to hold a heavyweight title three times.
In his post-fight remarks, Usyk commented on the scorecards: “I win. Is good.”
Fury quickly took the initiative in the center of the ring, looking to attack the body right away.
Usyk, as agile as ever, attempted to find his range.
He landed a solid left hand halfway through the round, but Fury swiftly countered with a smart right.
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Usyk aimed to utilize his peek-a-boo stance to successfully land effective left hands to both the body and head shortly after the round resumed.
He seemed reluctant to close the distance and engage closely, likely recalling the punishing uppercuts Fury delivered in their previous encounter.
Watch Tyson Fury’s incredible Mariah Carey themed entrance for rematch against Oleksandr Usyk
Fury relied on his jab in the third round, striving to keep the Ukrainian at bay.
However, Usyk slowly adjusted his range, landing several shots to Fury’s body without response.
Fury maintained his ground in the fourth round, a strategy he had not used seven months earlier.
The crowd gasped as Usyk landed a crisp left hand directly on Fury’s chin, which he absorbed and quickly retaliated with a right of his own.
An uppercut from Fury early in the fifth round provoked a significant reaction from the audience.
Usyk seemed undeterred but visibly felt the punch’s force.
It was challenging for Usyk to close the gap in the sixth round, as Fury’s effective jab and feints kept him at a distance.
Nevertheless, Usyk turned the tide with two powerful left hooks that rattled Fury.
Fury quickly regained his composure, delivering a right hand midway through the seventh round.
But Usyk soon found another opening, landing a resounding left that elicited another strong crowd reaction.
Usyk capitalized on opportunities in the eighth round, yet left himself exposed to counterattacks.
Fury took advantage early in the round with an expertly timed counter uppercut.
Usyk pushed forward in the ninth, while Fury tried to exhaust him with clinches and body shots.
A minute into the round, Usyk jolted Fury’s head back with a clean straight left, though the Brit absorbed the blow well.
Just moments before the bell, Usyk endured a low blow but persisted as he kept advancing towards his opponent.
Fury opened the tenth round aggressively, employing uppercuts and body shots while clinching.
Usyk, however, peppered Fury with strikes whenever they created space, and the Brit took them in stride.
Fury looked to land more punishing uppercuts as Usyk moved in during the eleventh round.
In the final minute of the round, Usyk delivered a powerful straight left that sent Fury staggering.
Yet, the Wythenshawe warrior remained composed, responding with a sharp right hand that briefly shook Usyk just before the round ended.
Fury came out strong after the final restart but soon found himself on the receiving end of a stunning three-punch combination from the champion.
As the round progressed, Fury’s guard dropped lower, granting Usyk more opportunities to land his punches.
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