(This story initially appeared on USA TODAY Sports activities.)
There was no revenge for Tyson Fury.
Fury fell to Oleksandr Usyk but once more, shedding their heavyweight boxing rematch Saturday by unanimous choice after struggling a split-decision defeat of their first battle seven months in the past.
Usyk once more demonstrated his superior technical talent and responded every time Fury went on the assault of their 12-round heavyweight battle on the Kingdom.
All three judges scored it 116-112 for Usyk, who retained his WBC, WBA and WBO world heavyweight titles.
Usyk had little interest in discussing the judges’ scorecards.
“I win,’’ he stated. “Is nice.’’
Usyk, a 37-year-old Ukrainian, improved his document to 23-0.
Fury, a 36-year-old Brit, dropped to 34-2-1, along with his solely skilled losses coming to Usyk.
Subsequent up: Usyk probably will face IBF heavyweight championship Daniel Dubois if Dubois beats Joseph Parker of their heavyweight match set for Feb. 22.
It’s unclear what’s subsequent for Fury, who has beforehand contemplated retirement.
Days earlier than the rematch, Fury was profane and hostile within the presence of Usyk.
“You ugly, bug-eyed rat bastard,” Fury shouted at Usyk this week.
Fury additionally roared, “You bought a present choice. I’m the person. I’m the (expletive) champion.”
But it surely was the 6-3 Usyk who prevailed regardless of the 6-9 Fury’s six-inch top benefit. Fury additionally outweighed Usyk by 55 kilos.
On the weigh-in, Fury was 281 kilos and Usyk was 226 kilos.
Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk, heavyweight title
Spherical 1: Usyk lands an early proper. They’re pawing at one another. Fury seems pudgy, which is perhaps a beneficiant description as he jiggles. Usyk strikes ahead now and Fury prepared for it. Usyk lunges and scores with a left. Usyk 10, Fury 9.
Spherical 2: Usyk fires a fast left and it connects. Follows up with a jab to that jiggly Fury physique and scores once more. Fury fires two jabs and follows with a proper. None land and up goes the mantra: “Usyk!’’ Usyk on the heart of the ring and appears in management. They commerce lefts. Fury connects with a left and stuns Usyk with a shot. Usyk 19, Fury 19.
Spherical 3: Fury seems twitchy as he fires. Usyk responds however now circling away and out of hazard. Usyk lunges with a left and one other left. Possibly glancing photographs. Usyk misses with a left, follows up and connects. Fury utilizing his jab to reply. Fury lands a stable left. Fury 29, Usyk 28.
Spherical 4: Usyk pressures early, and Fury responds with lefts. And additional weight Fury’s carrying appears to be no detriment early. Usyk works with physique. Usyk lands a giant left and one other. However Fury strikes ahead and Usyk backpedals. Fury lands a proper. Fury 38, Usyk 38.
Spherical 5: Boxers twisted up and Fury seems to take benefit earlier than they’re separated. Fury uncorks a pleasant left uppercut. However Usyk shakes his head, insists he’s not harm. It’s Fury stalking now. Usyk lands a flurry and Fury fires proper again and delivers a stable uppercut to the physique. Fury with one other stable proper. Usyk fires a pleasant mixture. Fury 48, Usyk 47.
Spherical 6: Fury’s top and weight benefit look so substantial. But it surely’s not sure if Fury will tire due to the burden. Boxers circling on the heart of the ring. Usyk works the physique and Fury responds. Usyk scores with a proper and follows it up with a mix. His agility is beginning to repay. Pops Fury with a left to the kisser and finishes the spherical sturdy. Fury 57, Usyk 57.
Spherical 7: Usyk opens a fast proper, then clips Fury with a proper. Usyk working to shut the gap with out exposing himself to Fury’s harmful proper. Fury connects with a brief proper, now working his left. Usyk connects with the left. Usyk closes with a glancing left. Usyk 67, Fury 66.
Spherical 8: Usyk opens with a left and Fury pushes again. Usyk might want to work exhausting to shut the hole. Fury throws a few lefts and follows with an uppercut, blocked by Usyk. Usyk stalking. Usyk sneaks inside and lands physique photographs. Fury leaning on Usyk. That’s a load. Usyk touchdown punches – no head-snappers, however stable. Usyk 77, Fury 75.
Spherical 9: Fury emerges extra aggressive behind the left. Then lands three sturdy physique photographs. Fury coming alive. Usyk seems extra passive as Fury turns up the warmth. However right here comes Usyk as Fury tires. Usyk 86, Fury 85.
Spherical 10: Usyk strikes ahead, and immediately into a few Fury punches. Fury making an attempt to make use of his dimension and lean ahead, however referee separates the boxers. Fury lands a tough proper. Usyk clearly felt that, however now he’s transferring ahead. Fury leaning on Usyk and connects. Usyk fights again and finishes sturdy. But it surely’s too late to win the spherical. Usyk 95, Fury 95.
Spherical 11: Fury misses with a giant uppercut. Usyk lefts a pleasant left and his technical abilities are serving him nicely. However the herky jerky Fury lands a shot. Usyk lands two exhausting lefts. And one other. Usyk is heating up. Usyk 105, Fury 104.
Spherical 12: Fury lands a tough proper to Usyk’s physique. Usyk responds with a tough proper of his personal. Some spectacular exchanges. Fury seems drained however digging deep. Usyk scores with one other left as Fury and each fighters let their fists fly. Fury seems exhausted. Usyk lands a tough left seconds earlier than the spherical ends. Usyk 115, Fury 113.
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for Usyk vs. Fury 2.
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