Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury to retain his unified heavyweight world title and prove his status as a generational great with another close points win in their rematch in Saudi Arabia.
Having inflicted a first career defeat on Briton Fury by split decision in May, Usyk’s astuteness and will to win once again prevailed at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena – and he retained his WBA (Super), WBC and WBO titles.
Fury, 36, found success in the first half of the fight. Some of the more eye-catching shots came from the Morecambe fighter, but the volume of punches and cleaner work was from Ukrainian Usyk.
All three judges scored it 116-112 to the 37-year-old champion.
Usyk, an Olympic gold medallist and former undisputed cruiserweight champion, extended his undefeated record to 23 pro wins.
“He [Tyson Fury] is a great fighter, he is a great opponent. An unbelievable 24 rounds for my career. Thank you so much,” Usyk said.
Two-time world champion Fury has only ever lost to Usyk, his two defeats are the major blemishes on a record also consisting of 34 wins and one draw.
Fury left the ring without conducting an interview before IBF world champion Daniel Dubois climbed in and called for a rematch with Usyk.
