Oleksandr Usyk retained his world championship title by defeating Tyson Fury in their rematch in Riyadh early on Sunday, December 22, 2024.
After winning the first fight in May, the Ukrainian entered the contest with the WBA, WBC, and WBO heavyweight boxing titles.
In the first round, Fury maintained his distance, dominating the middle of the ring with his large frame.
The 36-year-old veteran delivered a powerful blow of his own, but Usyk had the strongest early onslaught.
Usyk’s body, which had been exposed against Daniel Dubois was the target of Fury’s attack.
Fury was holding his position well in the early fourth when Usyk sent an overhand left to rattle Fury’s jaw.
The Ukrainian picked up the pace in the fifth, but Fury maintained control of the ring center and delivered a hard blow to Usyk.
Usyk used a strong left to rattle Fury as the sixth round came to a close, and he did a good job of following up to keep his opponent alive despite the threat he provided.
Before the championship rounds arrived, it was still up to the judges and both boxers.
However, they each gave it their best effort in the eleventh round, and the 12th round until Usyk was declared the winner.
All three judges scored the fight 116-112 in favor of Usyk via unanimous decision.
