Oleksandr Usyk successfully defended his heavyweight titles against Tyson Fury with a unanimous decision in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The fight's outcome was consistent across all official judges, with Usyk out-landing Fury in most rounds. The victory sets up potential future bouts for Usyk, while Fury contemplates a possible match with Anthony Joshua.
In a highly anticipated rematch, Oleksandr Usyk once again proved his dominance in the heavyweight division by defeating Tyson Fury through a unanimous decision in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The fight, which took place on December 21, 2024, saw Usyk retain his WBC, WBA, and IBF titles, much to the delight of his supporters. This victory solidifies Usyk's position as one of the top heavyweight boxers of this era, following a previous win over Fury earlier in the year. The bout was marked by intense exchanges and strategic maneuvering, ultimately showcasing Usyk's superior technique and endurance.
The judges were unanimous in their decision, all scoring the fight 116-112 in favor of Oleksandr Usyk. This consistency in scoring reflected Usyk's clear advantage throughout the match. Notably, an unofficial A.I. judge scored the fight even wider for Usyk at 118-112, while former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, serving as an unofficial judge for DAZN, scored it closer at 115-114 in favor of Usyk [1]. The punch stats from CompuBox revealed that Usyk out-landed Fury in ten of the twelve rounds, further cementing his victory. Despite the clear decision, Tyson Fury expressed his belief that he won the fight by "at least three rounds" during a brief interview as he left the arena [2].
Following his victory over Fury, Oleksandr Usyk is poised to face the winner of the upcoming fight between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker. Dubois, who has been on a winning streak since his loss to Usyk in August 2023, is eager for a rematch. Usyk has expressed his willingness to accept Dubois' challenge if Dubois emerges victorious in his February 2025 bout against Parker [1]. This potential matchup would further solidify Usyk's legacy as a dominant force in the heavyweight division, having already achieved undisputed champion status in two weight classes.
Despite the loss, Tyson Fury's career is far from over. A potential blockbuster fight with fellow British heavyweight Anthony Joshua is on the horizon. Both fighters are coming off losses—Fury to Usyk and Joshua to Dubois—making a summer 2025 showdown at Wembley Stadium an enticing prospect for boxing fans [1]. This matchup promises to be a significant event, with both fighters likely to earn substantial payouts. Fury's resilience and past achievements suggest he will remain a formidable presence in the heavyweight division, regardless of recent setbacks.
Oleksandr Usyk's victory over Tyson Fury not only reaffirms his status as a top heavyweight contender but also sets the stage for exciting future matchups. With potential bouts against the likes of Daniel Dubois or Joseph Parker, Usyk continues to build his legacy in the sport. Meanwhile, Tyson Fury faces a crossroads in his career, with a high-profile fight against Anthony Joshua potentially on the horizon. As the heavyweight landscape evolves, fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters and the continued rise of boxing's elite competitors.
"I wouldn’t classify the official decision as a robbery, but I felt Fury won the first three rounds." - Eddie Hearn
"The boxing community rang in with their own opinions on the human and A.I. judge scorecards." - Brian Mazique