The most anticipated fight of the year has not disappointed with a dog-eat-dog duel between champion Oleksandr Usyk and challenger Tyson Fury that has ended in a victory by unanimous decision for the ‘Cat’ after the three judges gave him the winner by the same score (a triple 116-112).
The first edition of the fight between the two also took place in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), to which Fury attended as a four-time champion (he also had the International Federation (IBF) belt and lost by split decision after Usyk finished better and even flirted with the KO in the ninth round. That day one judge gave the ‘Cat’ the winner by 116-112 and the other two, 114-113 and 113-114.
This Saturday the advantage has been greater for Usyk despite the fact that the British started stronger, using the ‘jab’ better and making use of his greater height (2.06 m by 1.91) and the 18 centimeters more wingspan he has (216 to 198). This is how he was able to score the first two rounds.
Little by little, Usyk was taking advantage of his rival’s low guard to connect several left hands to the face that balanced the fight and placed him ahead. Plus, it seemed like he was holding back like he did in the first fight.
At the halfway point of the duel, total balance (57-57). From there the ‘Gypsy King’ looked more tired, who still held on to wear down his opponent and connected some powerful straight to the body. When it seemed that Usyk was headed for victory, A couple of good rounds from the former champion brought the cards closer together again..
Fury tried in the last two, but his physicality was not enough to overcome his disadvantage. What’s more, he lost the eleventh with some clarity and failed to take the last. In the end, The three judges were clear with a triple 116-112 which, in SPORT’s opinion, could have been 116-114.
Now, Oleksandr Usyk retains the World Council, World Organization and International Organization belts. That of the International Federation is in the hands of Daniel Dubois, who entered the ring and asked to face the Olympic champion in London 2012. The ‘Cat’ accepted…but first he will have to overcome Joseph Parker in February.
Both fighters have shared 183 million euros. Usyk started as champion and takes 55% (110.65)while Fury is defeated again, but with 82.35 million euros.