In the Usyk rematch, professional boxers reveal corruption by allowing Turki Al sheikh to steal Tyson Fury.
Boxing fans thrive on debates, but some arguments simply don’t hold up. The heavyweight division has had its fair share of controversial decisions, but Oleksandr Usyk’s win over Tyson Fury in their rematch is not one of them.
Usyk’s Superior Performance on the Night
The numbers clearly back up what most fans saw in the ring: Usyk was sharper, more accurate, and just put in more work. However, Fury’s fighting spirit deserves recognition as well—it’s what earned him the championship title in the first place. Yet, sometimes you have to acknowledge the better man on the night, and that man, without a doubt, was Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh.
A Shift in How Boxing Fights Are Scored
Boxing today has evolved far beyond the days when knockouts alone decided the victor. With modern statistics, we can now analyze every aspect of a fight, including punch statistics, to determine exactly what transpired in the ring.
Usyk’s performance over 12 rounds stood out as he landed a total of 179 punches, compared to Tyson Fury’s 144. But winning isn’t just about the quantity of punches—it’s about quality and accuracy. In this case, Usyk landed 42.3% of his strikes, equating to approximately 75 punches, while Fury landed just 28.3%, or about 40 punches. This nearly two-to-one difference in effectiveness speaks volumes about Usyk’s superiority on the night.
Judges’ Scorecards Reflect the True Outcome
The judges agreed with what the numbers showed. All three judges scored the fight 116-112 in Usyk’s favor. The ninth round, in particular, was a struggle for Fury, who was unable to land significant blows, only managing one punch out of 18 attempts.
Fury’s Controversial Reactions to the Loss
Throughout boxing history, champions have reacted to defeat in various ways—some with grace, others with denial. Tyson Fury’s response to his second loss to Oleksandr Usyk falls firmly into the latter category, and it has been a particularly sharp reaction. Fury has expressed dissatisfaction with the judges’ decision, claiming they gave Usyk an “early birthday present” with their 116-112 scorecards. Fury went further to assert, “I know I had to knock him out, but that’s boxing, and it happens. I have no doubt I won this fight. Frank [Warren] beat me three or four rounds, and a lot of people beat me at least two rounds. I’m not going to cry over spilled milk; it’s over now.”
His promoter, Frank Warren, also voiced his displeasure with the result, praising Fury‘s striking and footwork. However, when Usyk caught wind of these comments, he responded sharply, stating: “Uncle Frank, I think he’s blind.”
Fury’s Refusal to Accept Defeat
Fury’s stubbornness to accept defeat may not sit well with some fans, but it’s also part of what makes him such a compelling figure in the boxing world. He has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind. However, claiming victory in both of his fights against a man who has beaten him twice seems a bit of a stretch, even for the outspoken champion. In conclusion, while Tyson Fury’s competitive nature and refusal to back down are commendable, Usyk‘s victory was a clear and well-deserved one, backed by the statistics and the reality of the fight.
