Usyk defeats Fury again, becomes undisputed champion – DW – 12/22/2024
Ukrainian heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk retained all four WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight boxing championship belts after defeating his British rival Tyson Fury again in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.
Despite another close contest between the pair, the judges were unanimous in the points decision, with all three scoring the bout 116–112 in favor of the 37-year-old Usyk.
Smaller, more mobile Usyk finds loopholes in Fury’s defense
Despite giving up the advantage in height, weight and reach over his opponent, Usyk was more diligent during the rematch and landed punches more often and with greater impact.
Late in the sixth round, in particular, a combination of a right hand to the body followed by a left hand to Usyk’s forehead appeared to shake Fury, but the bell soon intervened.
Asked after the verdict whether he thought the judges’ decision was fair, Usyk shrugged and indicated it was not his job to say.
“I won, it’s good… I’m not a judge, I’m a player, I’m an athlete,” he said, before praising his sons, whom he said were taking up judo earlier Saturday. Participated in competitions.
The usually talkative Fury was disappointed by the loss and left the ring without saying a word.
Saturday’s fight in Saudi Arabia was the pair’s second bout this year, following Usyk’s points victory in the same arena in May.
Usyk is the first boxer to hold all four heavyweight titles simultaneously since Lennox Lewis did so for only a few months in 1999.
“The Cat” is in elite company on this front, alongside veteran stars like Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman and Mike Tyson.
Zelensky hailed the victory
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted immediately after the decision in a post on Telegram.
He said, “Victory! is very important and necessary for us now.” “Having retained the championship belt, Oleksandr proved: we are Ukrainians and we will not give up what is ours. And no matter how difficult it is – we will win.”
msh/mfi (dpa, Reuters)