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Fury vs Usyk 2 LIVE: Result and reaction as ‘Gypsy King’ rages at judges after heavyweight title rematch

The biggest rematch of the year saw the champion edge out Fury once again in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Alex Pattle
Combat Sports Correspondent
,Jack Rathborn
Saturday 21 December 2024 20:09 EST
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Tyson Fury shares backstage warm-up ahead of Usyk 2 title rematch

Tyson Fury’s mission to avenge his only professional defeat ended in crushing disappointment as he lost on a unanimous points decision to unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh.

Another classic encounter between the well-matched rivals ended with Usyk retaining his WBC, WBA and WBO belts by finishing 116-112 ahead on all three judges’ scorecards, with an upset Fury storming out of the ring.

It was a fair reflection of the Ukrainian’s control of the rematch given he set the pace for most of the 12 rounds and was the harder worker, landing more frequently and with greater impact.

Fury described his grim-faced demeanour this week as “beast mode” and while his greater focus was evident on a night when there was no showboating, he was unable to make a dent on the extraordinary Usyk.

Usyk’s performance confirmed his status as an all-time great and the 37-year-old will now look to become undisputed champion for the second time by toppling IBF champion Daniel Dubois. Relive the fight with round-by-round updates below, plus all the reaction from the Kingdom Arena:

Usyk v Fury 2

Fury is shadowboxing in his corner with intent, grunting as he pumps his gloves up.

Usyk rolling his right elbow and wrist, then his left... Limbering up.

The belts are proudly displayed behind him with his team.

Jack Rathborn21 December 2024 22:38

Usyk v Fury 2

Here we go, Michael Buffer rattles off a dozen sponsors, then does what he does best and announces two of the most iconic fighters of a generation.

Not only did we get undisputed, but the two best heavyweight fighters in the world have met twice in one year.

(Getty Images)
(Action Images via Reuters)
Jack Rathborn21 December 2024 22:37

Usyk v Fury 2

First the national anthem for Saudi Arabia, now the United Kingdom... Ukraine is next and then we’ll get this rematch underway...

(Nick Potts/PA Wire)
Jack Rathborn21 December 2024 22:32

Usyk v Fury 2

Mariah Carey’s ‘All I want for Christmas’ rings around the Kingdom Arena, here’s Tyson Fury... He’s singing along, too.

The Briton looks calm, arms out wide, a wink too, as he belts out the lyrics to the song.

Now we move to The Notorious B.I.G. and ‘Hypnotize’, Fury known to love his hip hop... He’s bouncing, the red and white robe.

Will Father Christmas deliver the present he covets most tonight? Those unified heavyweight world titles.

(Action Images via Reuters)
Jack Rathborn21 December 2024 22:24

Usyk v Fury 2

A riveting performance of the Rocky theme tune, Eye of the Tiger by Survivor, on the drums there... It’s time!

We’ve seen the stars come out tonight, Ronnie O’Sullivan, the only other heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois, Roberto Duran, Wladimir Klitschko, Francis Ngannou, Jason Statham and more...

(Nick Potts/PA Wire)
Jack Rathborn21 December 2024 22:19

Usyk v Fury 2: Teen sensation Moses Itauma and Demsey McKean meet at heavyweight

One more fight before the main event! British 19-year-old Moses Itauma looks to stay unbeaten, as he faces Australia’s Demsey McKean, 34.

McKean emerges first, to a remix of Men At Work’s “Down Under” – the people’s unofficial Australian anthem.

Now here comes Itauma, to the sound of “O Fortuna” and then Bob Marley’s “Jamming”.

Itauma is a heavy favourite, despite McKean’s experience. The latter will take confidence from Dave Allen’s showing against Johnny Fisher earlier, though, when the older boxer dropped the younger man and almost won on points.

Round 1

McKean stands southpaw, so does Itauma. Itauma weighed in heavier than expected yesterday, especially given his speed and movement are his finest attributes.

Early on, Itauma is darting in, jabbing to the body, and darting out.

OH! A clean overhand left, and down goes McKean! We haven’t even reached the 90-second mark!

McKean is back up, but he’s soon forced to wrestle, and he drops to his knees in the process. He’s back up, and he and Itauma separate.

OH!!!!! Itauma puts McKean down again, a brutal knockdown with a cross this time! And McKean’s team step in to ensure the fight does not continue.

McKean was spun around, his leg was bent under his body, he was lolloping about. Scary. The right call by his corner.

Moses Itauma (right) dropped Demsey McKean twice in round one to win
Moses Itauma (right) dropped Demsey McKean twice in round one to win (Getty Images)
Alex Pattle21 December 2024 21:52

Usyk v Fury 2: Serhii Bohachuk takes on Ishmael Davis in super-welterweight clash

Round 5

A fairly comfortable round for Bohachuk. Has Davis’s best work come and gone already?

Round 6

Davis is still showing spirit, for sure, but it’s all Bohachuk right now. The Ukrainian is constantly bearing down on Davis, whose nose is leaking blood onto his white shorts.

Into the final minute of the round, and Bohachuk is letting his hands go and really causing Davis issues with the variety of punches. Davis holds onto Bohachuk to reduce the damage.

OH! Davis’s corner throws in the towel after the round! That’s fair corner work. Davis didn’t need to keep taking damage, especially after stepping in on short notice.

Alex Pattle21 December 2024 21:21

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