Undefeated and Unstoppable: Usyk outclasses Fury in rematch showdown
“Boxing is the ultimate challenge. There’s nothing that can compare to testing yourself the way you do every time you step into the ring,” said serial winning boxer Sugar Ray Leonard.
As the dust settles, Tyson Fury will have to reflect on yet another bout where his Ukrainian counterpart got the better of him.
Over 24 electrifying rounds in Riyadh, Fury and Usyk elevated each other to new heights.
Their razor-thin first clash in May set the stage for an eagerly anticipated rematch, and the second meeting proved no less captivating.
Fury maintains he emerged victorious, but the judges in some eyes controversially, yet unanimously, awarded the fight to Usyk.
The Kingdom spared no expense in showcasing its influence on the sport, complete with a dazzling holographic display of the fighters and a dramatic performance of “Eye of the Tiger” by a percussionist.
Despite the Saudi opulence and theatrics, the true stars were Fury and Usyk. Across both bouts, they justified the hype, producing heavyweight classics that thrilled fans and enriched the division’s history.
The fight itself
In a rematch dubbed Usyk vs. Fury ‘Reignited,’ the heavyweight maestros delivered another boxing masterclass.
Fury entered with flair, walking out to Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You.’ Dressed as Santa, his bushy beard caused protests from Usyk’s camp but passed the rules check.
Usyk, all business, marched out quickly in a warrior robe. He knelt in his corner for a prayer, laser-focused.
After an intense 11-minute stare down on Thursday, the rivals resumed their rivalry, locking eyes as they met at the centre of the ring.
With a six-inch height edge, eight-inch reach advantage, and four extra stone, Fury used his size to control the distance.
But Usyk, as in the first fight, worked Fury’s body. In the sixth, a sharp overhand left landed flush on Fury’s forehead, slowing his pace.
By the 11th, Usyk was in full flow, landing a brilliant combo. Fury staggered, and the champion pounced, piling on the pressure.
As the fight closed, Usyk stayed dominant while Fury looked increasingly desperate.
An incensed Frank Warren didn’t see it that way. He suggested one of the judges must be blind in failing to give Fury a single victory after round six. He may have a point.
Earlier, the judges were involved in more controversy. Fighting for the vacant WBA Intercontinental heavyweight title, they awarded Johnny Fisher victory over Dave Allen despite Allen dominating for the majority of the contest. To say post-fight Allen felt robbed, was an understatement.
But even if we give Warren the benefit of the doubt, I still don’t think Fury takes it.
Yes, it was a close contest. Yes, a draw verdict wouldn’t have been contended by either party. However, Usyk executed his gameplan and like his Agent 47 press conference character, got the job done.
You always want to see a fellow Brit victorious, but there’s just something so endearing about Oleksandr ‘The Cat’ Usyk.
How can you hate the man? Whether helping back home in his war-torn country or purring around the ring, he embodies what many aspire to be.
His mentality is second to none and both he and Fury walk among the many great heavyweights before them.
Battle of Britain?
After years of failed talks, now might be the perfect time for Fury and Joshua to finally clash.
No belts. No mandatories. No roadblocks. Just two British icons squaring off.
Their fame goes beyond boxing. If millions tune in to watch a 60-year-old battle a Youtuber known as ‘The Problem Child’, Fury vs. Joshua—even past their peak—would still be a blockbuster.
Win or lose, both men could walk away with a huge payday and call it curtains on their careers.
What next for Usyk?
Ali vs. Frazier. Bowe vs. Holyfield. Even Fury vs. Wilder. Heavyweight trilogies have a magic of their own.
Fury feels robbed and demands a third crack at Usyk. After two thrilling fights, fans wouldn’t say no.
But Daniel Dubois has other plans.
The Londoner, now IBF champion after crushing Anthony Joshua, wants revenge. On Saturday, he stormed the ring, calling out Usyk for an undisputed showdown. Typically, Usyk didn’t budge, encouraging Dubois to focus on his bout against Joseph Parker.
It’s hard to argue what more Usyk can do from here.
Still undefeated. Still world champion. Still unrelenting. Countless heavyweights swept aside with ease. Every British boxer thrown in his way whether Fury or Joshua, he’s braved and won.
All good things must come to end. While Fury may need one more shot at redemption, Usyk can stroll into the sunset and leave his unreputable career as his parting legacy.
