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OLEKSANDR USYK secured another controversial win against Tyson Fury to reclaim his heavyweight title.
Seven months after their split-decision bout, the judges were unanimous this time, scoring it 116-112 in favor of Usyk.
The Gypsy King left the ring in frustration, while promoter Frank Warren expressed disbelief at the decision.
Here’s how SunSport’s Wally Downes scored the match…
Round 1
As Fury made his entrance at 11:15 PM local time, it seemed the rules had been forgotten, with a beard rivaling Brian Blessed’s.
While his impressive facial hair caught attention, the real shock came when cameras revealed him shirtless in the dressing room, showcasing a protruding belly.
His red shorts were worn so high that they mostly concealed his midsection; any higher, and the 20st fighter could have tucked his nipples inside.
In the pre-fight face-off, Fury tried to intimidate Usyk with menacing wide eyes, but the champion remained unfazed.
They exchanged jabs, testing each other’s defenses. Usyk landed left punches to Fury’s abdomen before connecting with a head shot to take the first round. Usyk.
Round 2
Usyk quickly scored with a swift one-two to the head at the round’s outset, then returned to the body with strong lefts—one even making Fury stagger.
However, the Gypsy King responded with three jabs followed by a powerful right hand, claiming the round.
There was still no sign of the body shots and uppercuts that had helped him dominate the middle rounds in their previous encounter. Fury.
Round 3
Usyk landed three jabs to the body, followed by a left to the head.
Fury struggled to handle the pressure, even employing a check hook and briefly switching to a southpaw stance.
But all his threats of harming Usyk proved to be empty. Usyk.
Round 4
Fury started the round strong with a sharp right hand.
Usyk retaliated with two solid left punches that landed cleanly.
Fury countered with a hefty right hand that pushed Usyk back.
Then he landed an uppercut that broke through Usyk’s defense. Draw.
Round 5
Fury immediately took control, starting with a precise right hand.
He was warned soon after for throwing rabbit punches as he attempted to bully the champion.
Usyk found himself on the receiving end of a lead left uppercut and began to take body shots, retreating to regain his composure. Fury.
Round 6
Fury began to sweat under pressure, while Usyk targeted his opponent’s bulky frame with powerful left punches.
Switching tactics, Usyk went for Fury’s head and landed a solid shot.
Fury appeared shaken, his head snapping back, and spent the remainder of the round evading attacks. Usyk.
Round 7
This round was low on activity, featuring mainly a precise Fury one-two and a lone left from Usyk. Draw.
Round 8
A combination of one-two-hook from Usyk increased the tempo as he pressed forward, while Fury attempted to shield his hefty frame.
A clash of heads resulted in no harm, fortunately.
Fury’s half-hearted attack was met with Usyk’s bemusement as he smiled and shook his head. Usyk.
Round 9
Fury showed signs of exhaustion, struggling to manage his weight while Usyk thrived on the assault.
He lacked the agility needed for evasive moves against the fit Usyk. Usyk.
Round 10
Fury landed a rare uppercut and targeted Usyk’s body, asserting control in the center of the ring, but soon took hits.
Fury tried to grapple and lean against Usyk, but a left hand landed cleanly on his cheek.
Usyk followed with a strong left that sent droplets of sweat flying from Fury’s head.
Fury retaliated with an uppercut, but Usyk’s relentless pressure and punches secured the round. Usyk.
Round 11
These rounds could change the outcome. Usyk kept active, while Fury’s uppercut only grazed Usyk’s guard.
Fury was hit by a quick combination, and he appeared drained.
Usyk was unyielding, bouncing and launching attacks, while Fury’s 20st frame began to show wear. Usyk.
Round 12
Fury entered the last round looking as if he knew he required a knockout; Usyk seized the moment for counterattacks.
A trio of straight punches landed cleanly for the Ukrainian champion.
Fury kept swinging wildly, tugging up his sagging shorts soaked with sweat forced from him by Usyk.
As portions of the crowd jeered, both boxers exchanged blows in the final ten seconds. Usyk.
SunSport’s scorecards: Usyk 118-112 Fury.
