Sun Dec 22 01:16:07 UTC 2024: ## Usyk Defeats Fury in Close Heavyweight Bout, Retains Undisputed Title

**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia** – Oleksandr Usyk successfully defended his undisputed heavyweight boxing championship against Tyson Fury in a closely contested fight Saturday night in Riyadh. Despite Fury’s strong start and late-fight surges, Usyk secured a unanimous decision victory with scores of 116-112 across all three judges’ scorecards. An experimental AI judge also scored the fight in Usyk’s favor, 118-112.

Usyk landed 179 of 423 punches (42%), while Fury connected on 144 of 509 (28%). While Usyk’s speed and precision proved decisive, especially in the middle rounds, Fury maintained a strong presence, particularly in the fifth and tenth rounds. He landed several powerful blows throughout the fight, but ultimately couldn’t overcome Usyk’s consistent pressure and body work.

Usyk, maintaining his undefeated record at 23-0, remained unfazed by the close call. “I win, it’s good,” he stated. Fury, however, vehemently disagreed with the decision, claiming he won by at least three rounds. “I thought I’ve won both fights,” Fury said post-fight, referring to their previous encounter. He immediately left the ring after the announcement but later reiterated his belief in his victory to reporters.

This fight marked a rematch of a previous encounter, but only three belts were on the line this time as the IBF stripped Usyk for not facing mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois. Dubois himself crashed Usyk’s post-fight interview, demanding a rematch of their August 26th fight, which Usyk won via knockout. Usyk subsequently agreed to the rematch. The unexpected interruption added a dramatic postscript to an already intense heavyweight clash.

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