Oleksandr Usyk defeats Tyson Fury by unanimous decision in championship rematch

There was no revenge for Tyson Fury.

Fury fell to Oleksandr Usyk yet again, losing their heavyweight boxing rematch Saturday by unanimous decision after suffering a split-decision defeat in their first fight seven months ago.

Usyk again demonstrated his superior technical skill and responded each time Fury went on the attack in their 12-round heavyweight fight at the Kingdom.

All three judges scored it 116-112 for Usyk, who retained his WBC, WBA and WBO world heavyweight titles.

Usyk had no interest in discussing the judges’ scorecards.

“I win,’’ he said. “Is good.’’

Usyk, a 37-year-old Ukrainian, improved his record to 23-0.

Fury, a 36-year-old Brit, dropped to 34-2-1, with his only professional losses coming to Usyk.

Next up: Usyk likely will face IBF heavyweight championship Daniel Dubois if Dubois beats Joseph Parker in their heavyweight match set for Feb. 22.

It’s unclear what’s next for Fury, who has previously contemplated retirement.

Days before the rematch, Fury was profane and hostile in the presence of Usyk.

"You ugly, bug-eyed rat bastard," Fury shouted at Usyk this week.

Fury also roared, “You got a gift decision. I’m the man. I’m the (expletive) champion."

But it was the 6-3 Usyk who prevailed despite the 6-9 Fury’s six-inch height advantage. Fury also outweighed Usyk by 55 pounds.

At the weigh-in, Fury was 281 pounds and Usyk was 226 pounds.

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk, heavyweight title

Round 1: Usyk lands an early right. They’re pawing at each other. Fury looks pudgy, which might be a generous description as he jiggles. Usyk moves forward now and Fury ready for it. Usyk lunges and scores with a left. Usyk 10, Fury 9.

Round 2: Usyk fires a quick left and it connects. Follows up with a jab to that jiggly Fury body and scores again. Fury fires two jabs and follows with a right. None land and up goes the chant: “Usyk!’’ Usyk at the center of the ring and looks in control. They trade lefts. Fury connects with a left and stuns Usyk with a shot. Usyk 19, Fury 19.

Round 3: Fury looks twitchy as he fires. Usyk responds but now circling away and out of danger. Usyk lunges with a left and another left. Maybe glancing shots. Usyk misses with a left, follows up and connects. Fury using his jab to respond. Fury lands a solid left. Fury 29, Usyk 28.

Round 4: Usyk pressures early, and Fury responds with lefts. And extra weight Fury’s carrying seems to be no detriment early. Usyk works with body. Usyk lands a big left and another. But Fury moves forward and Usyk backpedals. Fury lands a right. Fury 38, Usyk 38.

Round 5: Boxers tangled up and Fury looks to take advantage before they’re separated. Fury uncorks a nice left uppercut. But Usyk shakes his head, insists he’s not hurt. It’s Fury stalking now. Usyk lands a flurry and Fury fires right back and delivers a solid uppercut to the body. Fury with another solid right. Usyk fires a nice combination. Fury 48, Usyk 47.

Round 6: Fury’s height and weight advantage look so substantial. But it’s unsure if Fury will tire because of the weight. Boxers circling at the center of the ring. Usyk works the body and Fury responds. Usyk scores with a right and follows it up with a combination. His agility is starting to pay off. Pops Fury with a left to the kisser and finishes the round strong. Fury 57, Usyk 57.

Round 7: Usyk opens a quick right, then clips Fury with a right. Usyk working to close the distance without exposing himself to Fury’s dangerous right. Fury connects with a short right, now working his left. Usyk connects with the left. Usyk closes with a glancing left. Usyk 67, Fury 66.

Round 8: Usyk opens with a left and Fury pushes back. Usyk will need to work hard to close the gap. Fury throws a couple of lefts and follows with an uppercut, blocked by Usyk. Usyk stalking. Usyk sneaks inside and lands body shots. Fury leaning on Usyk. That’s a load. Usyk landing punches – no head-snappers, but solid. Usyk 77,  Fury 75.

Round 9: Fury emerges more aggressive behind the left. Then lands three strong body shots. Fury coming alive. Usyk looks more passive as Fury turns up the heat. But here comes Usyk as Fury tires. Usyk 86, Fury 85.

Round 10: Usyk moves forward, and directly into a couple of Fury punches. Fury trying to use his size and lean forward, but referee separates the boxers. Fury lands a hard right. Usyk clearly felt that, but now he’s moving forward. Fury leaning on Usyk and connects. Usyk fights back and finishes strong. But it’s too late to win the round. Usyk 95, Fury 95.

Round 11: Fury misses with a big uppercut. Usyk lefts a nice left and his technical skills are serving him well. But the herky jerky Fury lands a shot. Usyk lands two hard lefts. And another. Usyk is heating up. Usyk 105, Fury 104.

Round 12: Fury lands a hard right to Usyk’s body. Usyk responds with a hard right of his own. Some impressive exchanges. Fury looks tired but digging deep. Usyk scores with another left as Fury and both fighters let their fists fly. Fury looks exhausted. Usyk lands a hard left seconds before the round ends. Usyk 115, Fury 113.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Oleksandr Usyk defeats Tyson Fury by unanimous decision in championship rematch