Boxing

Reviewing Fury vs. Usyk original fight round-by-round - did the judges get it right?

DAZN Staff

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As we prepare for the much-anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury and this weekend in Riyadh, live on DAZN PPV, it is worth looking back at their first clash on May18, 2024.

The Kingdom Arena hosted this historic heavyweight bout and the two champions delivered a fascinating contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Let’s break it down as it unfolded.

Prefight and build-up

The lead-up to Fury vs. Usyk was one of the most hyped in heavyweight boxing history.

Fury, the WBC heavyweight champion, and Usyk, the unified WBA, IBF and WBO champion, were battling to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era.

The press conferences were full of Fury’s trademark mind games, with Usyk staying composed as always.

Both fighters came in undefeated, adding even more drama to the showdown.

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First round

The fight opened cautiously, with both men feeling each other out. Fury used his jab to keep Usyk at bay, while the Ukrainian tested angles and movement.

It was a tactical start, with neither fighter wanting to commit too early. Fury’s size advantage was evident, but Usyk’s footwork helped him avoid damage.

Judge: Manuel Oliver Palermo: 9 Fury; Usyk 10
Judge: Craig Metcalfe: 9 Fury; Usyk 10
Judge: Mike Fitzgerald: 9 Fury; Usyk 10

Second round

In the second round, Usyk began to find his rhythm, landing a couple of sharp counters to Fury’s body.

Fury responded with heavy jabs that pushed Usyk back, reminding everyone of his reach advantage.

It was a close round, with Usyk showing his speed and Fury demonstrating his command of the ring.

Judge: Manuel Oliver Palermo: 10 (19) Fury; Usyk 9 (19)
Judge: Craig Metcalfe: 10 (19) Fury; Usyk 9 (19)
Judge: Mike Fitzgerald: 9 (18) Fury; Usyk 10 (20)

Third round

The pace picked up in the third as Fury attempted to impose his size on Usyk, leaning on him in clinches.

Usyk, however, used his superior conditioning to escape and fire back with quick combinations.

A well-timed left hook from Usyk drew cheers from the crowd and showcased his ability to pierce Fury’s defences.

Judge: Manuel Oliver Palermo: 9 (28) Fury; Usyk 10 (29)
Judge: Craig Metcalfe: 9 (28) Fury; Usyk 10 (29)
Judge: Mike Fitzgerald: 10 (28) Fury; Usyk 9 (29)

fury-20240518-getty-ftr (Getty Images)

Fourth round

By the fourth round, Usyk’s game plan was becoming apparent — wear Fury down with relentless movement and body shots.

Fury tried to bully Usyk, landing a few solid shots to the head, but the Ukrainian’s footwork and defensive skills allowed him to avoid any sort of sustained punishment.

Judge: Manuel Oliver Palermo: 9 (37) Fury; Usyk 10 (39)
Judge: Craig Metcalfe: 10 (38) Fury; Usyk 9 (38)
Judge: Mike Fitzgerald: 10 (38) Fury; Usyk 9 (38)

Fifth round

The fight’s intensity peaked in the fifth round, with both men landing significant blows.

Fury connected with a thunderous uppercut that staggered Usyk momentarily, but the Ukrainian recovered quickly and responded with a flurry of punches that forced Fury onto the ropes.

Judge: Manuel Oliver Palermo: 10 (47) Fury; Usyk 9 (48)
Judge: Craig Metcalfe: 10 (48) Fury; Usyk 9 (47)
Judge: Mike Fitzgerald: 10 (48) Fury; Usyk 9 (47)

Sixth, seventh and eighth rounds

The middle rounds were a chess match.

Usyk continued to chip away with his speed and accuracy, while Fury attempted to disrupt his rhythm with clinching and inside fighting.

The larger Fury began to show signs of fatigue as Usyk's relentless pace took its toll.

Judge: Manuel Oliver Palermo: 10 (57) Fury; Usyk 9 (57)
Judge: Craig Metcalfe: 10 (58) Fury; Usyk 9 (56)
Judge: Mike Fitzgerald: 10 (58) Fury; Usyk 9 (56)

Judge: Manuel Oliver Palermo: 10 (67) Fury; Usyk 9 (66)
Judge: Craig Metcalfe: 10 (68) Fury; Usyk 9 (65)
Judge: Mike Fitzgerald: 10 (68) Fury; Usyk 9 (65)

Judge: Manuel Oliver Palermo: 9 (76) Fury; Usyk 10 (76)
Judge: Craig Metcalfe: 9 (77) Fury; Usyk 10 (75)
Judge: Mike Fitzgerald: 9 (77) Fury; Usyk 10 (75)

Ninth round

By the ninth, fatigue was setting in for Fury.

Usyk took full advantage, pressing the action and connecting with several clean punches to the head and body. Fury landed sporadic counters but was unable to turn the tide.

And then the moment, when the watching world lost their collective s—t, as Usyk landed a hammer blow to Fury. The Brit staggered and headed to the canvas, only to be saved by the ropes.

He was given a standing eight count, which allowed him to get to the bell and slightly recover in his corner.

Fury would rally later, but this was the round and the moment that delivered Usyk the undisputed crown.

Judge: Manuel Oliver Palermo: 8 (84) Fury; Usyk 10 (86)
Judge: Craig Metcalfe: 8 (85) Fury; Usyk 10 (85)
Judge: Mike Fitzgerald: 8 (85) Fury; Usyk 10 (85)

Usyk lands on Fury_18052024 Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Tenth round

The tenth round showcased Usyk’s masterclass in movement and precision.

Fury’s attempts to bully him with his size became less effective, and the Ukrainian outworked him yet again.

However Usyk could not finish off Tyson, who later would boast about not being put down despite being on ''Bambi legs".

Judge: Manuel Oliver Palermo: 9 (93) Fury; Usyk 10 (96)
Judge: Craig Metcalfe: 9 (94) Fury; Usyk 10 (95)
Judge: Mike Fitzgerald: 9 (94) Fury; Usyk 10 (95)

Eleventh round

In the eleventh, Fury had a moment of resurgence, landing a few strong punches that momentarily slowed Usyk.

However, Usyk’s resilience shone through as he absorbed the shots and finished the round stronger.

Judge: Manuel Oliver Palermo: 9 (102) Fury; Usyk 10 (106)
Judge: Craig Metcalfe: 10 (104) Fury; Usyk 9 (104)
Judge: Mike Fitzgerald: 9 (103) Fury; Usyk 10 (105)

Tyson Fury corner

Twelfth round

The final round saw both fighters dig deep.

Usyk, determined to seal his victory, landed several eye-catching combinations.

Fury, sensing the urgency, pressed forward but couldn’t find the knockout blow he needed. But he won the round, which showcased yet again his remarkable powers of recovery following after that brutal ninth round.

Judge: Manuel Oliver Palermo: 10 (112) Fury; Usyk 9 (115)
Judge: Craig Metcalfe: 10 (114) Fury; Usyk 9 (113)
Judge: Mike Fitzgerald: 10 (113) Fury; Usyk 9 (114)

Oleksandr Usyk FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images

Aftermath

The fight ended in a split decision victory for Usyk, with two judges scoring it in his favour and one for Fury.

It was a fascinating clash of styles — Fury’s size and power against Usyk’s speed and technique.

As we approach their rematch, questions remain: What did they learn about each other first time out? Can Fury adjust to Usyk’s style, or will the Ukrainian cement his dominance in the heavyweight division?

One thing is certain — come Saturday night, the world will be watching.

Watch Usyk vs. Fury 2 on DAZN PPV

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