‘Back to the drawing board’: Pros react to Oleksandr Usyk outclassing Tyson Fury in epic rematch
Oleksandr Usyk is still undisputed.
After a hard-fought rematch that once again took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, Usyk (23-0) scored another win over Tyson Fury (34-2-1), this time winning via unanimous decision. That makes Usyk 2-0 now over Fury after previously winning a split nod over “The Gypsy King” this past May.
Though Usyk didn’t come close to a finish like he did in their first fight, he arguably put on a more complete performance and won by a wide margin on the official scorecards, with all three judges having it 116-112 in his favor. Afterwards, rival Daniel Dubois entered the ring to propose a rematch, but Usyk didn’t commit to putting his undisputed heavyweight crown back on the line just yet.
Unsurprisingly, their fellow fighters were wowed by the contest, with boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya praising both men.
“Congratulations Usyk, you are a gentleman and a scholar,” De La Hoya wrote on Twitter. “Tyson my amigo, back to the drawing board. YOU WILL BE BACK!!”
See more social media reactions from the combat sports world below.
Congratulations Usyk, you are a gentleman and a scholar. Tyson my amigo, back to the drawing board. YOU WILL BE BACK!!
— Oscar De La Hoya (@OscarDeLaHoya) December 21, 2024
Tremendous fight! Both men EXCEPTIONAL BOXERS! Truly. Let the talk about usyk playing up to the right hand body shot end now. He was as tough as he was skilled tonight! What a fight! Tyson Fury is some man. Anyone else against that version of Tyson Fury gets smoked. Very close… pic.twitter.com/mpV8Pji9sh
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 21, 2024
Too wide but I did have him winning! I understand why, it’s the pressure and the consistency of his workrate that just takes rounds down it really is! Tyson Fury is a warrior who deserves so much respect for going back in with him.. #UsykFury2
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) December 21, 2024
Great fight! Congrats @usykaa! #UsykFury2
— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) December 21, 2024
Amazing fight. Correct decision. Absolute Warriors!
— Proper Loud Music (@MamsTaylor) December 21, 2024
I feel like Usyk is way up on the cards. The speed and output has been too much for Fury.
— Josh Thomson (@THEREALPUNK) December 21, 2024
Great fight boys!!! #tysonusyk2
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) December 21, 2024
Such a great performance of Usyk over Fury!#UsykFury2
— Herbert Burns (@HerbertBurnsMMA) December 21, 2024