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Usyk v Fury II

Oleksandr Usyk topples Tyson Fury in dominant rematch performance

Oleksandr Usyk topples Tyson Fury in dominant rematch performanceMark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

A rematch is used in boxing to clear up unanswered questions, and Oleksandr Usyk did exactly that in his second win over Tyson Fury — this time by unanimous decision.

The pair clashed in Riyadh on Saturday night for the WBA, WBC and WBO world heavyweight titles, and this time around it was a clearer result.

After a tense build-up, Fury seemed back to his usual self, with a ringwalks which started with Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas’ before the Notorious B.I.G.’s ‘Hypnotize’.

Annihilation was the word Fury was using when it came to what would transpire in the ring, and it was immediately obvious the “Gypsy King” wanted to dominate by taking control of centre ring in round one.

A chess match began to unfold with the two swapping roles, this time Usyk on the front foot and in the centre of the ring. Then, it was noticeable that this was a different Usyk fighting under the bright lights of Riyadh.

The Ukrainian has become known for his slick footwork and ability to weave away from any threats his opponents pose, but for his second encounter with Fury, he decided to take the fight to the former WBC heavyweight champion.

In rounds three and four, Usyk was marching Fury down, and landed a number of left hands to the head and body as he looked to slow down Fury and his 20 stone frame.

Fury had to try and seize control, and in round five it looked like there was a chance to do that as Usyk slowed down. Fury found success with a number of punches including a right to the body and the uppercut which caused so many problems in the first fight, but Usyk was using this period as a chance to recover before going up a gear once more.

From round six onwards, a pattern began to play out. While Fury did enjoy brief moments, Usyk always finished the rounds strong. His left hand was where all the danger was coming from and whenever it looked like Fury was on course to win a round, Usyk snatched it away with the more effective ring work.

Usyk v FuryMark Robinson/Matchroom

With Usyk having a second wind towards the final three rounds, Fury’s best chance of stopping Usyk was to slow him down and he tried every weapon in his arsenal. From body shots to smothering in the clinch, Usyk shrugged them off and continued to come forward as he stalked his prey.

In the 12th and final round, it was clear, Fury needed a knockout if he was to get the win. Fury tried all he could, but despite the gruelling nature of this contest, Usyk still had the audacity and power to trouble the Brit, the stoppage however never came.

Tyson FuryMark Robinson/Matchroom

While it was a successive loss to Usyk to Fury, there was a clear improvement. At 20 stone and seeing him in the flesh, there were concerns as to whether someone with that frame can last 12 gruelling rounds against a pound-for-pound great.

Fury’s gigantic frame however lasted the full contest, and it was something to be admired and showed that the three-month training camp in Malta paid off.

But on the night, while Fury had glimpses in each of the rounds, Usyk was doing the more effective work which made sure the rounds were his, and this performance confirmed the Ukrainian as the world’s number one heavyweight.

For what Usyk will do next, there’s a myriad of options including an undisputed showdown with the winner of IBF champion Daniel Dubois’ clash with Joseph Parker on February 22 or even retirement.

Usyk will now do what he often does next: He will disappear from the boxing world as he enjoys the fruits of his labour. One thing is for sure however, everyone will await his next move with bated breath.