OLEKSANDR USYK claimed another controversial victory over Tyson Fury, regaining his heavyweight title.
Seven months post their split-decision clash, the judges unanimously scored this bout 116-112, all favoring Usyk.
The Gypsy King stormed out of the ring, leaving his promoter Frank Warren visibly astonished by the result.
Here’s how SunSport’s Wally Downes evaluated the fight…
Round 1
Disregarding protocol, Fury arrived at 11:15pm local time sporting a beard that would make Brian Blessed green with envy.
If his facial hair was surprising, the sight of his bare belly captured in the dressing room was even more shocking.
His red shorts were pulled so high that they covered much of his stomach; just an inch higher, and the 20st giant could have hidden his nipples in them too.
Fury tried to intimidate Usyk during their final face-off, but the champion remained calm and composed.
The two exchanged jabs and fought defensively. Usyk connected with left hands into Fury’s midsection and followed with a head shot to secure the opening round. Usyk.
Round 2
Usyk immediately struck with a scoring one-two to the head at the round’s start, then focused on Fury’s body with several lefts, one causing Fury to stumble.
However, Fury countered with a series of jabs and a solid right hand, taking the round.
There were no signs of the body shots and uppercuts that had brought him success in the middle rounds of their previous encounter. Fury.
Round 3
Usyk landed three jabs to Fury’s body, followed by a left punch upstairs.
Fury struggled to keep up. He managed a check hook and experimented with a southpaw stance.
However, his attempts to dominate Usyk proved fruitless. Usyk.
Round 4
Fury started the round strong with a chopping right hand.
Yet Usyk responded with two powerful lefts that landed cleanly.
Fury countered with a significant right hand that pushed Usyk back.
Then an uppercut broke through Usyk’s defenses. Draw.
Round 5
Fury immediately took control with a precise right hand to kick off the round.
He received a warning for rabbit punches as he tried to dominate the champion.
Usyk then absorbed a lead left uppercut and began to take body shots that forced him to retreat and recover. Fury.
Round 6
Fury found himself in trouble. The challenger’s bulk began to sweat as Usyk consistently targeted it with powerful punches.
He then shifted to headshots, connecting with Fury’s skull.
Fury appeared dazed and concerned, with his head snapping back. He spent the rest of the round on defense. Usyk.
Round 7
A quieter round, highlighted by a sharp Fury one-two and a single left from Usyk. Draw.
Round 8
A one-two-hook combination connected for Usyk as he applied pace and pressure while Fury tried to hide his hefty stature.
An unintentional head clash fortuitously resulted in no cuts.
Fury attempted a weak offensive, but Usyk smiled and shook his head. Usyk.
Round 9
Fury began to tire, struggling with his weight while Usyk seized the opportunity to take him down.
Fury felt too heavy to dodge or maneuver efficiently.
He was playing directly into Usyk’s strengths. Usyk.
Round 10
Fury landed a rare uppercut and targeted Usyk’s body. He asserted dominance in the center of the ring but took a few punches in return.
Fury tried to clinch and lean against Usyk, attempting to wear him down, but was caught with a left punch to the cheek.
Usyk delivered a strong left that sent sweat flying off Fury’s head.
Fury struck back with an uppercut, but Usyk’s relentless pressure and strikes sealed the round in his favor. Usyk.
Round 11
These rounds could drastically influence the fight’s outcome. Usyk remained more active, while Fury’s uppercut barely grazed Usyk’s guard.
Fury walked into a light combination but then suffered two serious blows, visibly running low on energy.
Usyk was relentless, bouncing, pressing, and delivering combinations, while the 20st Fury showed signs of exhaustion. Usyk.
Round 12
Fury opened the final round as if aware a decisive finish was necessary, giving Usyk room to exploit countering chances.
A combination of three straight punches landed for the Ukrainian star.
Fury continued to swing wildly, adjusting his shorts that were drooping due to the sweat Usyk had drained from him.
As a portion of the crowd booed and whistled, they exchanged blows in the final ten seconds. Usyk.
SunSport’s scorecards: Usyk 118-112 Fury.