Oleksandr Usyk solidified his place at the pinnacle of heavyweight boxing with a unanimous decision victory over Tyson Fury in their rematch held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The judges scored the bout 116-112 in favor of Usyk, handing the Ukrainian his 23rd consecutive professional win and his second successive triumph over Fury.
The victory further cements Usyk’s legacy as one of the greatest fighters of this generation.
Fury, 36, refused to accept the result, calling it a “Christmas gift” to Usyk.
Speaking backstage after the fight, the British boxer said, “I feel like I won both fights. I know I had to knock him out, but it’s boxing, and this happens. There is no doubt in my mind I won this fight.”
Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, echoed his sentiments, expressing disbelief at the judges’ decision. “I’m dumbfounded at how they scored it. Tyson’s jabbing and footwork were superb,” Warren said.
Despite their protests, Usyk maintained his composure and humor. Responding to Fury’s claims, he quipped, “If Tyson says it is a Christmas gift, then OK, thank you God, not Tyson.”
Usyk’s victory reinforces his dominance in the heavyweight division.
Known for his exceptional technical ability and composure under pressure, the 36-year-old has now defeated Fury twice, a feat few thought possible given Fury’s size and skill.
The win adds another layer to Usyk’s growing legacy, with fans and pundits debating his place among heavyweight greats.
As Fury reflects on his future in the sport, Usyk looks ahead to further challenges, with boxing enthusiasts eager to see if anyone can dethrone the Ukrainian champion.
For now, Usyk remains the man to beat, with his unblemished record and unified heavyweight titles standing as a testament to his remarkable career.