The biggest rematch of the year saw the champion edge out Fury once again in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Tyson Fury’s mission to avenge his only professional defeat ended in crushing disappointment as he lost on a unanimous points decision to unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh.
Another classic encounter between the well-matched rivals ended with Usyk retaining his WBC, WBA and WBO belts by finishing 116-112 ahead on all three judges’ scorecards.
It was a fair reflection of the Ukrainian’s control of the rematch given he set the pace for most of the 12 rounds and was the harder worker, landing more frequently and with greater impact.
Fury described his grim-faced demeanour this week as “beast mode” and while his greater focus was evident on a night when there was no showboating, he was unable to make a dent on the extraordinary Usyk.
Usyk’s performance confirmed his status as an all-time great and the 37-year-old will now look to become undisputed champion for the second time by toppling IBF champion Daniel Dubois. Relive the fight with round-by-round updates below, plus all the reaction from the Kingdom Arena:
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and latest updates LIVE
Here are the official scorecards:
Daniel Dubois stormed the ring with a strange and perplexing call-out for Usyk.
He was competitive against Usyk in their first fight before being knocked out and now he’s much better and, of course, holds the IBF belt that Usyk tossed away in order to face Fury once again.
Could Jai Opetaia be a future opponent for Usyk? Hearn seems to think so, not quite yet though, surely?
Joseph Parker, of course, will also hope to factor into the conversation, if he beats Dubois, he could be next.
Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury on points on Saturday to do the double over the Briton, retaining the unified heavyweight titles in the process.
Usyk had beaten Fury on points in May, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years. That result in Riyadh kept the Ukrainian unbeaten, while Fury tasted defeat for the first time as a professional.
And on Saturday, in the same Saudi city, Usyk repeated the result, outpointing Fury again to retain the unified titles. This time it was clearer, too, with Usyk a 116-112 winner on all three scorecards, after he won via split decision in May.
While Usyk’s first victory secured him undisputed status at heavyweight – after he previously reigned as undisputed cruiserweight king – the southpaw vacated the IBF title in June. As such, only the WBC, WBO and WBA belts were up for grabs in Saturday’s rematch.
Usyk won more clearly this time, beating Fury 116-112 on all three scorecards
"I had it very close, I couldn't split it," Eddie Hearn says. “All three judges had it the same way. I had it a draw, one round, I thought it was close. We’ll watch it back, but I found it difficult to pick a winner.”
Sergio Mora: “Fury made adjustments, he hit the body, he was going for uppercuts. Usyk took it right back though, it was a close fight, but there was a clear winner.”
Daniel Dubois is in the ring! He barks at Usyk, demanding a rematch!
He says: “I want my revenge, for a robbery last time, where's Frank Warren? Let's make it happen.”
Usyk will gladly oblige: “Turki, make this fight!”
Usyk: “I win, thank god.
“Maybe I’m training, good preparation, my wife helped me. My sons won a competition today too, in judo, my sons won a judo belt, orange and green, my son talked to me, ‘papa, you next!’ I said, ‘OK, I try.’”
All three judges score the fight 116-112 to your winner and... STILL! The champion retains his heavyweight world titles.
Usyk does enough, Fury wheels away in disappointment, no rage there, perhaps acceptance, it was wider this time.
Round 12
Fury almost slapping the right jab with a backhand, Fury then clubbing the right uppercut there.
Swiping shots, it’s aggressive, two minutes left... Joshua has it 105-104 to Usyk.
Fury with a good one-two... He’s got to go for it now.
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