Ukrainian boxer Usyk defeated Fury, retaining his title as the undisputed world boxing champion.

Ukrainian boxer Usyk defeated Fury and retained the title of absolute world boxing champion

Oleksandr Usyk triumphed over Tyson Fury, becoming the world champion in the heavyweight category according to the WBC, WBA, and WBO. The rematch, held at the packed Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, lasted all 12 rounds. The Ukrainian once again won by decision, just like in their first encounter, this time unanimously - three times 116:112.

This was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing the broadcast of the boxing match, which the media previously dubbed the "fight of the century."

The boxers entered the ring focused.

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The Ukrainian national anthem was performed before the fight by Artem Pivovarov.

Usyk sang the national anthem alongside one of the most popular contemporary artists.

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It is noteworthy that after the 9th round, the Ukrainian led the Brit by two points.

23Shots from the fight

In the match, Usyk threw 423 punches, with 179 being accurate. He also landed 211 jabs (73 accurate). Alexander threw 212 power punches (106 accurate).

Fury landed 509 punches (144 were effective). He also threw 252 jabs (44 accurate). His tally included 257 power punches, with 100 being accurate.

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Judges' notes (photo: x.com/Queensberry)

After the fight, Alexander lifted a unique artifact - the saber of the great Ukrainian Hetman Ivan Mazepa, dated to the 17th century.

The blade bears the inscription "I place all my hope in you, Mother of God, protect me under your cover!" On the right side of the blade are depicted two candles, two angels, as well as a crowned Virgin Mary with a child and a branch. This depiction is known as "The Unfading Flower."

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Usyk with Mazepa's saber (photo: facebook.com/K2Ukraine)

How much money Usyk and Fury earned for the fight

Agreements between the boxers and the fight organizers are usually confidential.

According to Western media, the total payout for the first fight was $150 million, distributed at a ratio of 70% to 30% in favor of Fury. Thus, Tyson, despite losing, earned around $105 million, while Alexander, despite his victory, received $45 million.

This time, again based on rumors and insider information, the Ukrainian and the Brit received a combined $190 million. However, the funds are distributed at a ratio of 60% to 40% in favor of Usyk. Consequently, the Ukrainian received $114 million, while the Brit earned $76 million. After accounting for revenues from the sale of the fight broadcast, these amounts may increase. However, it can already be stated that the fee for the rematch has become a record for both boxers.

Additionally, Usyk, besides the WBC, WBA, and WBO belts, received a special "commemorative" belt from the WBC. This award commemorates the 50th anniversary of the classic heavyweight bout between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali, known as "The Rumble in the Jungle": in October 1974, Ali caused a sensation by knocking out the champion and claiming the WBA and WBC titles.

What future awaits Usyk after defeating Fury

Usyk's future decisions will now depend on his athletic condition, ambitions, and offers that arise following his victory over Fury. Currently, there are several likely scenarios.

Retirement.  For the 37-year-old Usyk, the decision to leave the sport at the peak of his career as an undefeated champion seems quite logical. This would allow him to enter boxing history as a legend. However, Usyk does not yet appear tired of boxing. Therefore, it is likely that his career will continue.

Title defenses and potential relinquishment of belts.  With several championship belts, Usyk will face challenges in defending them. Boxing organizations typically insist on regular title defenses, and if a champion fails to comply, they declare the title vacant.

Unification bout for the IBF title.  The most realistic scenario is a fight for the IBF title, should it be held by Daniel Dubois or another promising boxer. The probable timeframe for such a fight is the second half of 2025, provided negotiations between the teams are successful.

Meanwhile, the scenario of a third fight with Tyson Fury seems unlikely.

Facts from Oleksandr Usyk's biography

Usyk was born on January 17, 1987, in Simferopol. After the Russian occupation of Crimea in 2014, he remained loyal to Ukraine, refusing to change his citizenship and repeatedly expressing his stance on the peninsula's ownership.

Initially, Alexander played football and was part of the youth team "Tavria." He even planned to become a professional footballer but switched to boxing at the age of 15. Interestingly, after many years, Sasha's dream came true - he now has a contract with the Ukrainian professional football club "Polissya" and even played a few minutes in the "wolves" jersey.

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Oleksandr Usyk (photo: facebook.com/Alexanderusyk)

Usyk won gold medals at the 2011 World Championship and the 2012 Olympics in London. In the Olympic final, he defeated Italian Clemente Russo, securing one of four "gold" spots for Ukraine. It was at the Olympics that everyone noticed his victorious hopak dance, which later became his trademark. Just like the Cossack pigtail that Usyk wore for a long time as a sign of respect for the history and culture of Ukrainian Cossacks.

Alexander turned professional in 2013, and just five years later, he unified all the belts in the cruiserweight division (up to 91 kg). He became the absolute world champion by defeating Murat Gassiev in the final of the World Boxing Super Series. Notably, Usyk defended his titles as the absolute world champion in the cruiserweight division in all four major organizations in just 15 fights. This is a record in this weight category.

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Oleksandr Usyk (photo: facebook.com/Alexanderusyk)

In 2021, Usyk made history by defeating Anthony Joshua and taking his WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO championship belts. Thus, the Ukrainian became one of the few boxers to hold titles in both weight categories.

Usyk, nicknamed "The Cat" for his agility and unique movements in the ring, is also known for his humor and distinctive antics during weigh-ins and press conferences. This trait has made him a favorite among journalists and the public.

During training, he also enjoys dancing to Ukrainian music and joking, creating a light atmosphere in the gym. He believes that a positive attitude is the key to success. Interestingly, during his ring entrance, Usyk often uses Ukrainian symbols and musical compositions that promote national culture.

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