Oleksandr Usyk defeats Tyson Fury for second time in absorbing rematch
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An inspired Oleksandr Usyk successfully retained his heavyweight world titles and further cemented his legendary status with a unanimous points victory over Tyson Fury in a compelling rematch. Usyk, defending his WBA, WBO and WBC belts, was the more reserved of the two fighters in the opening exchanges but battled back emphatically in the closing rounds to keep his 100 per cent career record intact.
![[Boxing - Oleksandr Usyk v Tyson Fury - Heavyweight World Title - Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - December 22, 2024 Tyson Fury in action against Oleksandr Usyk Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_233981918-cd0c.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
All three judges scored the contest 116-112 in favour of Usyk, with Fury left visibly stunned as he was consigned to only the second defeat of his professional career. ‘I win, it’s good. I win, thank you God,’ the unbeaten Usyk said shortly after his triumph was confirmed to a packed-out Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
![[RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - DECEMBER 21: Oleksandr Usyk looks on against Tyson Fury during the IBF, IBO, WBA, WBC and WBO Undisputed World Heavyweight titles' fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury as part of Oleksandr Usyk v Tyson Fury 2, Reignited card at Kingdom Arena on December 21, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_233981588-1b29.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Seven months on from Usyk’s initial win by split decision, Fury, 36, weighing in at a career-heaviest 281lbs, started aggressively and on the front foot in the opening round. But Usyk, 37, stood strong after a flurry of well-worked body shots from Fury and snuck through a clinical left jab on the Brit’s jaw, with the two fighters setting the tone early on.
![[Oleksandr Usyk following the WBA, WBC, WBO, IBO World Heavyweight championship contest against Tyson Fury at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Picture date: Saturday December 21, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story BOXING Fury. Photo credit should read: Nick Potts/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_233985237-b31f.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
A cagey second round exploded as Usyk was shaken by a powerful Fury shot at the death, before the Ukrainian responded well in the third, seemingly unmoved by the Gypsy King’s early dominance. With blood coming from Usyk’s nose, Fury’s continued to probe with the jab before the two titans exchanged a pair of enormous blows in a breathless finish to the fourth round.
![[Oleksandr Usyk v Tyson Fury 2 - Fight Night]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2190994609.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
