The boxing world held its breath on December 21, 2024, as Usyk vs. Fury 2 stepped into the ring for their highly anticipated rematch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fans packed the Kingdom Arena, eager to witness another chapter in this epic rivalry. Their first fight in May 2024 delivered a thrilling split-decision victory for Usyk, crowning him the undisputed heavyweight champion. This second showdown promised even more drama, skill, and heart-pounding action. Let’s dive into every detail of Usyk vs. Fury 2, from the buildup to the final bell, and explore what this fight means for both warriors and the sport itself.
The Road to the Rematch
A Rivalry Born in Riyadh
Seven months earlier, Usyk and Fury clashed in a fight that shook the boxing world. Usyk’s razor-sharp precision and relentless pressure outlasted Fury’s size and showmanship. The Ukrainian’s ninth-round onslaught nearly stopped Fury, but the “Gypsy King” survived to lose by split decision. That night, Usyk claimed the WBC belt to add to his WBA, WBO, and IBF titles, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000. However, the close scorecards—115-112, 114-113 for Usyk, and 114-113 for Fury—left room for debate. Fury demanded a rematch, vowing to reclaim his crown.
The rematch wasn’t just about titles; it was personal. Fury, stung by his first professional loss, trained with renewed focus. Usyk, meanwhile, aimed to prove his victory was no fluke. Both fighters spent months preparing, knowing the world would judge them on this night. Social media buzzed with predictions, and fans dissected every sparring rumor. Would Fury’s size and experience overpower Usyk’s technical mastery? Or would the Ukrainian’s boxing IQ reign supreme again?
The Stakes Soar Higher
Unlike the first fight, the rematch didn’t carry the undisputed crown. Usyk vacated the IBF belt in June 2024, which Daniel Dubois later claimed by demolishing Anthony Joshua. Still, Usyk’s WBA, WBO, and WBC titles were on the line, along with his Ring Magazine belt. For Fury, a win meant redemption and a return to heavyweight glory. For Usyk, it was a chance to cement his legacy as an all-time great. Beyond the belts, both men fought for pride, knowing this rivalry could define their careers.
The buildup wasn’t without controversy. At the rules meeting, a judge’s sudden illness sparked a heated debate over the replacement. Fury’s camp pushed for one official, while Usyk’s team favored another. Eventually, Ignacio Robles joined Patrick Morley and Gerardo Martinez at ringside. Additionally, Saudi adviser Turki Al-Sheikh announced an experimental AI judge, though its 118-112 score for Usyk wouldn’t count officially. These side stories only fueled the tension as fight night approached.
Fight Night: Atmosphere and Entrances
Riyadh’s Electric Vibe
The Kingdom Arena pulsed with energy on December 21. Celebrities like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Jason Statham, and boxing legends Roberto Duran and Lennox Lewis filled the VIP seats. Fans from Ukraine, the UK, and beyond waved flags, their cheers echoing through the venue. The undercard delivered knockouts and upsets, setting the stage for the main event. By 10 p.m. UK time, the crowd was on edge, ready for the ring walks.
Fury entered first, embracing the Christmas spirit. Dressed as Santa Claus, he danced to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” his bushy beard sparking laughs after Usyk’s team had protested it at the rules meeting. The playful entrance masked Fury’s serious intent—he was here to win. Usyk, by contrast, marched in with icy focus. Wearing a warrior-style robe, he crouched in his corner for a quiet prayer. His steely gaze met Fury’s, reigniting their 11-minute staredown from the press conference. The stage was set.
A Clash of Styles
Usyk, at 37, brought an undefeated 22-0 record, with 14 knockouts. His Olympic gold and undisputed cruiserweight reign showcased his pedigree. Smaller at 6’3” and 223 pounds, he relied on footwork, angles, and relentless body shots. Fury, 36, stood 6’9” and weighed a career-heavy 281 pounds. His 34-1-1 record, with 24 knockouts, reflected his resilience and ring IQ. While Fury’s reach and jab could control distance, Usyk’s speed and precision aimed to close the gap. Their contrasting styles—Fury’s slick power versus Usyk’s technical brilliance—promised a chess match with haymakers.
Round-by-Round Breakdown
Early Rounds: Feeling Each Other Out
The opening bell rang, and both fighters circled cautiously. Fury jabbed to keep Usyk at bay, landing crisp shots to the body. Usyk responded with quick lefts, targeting Fury’s midsection to sap his energy. Neither man dominated, but Usyk’s busier hands edged the first round. In round two, Fury found rhythm, snapping Usyk’s head back with a sharp jab. The Ukrainian stayed composed, slipping punches and firing back to the body. Fans leaned forward, sensing the fight’s delicate balance.
By round three, Usyk’s movement frustrated Fury. The smaller man darted in, landed a one-two, and slipped out before Fury could counter. Fury’s jab remained active, but Usyk’s bodywork started to slow him. Round four saw Fury land a looping right, drawing cheers, yet Usyk’s relentless pace kept him in control. CompuBox later showed Usyk landing 42% of his punches compared to Fury’s 28%, a sign of his cleaner work.
