Usyk triumphed over Fury in the fight of the century: check out the photos and videos!
Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury and became the world champion in the heavyweight division according to WBC, WBA, and WBO versions. The rematch, held at the packed Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, lasted all 12 rounds. The Ukrainian once again triumphed by a judges' decision, this time unanimously, with scores of 116:112 across the board.
This was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing the broadcast of the boxing match, which the media previously dubbed the "fight of the century."
How the Usyk - Fury 2 Fight Went
The boxers entered the ring focused.
345
The Ukrainian national anthem was performed before the fight by Artem Pivovarov.
Usyk sang the main song of the state alongside one of today's most popular artists.
6
Notably, after the 9th round, the Ukrainian was ahead of the Brit by two points.
789Frames from the fight
REPEAT
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 21, 2024
Oleksandr Usyk reigns supreme once again! #Usyk2Fury #RiyadhSeason @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/qevlyDjP8f
In the bout, Usyk threw 423 punches, with 179 landing successfully. He also recorded 211 jabs (with 73 being accurate). Alexander threw 212 power punches, landing 106 of them.
Fury, on the other hand, threw 509 punches (with 144 landing). He also threw 252 jabs (44 accurate), and accounted for 257 power punches, of which 100 were successful.
0
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.
Inscribed on the blade is the phrase "I place all my hope in you, Mother of God, protect me under your cloak!" On the right side of the blade are depicted two candles, two angels, and a crowned Virgin Mary with a child and a branch. This representation is known as "The Unfading Flower."
12
Usyk with Mazepa's saber (photo: facebook.com/K2Ukraine)
How Much Money Did Usyk and Fury Earn from the Fight
Contracts between the boxers and fight organizers are typically confidential.
According to Western media reports, the total payout for the first fight was 150 million dollars, distributed 70% to Fury and 30% to Usyk. Thus, Tyson, despite losing, earned around 105 million dollars, while Alexander, despite winning, received 45 million.
This time, again according to rumors and insider information, the Ukrainian and the Brit shared 190 million dollars. However, the distribution has changed to 60% for Usyk and 40% for Fury. Consequently, the Ukrainian earned 114 million dollars, while the Brit received 76 million. After accounting for revenue from the sale of the fight broadcast, these amounts may increase. However, it can already be said that the purse for the rematch has become a record for both boxers.
Additionally, Usyk, apart from the WBC, WBA, and WBO belts, also received a special "anniversary" 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 achieved a stunning victory by knocking out the champion and claiming the WBA and WBC titles.
What Future Awaits Usyk After Defeating Fury
Now, Usyk's future decisions will depend on his physical condition, ambitions, and the offers that come after his victory over Fury. There are several likely scenarios.
Retirement. For 37-year-old Usyk, the decision to leave the sport at the peak of his career as an undefeated champion seems quite logical. It would allow him to enter boxing history as a legend. However, Usyk does not currently appear tired of boxing. Therefore, it is likely that his career will continue.
Title defenses and possible relinquishment of belts. Holding multiple championship belts, Usyk will face challenges in defending them. Boxing organizations typically insist on regular title defenses, and if a champion fails to do so, they declare the belt vacant.
Unification fight for the IBF title. The most realistic scenario is a fight for the IBF title, if it is obtained by Daniel Dubois or another promising boxer. The probable date for such a fight would be in the second half of 2025, provided negotiations between the teams go smoothly.
On the other hand, 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 occupation of Crimea by Russia in 2014, he remained loyal to Ukraine, refusing to change his citizenship and repeatedly expressing his stance on the peninsula's status.
Initially, Alexander played football and was part of the youth team "Tavriya." He even planned to become a professional football player 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 "Polesie" and even played a few minutes wearing the "wolves" jersey.
3
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 the Italian Clemente Russo, securing one of the four "golden" spots for Ukraine. It was at the Olympics that everyone took notice of his victorious hopak dance, which later became the athlete's trademark. Just like the Cossack pigtail, which Usyk wore for a long time in respect for the history and culture of Ukrainian Cossacks.
Alexander turned professional in 2013, and just five years later, he unified all titles in the cruiserweight division (up to 91 kg). He became the undisputed world champion after defeating Murat Gassiev in the final of the World Boxing Super Series tournament. Notably, Usyk defended the titles of undisputed world champion in the cruiserweight division across all four major versions in just 15 fights. This is a record in this weight class.
4
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 movement style in the ring, is also known for his humor and distinctive moves 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 mindset is the key to success. Notably, during his entrance to the ring, Usyk often incorporates Ukrainian symbols and musical compositions that promote national culture.
5
Oleksandr Usyk (photo: facebook.com/Alexanderusyk)
Usyk is married to his childhood sweetheart, Ekaterina, and the couple has four children. He always emphasizes that family is his greatest motivation. The boxer is also a deeply religious person and actively engages in charity, supporting orphanages and assisting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He also organizes sports events for youth. A significant portion of his earnings is donated to restore structures in Ukraine that have been destroyed by Russia.
Usyk's favorite movie is "Gladiator." He considers this film very motivating. The athlete employs unconventional training methods, such as training in the mountains or using non-standard