Online Reporter
Oleksandr Usyk won his heavyweight championship rematch against Tyson Fury by unanimous decision overnight on Saturday to stay unbeaten across two divisions and cement his place among the greats.
The Ukrainian, who forced the pace and repeatedly tagged Fury with his accurate left hook, was awarded the fight 116-112 by all three judges, handing Fury his second straight loss. Usyk’s win takes him to 23-0 with 14 knock-outs and extends one of the all-time best careers that includes Olympic gold and undisputed champion at cruiserweight.
“He’s a great fighter, it’s a great performance,” Usyk, 37, said of Fury, who was unbeaten over 35 fights until he lost their four-belt unification bout in May.
“Unbelievable 24 rounds for my career.” Only the WBA, WBO and WBC belts were on the line this time after Usyk, focused on the lucrative rematch, relinquished his IBF title rather than face challenger Daniel Dubois.
By beating Fury in May, “The Cat” had already joined the likes of Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis and Mike Tyson as undisputed heavyweight, and the first of the four-belt era.
“He’s my best friend,” he said of Fury. “I respect this guy because I think he’s a really tough opponent. Tyson Fury makes me strong.”
‘Crazy man’
But the defeat opens up an uncertain future for the 36-year-old Fury, now 34-2-1, who announced his retirement in 2022 only to return to the ring.
“I thought I’ve won both fights, but then again I’ve got two losses on my record now, so there’s not much I can do about it,” said the Briton, who refused to discuss his next steps.
Promoter Frank Warren also called the judges’ decision “nuts”.
But Usyk dismissed his complaints. “Uncle Frank, I think is blind… crazy man,” joked the Ukrainian.
Fury, wearing a Santa-style red-and-white robe and bushy beard, appeared to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You”, before a determined-looking Usyk strode out in Cossack gear. —AFP.
daniel chigunwe
