By Patrick McKendry, Digital Sport Reporter, 1news.co.nz
Oleksandr Usyk has retained his heavyweight world championship titles by defeating Tyson Fury by unanimous decision in Riyadh today.
All three judges gave the fight 116-112 to the Ukrainian in a close bout against Fury, who went to the ring with a huge weight and height advantage.
Usyk also beat Fury by decision at the same venue in May. In that fight, Fury switched off during the ninth round and Usyk, now undefeated over 23 professional fights, made him pay.
Today, Fury was far more focused but Usyk, the former undisputed heavyweight world champion who had to relieve his IBF title when deciding not to defend it against Daniel Dubois, had all the answers, scoring from range and from close.
According to AP, Usyk landed 179-of-423 (42%) punches thrown, while Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) landed just 144 of the 509 punches he threw, a 28% clip.
The judges effectively gave Usyk eight rounds to Fury’s four when it appeared a little closer than that.
Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury on unanimous decision
The Ukrainian has now beaten the Brit twice in the heavyweight division.
https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.679.0_en.html#goog_642420936Play Video
Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury on unanimous decision0:33
The Ukrainian has now beaten the Brit twice in the heavyweight division. (Source: Supplied)
Asked afterwards whether he felt the scores were correct, Usyk said: “I win. It’s good. I don’t know… It’s not my deal, thank you God.”
Asked how he again dominated the second half of the fight, as he did last time, Usyk replied: “I don’t know, maybe I train. Good preparation. Today is a good day because my sons won in competition too – in judo. My son talked to me, he said ‘hey papa, you’re next’.”
Of Fury, who walked to the ring with a bushy beard and dressed as Santa in a red robe, he said: “He’s a great fighter, a great opponent, it was an unbelievable 24 rounds.”
As he was interviewed in the ring, IBF champion Dubois interrupted Usyk and demanded a rematch after his narrow loss to the unified champion.
“I want my revenge for the robbery last time,” Dubois, who will defend his belt against New Zealander Joseph Parker in Riyadh in February, said.
High-profile promoter Eddie Hearn afterwards suggested Englishman Dubois should be wary about taking his eye off the challenge provided by Parker.
In reply, Usyk addressed the Saudi boxing paymasters, saying: “Make me fight with Daniel Dubois. Thank you very much.”
Not as positive for viewers were the streaming issues during the DAZN broadcast, with consumers complaining throughout the main event.
