sportskeeda
OLEKSANDR USYK claimed yet another controversial victory over Tyson Fury, regaining his heavyweight title.
Following their split-decision bout seven months prior, the judges rendered an emphatic unanimous score of 116-112 in favor of Usyk.
The Gypsy King reacted by storming out of the ring, while his promoter Frank Warren was left astounded by the scorecards.
Here’s how SunSport’s Wally Downes evaluated the fight…
Round 1
The rules appeared to be disregarded as Fury arrived at 11:15 pm local time, flaunting a beard that would make even Brian Blessed envious.
If his facial hair was surprising, the view of his belly when the cameras caught him shirtless in the dressing room was shocking.
His red shorts were pulled so high that they nearly concealed his generous girth – one inch higher and they could have hidden his nipples.
Fury tried to intimidate Usyk with his fierce gaze during the final face-off, but the champion remained unfazed.
They exchanged jabs and probed with their lead hands. Usyk delivered left jabs to Fury’s softer midsection, followed by a headshot that secured him the first round. Usyk.
Round 2
Usyk kicked off the round with a sharp one-two to Fury’s head, then shifted focus back to the body, landing lefts that even caused Fury to wobble slightly.
However, the Gypsy King countered with a triple jab followed by a solid right hand to take the round.
Yet, there were no apparent signs of the body shots and uppercuts that had helped him in claiming the middle rounds of their May encounter. Fury.
Round 3
Usyk connected with a body jab and a left hand to the head on three occasions, pressuring Fury.
Fury landed a small check hook and momentarily switched to a southpaw stance, but his threats to harm Usyk went unfulfilled. Usyk.
Round 4
Fury started strong with a powerful right hand.
However, Usyk quickly responded with two effective left hands.
Fury countered with a robust right hand that pushed Usyk back, landing a follow-up uppercut that pierced through Usyk’s guard. Draw.
Round 5
Fury took control early on with a sharp right hand right at the beginning of the round.
He received a warning for delivering rabbit punches as he aimed to pressure the champion.
Usyk found himself struck by a lead left uppercut and then absorbed a series of body shots, causing him to retreat to recover. Fury.
Round 6
Fury appeared troubled as Usyk targeted his struggling body with powerful left shots.
Then, Usyk switched to head hunting and landed a solid shot to Fury’s head.
The Morecambe giant seemed shaken and kept to himself for the remainder of the round. Usyk.
Round 7
This round was quieter, featuring a precise one-two from Fury and a single left hand from Usyk. Draw.
Round 8
A one-two-hook combination worked effectively for Usyk as he set the pace and pressured Fury, who tried to hide his massive frame.
An accidental clash of heads fortunately resulted in no cuts.
Fury made a weak attempt to attack, but Usyk simply smiled and shook his head in response. Usyk.
Round 9
Fury showed signs of fatigue, weighed down by his size, while Usyk thrived on the opportunity to outmaneuver him.
He was just too big to dance around and counter effectively.
Fury found himself in a match controlled by an exceptionally fit Usyk. Usyk.
Round 10
Fury landed a rare uppercut and attempted to work on Usyk’s body. He sought to control the center of the ring but absorbed a few hits in response.
Fury engaged in clinching to drain Usyk’s energy but was met with a left to the cheek instead.
A significant left from Usyk landed cleanly, sending sweat flying from Fury’s head.
While Fury countered with an uppercut, Usyk’s relentless pressure and strikes proved decisive. Usyk.
Round 11
These rounds could influence the fight’s outcome. Usyk was more active while Fury’s uppercut merely grazed Usyk’s guard.
Fury fell victim to a combination from Usyk, deflating his momentum.
Usyk pressed on tirelessly, outpacing and outpunching the now-struggling 20st Fury. Usyk.
Round 12
Fury opened this round aware that he needed a strong performance, but this allowed Usyk to counter effectively.
A sequence of three straight punches landed for the Ukrainian champion.
Nonetheless, Fury pressed on, swinging and adjusting his shorts that slipped due to the sweat Usyk had drawn from him.
With a section of the crowd booing and jeering, both fighters engaged in a final brawl for the last ten seconds. Usyk.
SunSport’s scorecards: Usyk 118-112 Fury.
