Oleksandr Usyk outpoints Tyson Fury again to retain the heavyweight titles and end rivalry

On By Littum

Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury on points on Saturday to do the double over the Briton and retain the overall heavyweight titles in the process.

Usyk had beaten Fury on points in May to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years. That result in Riyadh kept the Ukrainian unbeaten, while Fury tasted defeat for the first time as a professional.

And on Saturday, in the same Saudi city, Usyk repeated the result, outpointing Fury again to retain the unified titles. This time it was also clearer with Usyk winning 116-112 on all three scorecards after he won via split decision in May.

While Usyk’s first win secured him undisputed heavyweight status – having previously reigned as the undisputed cruiserweight king – the southpaw vacated the IBF title in June. As such, only the WBC, WBO and WBA belts were up for grabs in Saturday’s rematch.

As the 36-year-old Fury fell to another defeat against Usyk, he failed to become a three-time world champion. Meanwhile, 37-year-old Usyk will leave Saudi Arabia with his perfect record intact.

The fight was finely balanced as it reached its midway point, with Fury occasionally using his size to carry Usyk and landing the heavier punches at times.

Yet the Ukrainian’s cardio, mobility, accuracy and shot selection also paid off. In fact, he seemed to take advantage of the challenger’s size by frequently attacking the body of Fury, who visibly slowed in the later rounds.

Oleksandr Usyk (left) outpointed Tyson Fury for the second time this year
Oleksandr Usyk (left) outpointed Tyson Fury for the second time this year (Nick Potts/PA Wire)

In the ring after the fight, Usyk said: “I win, it’s good.” Asked how he seems to keep improving, even a month before his 38th birthday, he quipped: “I don’t know, maybe I train and prepare well.

“My wife helped me, my children,” he added, before dedicating the victory to his mother.

Of Fury, who did not stay in the ring for an interview, Usyk said: “Listen, he’s a great fighter, a great opponent. It’s a great 24 rounds, an incredible 24 rounds for my career.”

DAZN logo

Enjoy over 150+ matches on DAZN,
the global home of boxing.

Stream now

DAZN logo

Enjoy over 150+ matches on DAZN,
the global home of boxing.

Stream now

Usyk was also faced by Daniel Dubois, who he stopped in 2023 and who holds the IBF belt Usyk vacated in June.

Dubois is due to defend his title against Joseph Parker in February, but Usyk accepted the Briton’s calls for a rematch.