Middle Rounds: Usyk Takes Charge
As the fight hit round five, Usyk shifted gears. A stinging left uppercut rocked Fury’s forehead, forcing him to reset. Fury answered with a right hook, but Usyk’s combinations were sharper. In round six, Usyk’s relentless pressure overwhelmed Fury, who backed up more than usual. A vicious body shot made Fury wince, and Usyk’s confidence grew. The crowd roared as Usyk stalked his taller foe, landing a three-punch combo before the bell.
Round seven belonged to Usyk. He peppered Fury with lefts and rights, mixing head and body shots. Fury’s work rate dropped, his heavy frame seeming to betray him. A near-miss left hook from Usyk sent a ripple of gasps through the arena—if it had landed flush, the fight might’ve ended. By round eight, Fury rallied briefly, landing two uppercuts, but Usyk’s counters were too precise. The Ukrainian’s conditioning shone, while Fury’s energy waned.
Championship Rounds: A Fight to the Finish
Entering round nine, Fury dug deep. A thunderous right uppercut snapped Usyk’s head back, and for a moment, it seemed the “Gypsy King” might turn the tide. Usyk absorbed the blow and fired back, reclaiming momentum with a crisp jab. Round ten was close, with Fury landing a body shot and Usyk answering with a left. The judges’ scorecards later revealed this as Fury’s strongest round, but Usyk’s consistency kept him ahead.
In round eleven, Usyk unleashed a sublime combination—jab, cross, body shot—that staggered Fury. The Brit clung on, but his legs looked heavy. Usyk pressed forward, smelling blood, while Fury swung wildly to keep him at bay. The final round saw both men empty their tanks. Usyk landed a thudding left, while Fury connected with a desperate right. As the bell rang, Usyk dropped to his knees in prayer, and Fury kissed his head in a gesture of respect. The arena buzzed, awaiting the verdict.
The Verdict and Aftermath
Judges Crown Usyk Again
All three judges—Morley, Robles, and Martinez—scored it 116-112 for Usyk, a unanimous decision. He retained his WBA, WBO, and WBC titles, improving to 23-0. Usyk landed 179 of 423 punches, while Fury connected on 144 of 509. The stats backed the judges, but Fury’s camp erupted in protest. “I won by three rounds!” Fury told his former coach Ben Davison backstage. Promoter Frank Warren called the scorecards “nuts,” insisting Fury deserved more than four rounds.
Usyk, ever humble, praised Fury in the ring. “He’s my best friend, a tough opponent who makes me strong,” he said, noting their 24 combined rounds as history. Yet, Daniel Dubois crashed the moment, demanding a rematch with Usyk to settle their 2023 fight. Usyk smiled but stayed noncommittal, hinting at a possible cruiserweight return. For Fury, the loss sparked questions about retirement. At 36, with two defeats to Usyk, would he fight on?
What’s Next for Both Fighters?
Usyk’s victory solidified his place among boxing’s elite. Names like Dubois, who holds the IBF belt, and cruiserweight champ Jai Opetaia swirl as potential foes. A Dubois rematch could unify the division again, but Usyk’s talk of dropping weight suggests he’s chasing new challenges. His promoter, Alex Krassyuk, called the performance “an encyclopedia of boxing,” hinting at more to come.
Fury faces a crossroads. Some, like Eddie Hearn, push for a blockbuster with Anthony Joshua at Wembley. Others wonder if the “Gypsy King” will hang up his gloves. On January 13, 2025, Fury announced his retirement, calling Usyk vs. Fury 2 his final fight. Yet, his history of un-retiring keeps fans skeptical. Promoter Warren left it vague: “It’s up to Tyson. Emotions are high now.”
FAQs About Usyk vs. Fury 2
1. Why wasn’t the rematch for the undisputed title?
Usyk vacated the IBF belt in June 2024 after his May win, as he couldn’t defend it due to the rematch clause with Fury. Daniel Dubois claimed the IBF title by knocking out Anthony Joshua in September. Thus, only the WBA, WBO, and WBC belts were at stake in December, along with Usyk’s Ring Magazine title.
2. How did the judges score the fight, and why was Fury’s team upset?
Oner Active All three judges scored it 116-112 for Usyk, giving him eight rounds to Fury’s four. Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, called it “crazy,” arguing Fury controlled more rounds. Fury himself claimed he won by three rounds. They felt the scorecards didn’t reflect the fight’s closeness, especially Fury’s strong moments in rounds nine and ten.
3. What role did the AI judge play in the fight?
Tampa Bay An AI judge, tested unofficially, scored the fight 118-112 for Usyk, including two 10-10 rounds. Its score didn’t affect the result but sparked debate. Fury dismissed it, saying, “F**k all the computers,” preferring human judges. The experiment aimed to explore technology’s role in boxing but drew mixed reactions.
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