It wasn't that long ago that pundits were stating that Tyson Fury was among the greatest heavyweights, ever. Well, in that case -- what does that make Oleksandr Usyk? On Saturday night he defeated 'the Gypsy King' for the second time at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia.
All three ringside arbiters had Fury by the scores of 116-112 across the board.
And don't let anyone tell you differently, that was the reality of the fight. While the likes of Frank Warren, Bob Arum and Eddie Hearn all had a vested (and biased) interest in the outcome of this contest, to any unbiased observer it was clear that Usyk was the clear winner. While there were a number of relatively close rounds, there is no argument for Fury getting his hands raised in victory on this night.
Mark Robinson/Matchoom Boxing
“I’m not the judges, I’m an athlete. It’s not my decision, I win. Thank you, God," said a grateful Usyk in the immediate aftermath. But there was no need to thank any higher power. He didn't need any divine intervention or prayer, Usyk was the superior man, once again.
The power brokers and the business of boxing wanted a trilogy, Usyk simply didn't allow it to become a possibility. It's not that Fury fought a bad fight. To the contrary, he would still be the favorite over just about any other heavyweight on the planet -- just not Usyk.
ALL TIME CLASSIC | Riyadh Season: Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 Fight Highlights
Many of the advantages that Fury generally has against this generation of heavyweights is more than neutralized against the multi-faceted Usyk. Fury, even with his mammoth size (listed at 6'9, and weighing 281 for this rematch) is generally the more mobile man in the ring, and with a higher ring IQ. However, Usyk, who is at least a few inches shorter, and was 55 pounds the lighter man, bests him in those departments.
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Fury came into this bout 19 pounds bigger than their first bout in May. The general consensus was that he would bully the smaller Usyk around the ring and smother him the way he did Deontay Wilder in their rematch. The only problem with that line of thinking is that Wilder with his spindly legs and flawed footwork provided a much more stationary target and became a pin to his bowling ball.
Usyk on the other hand, has the feet of Fred Astaire, and utilizes constant upper body movement and feints that constantly threw off the rhythm of Fury, who could really only land sporadic single shots on the Ukrainian butterfly.
Meanwhile, not only did Usyk effectively, he once again employed an effective left hand. Unlike most boxers, he doesn't just launch it after a jab, but many times he leads and counters with it. Then he will vary the target from the body, to the head. Many times his shots over the top are set up by constant lefts downstairs.
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
As you watched this fight unfold, early on it did look a little bit like their first encounter with Usyk boxing well early on. Fury had his best round of the night in the fifth, landing several solid blows to the defending champion. But really that was his only definitive one of the night, as Usyk regained control in the sixth.
Down the stretch, it was Usyk who had the stronger finishing kick. He landed numerous lashing left hands that snapped the head back of Fury. No, he didn't stun him the way he did in round nine of their first clash, but he was more consistent in landing that punch throughout the rematch. Meanwhile, Fury faltered down in the championship rounds. Bigger was not better for him. More was less.
This scribe happened to be doing the Ring Watch-Along with Doug Fischer (for DAZN) and during this broadcast we discussed where Usyk would be all-time with another victory. Before the main event I maintained that with not even close to 30 professional bouts (his current mark is now 23-0, 14 KOs) it was a bit tough to make that argument for him. But perhaps he should be graded in the context of the era he fights in.
Ring Magazine
During his heavyweight run he now has two victories over Fury, and another two against Anthony Joshua, and a stoppage over Daniel Dubois (who currently has IBF strap). Brits better hope he's never matched versus Big Ben.
Then you take a look at his cruiserweight run where he cleaned out the division on his way to winning the Muhammad Ali Trophy in the World Boxing Super Series. Usyk finished up his run there by taking care of Tony Bellew in grand style at the Manchester Arena.
Most of these victories have come in hostile territory as the road fighter. Usyk is a boxer without a home, but the ring is always his domain. This guy has scored more conquests on foreign land than Genghis Khan. It's as good a resume' as you'll find in modern day boxing. It truly is quality over quantity.
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
As for any pound-for-pound discussion, ask yourself this, is there any other boxer who has to face the physical disadvantages that Usyk does on a consistent basis? Just about every fight he goes in there giving up at least two or three inches in height, and at least a couple of dozen lb's. This is the very definition of 'pound-for-pound'.
Y'know what, maybe this guy really is an all-time great.
