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OLEKSANDR USYK has cemented his status as a generational great with a consecutive points win over Tyson Fury.
Seven months after becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion, Usyk aimed to settle his rivalry with the Brit once and for all in a high-stakes battle in Saudi Arabia.
Gypsy King Fury entered the second consecutive Riyadh rematch with a fierce desire to secure a definitive victory over the undefeated Ukrainian, who narrowly edged their previous bout by split decision in May.
Once more, he found himself bewildered by what may be the slickest boxer the division has ever seen, ultimately succumbing by a points decision reflected in the 116-112 scorecards.
Usyk has now effectively CLEARED OUT the heavyweight division after just a mere SIX fights since stepping up from cruiserweight.
A successful outing against the southpaw would have further solidified Fury’s legacy in boxing history.
In his post-fight remarks, Usyk commented on the scorecards: “I win. Is good.”
Fury took control in the center of the ring right from the start, aiming to strike the body early.
Usyk, as agile as ever, looked to maneuver into striking range.
He landed a solid left hand midway through the round, but Fury quickly countered with a smart right.
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Usyk sought to employ his peek-a-boo stance to deliver effective left hands to both body and head shortly after the initial restart.
He appeared a bit hesitant to close the distance and engage in close combat, likely remembering the punishing uppercuts Fury landed in their first match.
Watch Tyson Fury’s incredible Mariah Carey themed entrance for rematch against Oleksandr Usyk
Fury’s jab was his main strategy in the third round as he aimed to maintain distance from the Ukrainian.
However, Usyk gradually found his rhythm, landing unanswered punches to Fury’s body.
Fury stood his ground in the fourth round, a tactic not used seven months prior.
The crowd gasped as Usyk connected a sharp left hand right on Fury’s chin, which he absorbed well and quickly countered with his own right.
A left uppercut from Fury early in the fifth round drew a significant reaction from the audience.
Though Usyk seemed unfazed, he did visibly feel the impact of the punch.
As the sixth round progressed, closing the distance proved tough for Usyk, with Fury keeping him at bay using an effective jab and feints.
Nevertheless, Usyk turned the momentum with two powerful left hands that left Fury visibly shaken.
Fury quickly regained his composure, landing a straight right midway through the seventh round.
However, Usyk soon capitalized on another opening, landing a resounding left that provoked another strong response from the crowd.
Usyk took advantage in the eighth round, though he also left himself open for counter-attacks.
Fury made the most of this early in the round with a perfectly timed counter uppercut.
In the ninth, Usyk pressed on while Fury aimed to tire him out with clinches and body shots.
Just a minute into the round, Usyk snapped Fury’s head back with a clean straight left, although the Brit absorbed the hit well.
Moments before the bell, Usyk endured a low blow but continued to push forward towards his challenger.
Fury began round ten aggressively, incorporating uppercuts and body shots while clinching.
Usyk, however, peppered Fury with shots whenever they created space, and the Brit absorbed them without issue.
Fury hunted for punishing uppercuts in the eleventh round as Usyk closed the gap.
In the final minute of the round, Usyk landed a thunderous straight left that sent Fury wobbling.
Yet, the Wythenshawe warrior maintained his composure, landing a stiff right hand that briefly shook Usyk right before the round concluded.
Fury stepped up the intensity after the final restart but soon found himself on the receiving end of a beautiful three-punch combo from the champion.
As the round wore on, Fury’s hands dropped lower, giving Usyk more opportunities to strike.
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