Usyk defeats Fury on points decision in Riyadh to retain heavyweight title | Debate News

Oleksandr Usyk was undefeated when he successfully defended his undisputed heavyweight belt with a unanimous decision over Tyson Fury on Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Judges Gerardo Martinez, Patrick Morley and Ignacio Robles had the same scorecards in favor of Usyk, 116-112.

Usyk landed 179 of 423 punches (42%), while Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) landed 144 of 509 punches thrown, a 28 percent clip.

When asked if he agrees with the judges' points, Syk stated that it is not his place to ask, it is only a matter of boxing. “I'm winning, it's good,” said Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs). “It's not my deal. I win. Thank you God.”

The much-anticipated rematch of May's fight where Fury lost for the first time has reached its highest level since the boxers entered the arena.

Usyk's team asked the Middle East Professional Boxing Commission during Friday's rules meeting to order Fury to trim his beard before their heavyweight championship match.

He sported a beard as thick as Santa Claus less than a week before Christmas, but the 36-year-old ran unshaven and dressed in a bright red Christmas-themed dress with Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas is You accompanying his walk home. a ring.

After Fury opened the fight at a fast pace and controlled the first two rounds, Usyk responded in the third and fourth rounds by working the body while slipping in occasional head power combinations.

Fury scored more in the fifth round, but Usyk's left hand was the story in the sixth, rocking his bigger opponent twice.

In the second half of the fight, it appeared that carrying more weight slowed Fury down, as the pace began to catch up with him while Usyk showed his composure and patience. Usyk's ability to get inside, strike quickly and hurt Fury with striking combinations was the difference.

Feeling the pressure, the calm Fury came out swinging in 10th place, harassing Usyk throughout the round. Usyk cut him off at times with a hard jab, and an uppercut from Fury scored late.

Usyk's speed came to life again in the 11th minute, and he got to Fury's head to block him.

The two traded punches in the final round, with Fury hoping to make one final showdown with the judges as Usyk went for an exclamation point.

Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, announced on X (formerly Twitter) earlier in the week that the AI ​​judge being tested will also return results. The new virtual system has Usyk winning, 118-112.

Fury, who is 5-1 in rematches, left the ring immediately after the result was announced, but later told reporters in the dressing room: “I thought I won it in at least three rounds.” I have won the battle.”

Speaking at a press conference sporting an injured right eye, he added: “I thought I won both fights, but I had two more losses on my record, so there's not much I can do about it.

“I can just fight with my heart and do everything I can. But I will always believe until the day I die that I won that battle.”

Only three belts were on the line this time after the IBF stripped Usyk of not looking at his real challenger, Daniel Dubois.

Dubois interrupted Usyk's post-fight interview, grabbed the microphone and demanded a rematch for their fight on August 26, 2023. Usyk won by knockout in the ninth round.

“I want revenge, Usyk,” said Dubois. “It's good tonight, but I want revenge.”

Usyk agreed by telling the governors present: “Your Honor, I fought with Daniel.” Thank you very much.”