Oleksander Usyk(23-0) and Tyson Fury(34-2-1) met inside the boxing ring for the first time in May 2024, for the undisputed heavyweight world champion title. Uysk claimed historic victory over Fury to become undisputed heavyweight world champion via split decision becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999.
Uysk Defeated Fury in a deserved victory by unanimous decision 116-112, fighting to the very last second. Both fighters showcased why they are considered amongst the sports best fighters. Uysk makes history defending his undisputed heavyweight title.
Their first bout quickly earned its spot as an instant classic with Fury losing by one round. Usyk showcased his skill during a pivotal moment in the ninth with Usyk knocking down Fury after he stunned him with a flurry of punches while chasing him around the ring.
Now, seven months later, Fury was eager and determined to avenge his one and only professional loss, but Usyk successfully put an end to the rivalry with a second consecutive win over Fury making his first undisputed heavyweight title defense. The two faced off again in the ring on Dec. 21, 2024 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Fans rejoiced as this bout lived up to the hype, some even wanting Fury and Usyk to run it back one more time. Uysk seemed to confirm during his post fight interview that a rematch with fellow heavyweight Daniel Dubois is next.
Usyk and Dubois fought in 2023 where Usyk won via knockout in round 9 but not after a controversial illegal low blow by Dubois that knocked down Usyk, Dubois and many fans in the boxing community protested the ruling of the strike claiming it was a legal strike that would have ended Usyk’s night.
The fans in the arena had mixed feelings about the decision with some thinking Fury was victorious. But fans in the boxing community agree with the three judges decision, there was als a fourth judge. An AI judge, whose score did not affect the official score, scored the bout for Usyk as well.
Walk outs:
The Challenger made the first walk, Tyson Fury was jolly in his walk out to ring. Having “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey playing at the start of his walkout before a record scratching switch to “Hypnotize” by Biggie Smalls while wearing a Santa Claus outfit.
While the Undisputed heavyweight champ, reserved and focused, repped his home country of Ukraine by walking out to Ukrainian music while also wearing a Ukrainian traditional robe.
Round 1:Fury started aggressively tying up Usyks arm, using his reach by using his jab to control the distance and engaging in clinches to wear down Usyk. Usyk responded with precise counterpunches during close exchanges.
Round 2:Usyk landed a clean three-punch combination, targeting Fury’s body and head. Fury answered with a powerful one-two combination late in the round stunning Usyk for a split second.
Round 3: Usyk continued his bodywork landing clean punches, while Fury maintained distance and landed solid counterpunches. The round saw Usyk protest a shot to the back of the head.
Round 4: Both fighters traded significant shots. Usyk landed two notable lefts, while Fury countered with a hook to the head and a body shot, keeping the round competitive.
Round 5: The tempo increased with frequent clinches. Fury landed a substantial uppercut, while Usyk continued targeting the body, aiming to compromise Fury’s energy.
Round 6: A more measured round with both fighters prioritising distance. Usyk closed the round strongly with a series of sharp lefts, causing Fury to be stunned and drop his hands towards the end of the round.
Round 7: Usyk’s left hand became increasingly effective as he landed multiple combinations. Fury appeared to slow, retreating more frequently as Usyk gained momentum entering the second half of the fight.
Round 8: Fury reintroduced his jab but seemed to adopt a more cautious approach. After a clash of heads, Usyk increased the pressure, dominating much of the round with body and head shots.
Round 9: Usyk’s rhythm continued to improve as he landed sharp combinations, forcing Fury into clinches. Fury responded with right hand straight punches, but Usyk remained the busier and fresher fighter.
Round 10: Fury landed power punches that briefly unsettled Usyk. Despite this, Usyk demonstrated durability, continuing to connect with his left hand, keeping Fury on his toes.
Round 11: Usyk’s relentless pace dominated the round. His body and head combinations left Fury on the ropes, either conserving energy for the final round or tired. This marked Usyk’s most commanding round.
Round 12: The final round saw both fighters throw everything into
their attacks. Usyk, pressing for a knockout, pursued Fury around the ring. Fury responded with a late combination, but the round and the fight was evenly contested.
