Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury again to retain world titles
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Oleksandr Usyk outpointed Tyson Fury for a second time to retain his heavyweight world titles. Usyk was in control of large swathes of the fight as Fury struggled to make his mark, despite his huge size advantage. And seven months after his first victory over the Brit, Usyk was given the nod by all three judges who each scored the bout 116-112 with Fury leaving the ring as soon as the scores were read out.
"I win," said Usyk simply. "I win, thank you God. I had good preparation, my wife helped me. For me this is a very happy day. My son won his judo belt and said to me, 'Papa, you are next'." Usyk was then confronted by fellow world champion Daniel Dubois who was beaten by Ukrainian last summer. "Make me a fight with Daniel Dubois," he added. The winner then teared up as he dedicated his victory to his mum.
Fury did not speak after his defeat but promoter Frank Warren was baffled by the scorecards. “It’s impossible," he said. “How did Tyson only get four rounds in this fight? I’m not biased. Everyone across the front all thought the same way. It’s nuts. Did you only give him four rounds. Nuts. I don’t get it. Really disappointed with that. I thought Tyson was in control. Thought he boxed extremely well. But anyway. It is what it is.”.
Fury, who later fumed he felt he won by at least three rounds, meandered to the ring dressed as Santa Claus, still sporting the bushy beard which Usyk's team had demanded he shave. Usyk was far more business-like as he strode to the square circle with a minimum of fuss. The rivals touched gloves and Fury immediately attempted to use his four-stone weight advantage as he took the centre of the ring.
