The focus of the boxing world turns to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where Oleksandr Usyk rematches Tyson Fury for the heavyweight championship of the world (with all due respect to Daniel Dubois). Back in May at the Kingdom Arena, Usyk was able to pull the upset by defeating the bigger Fury over 12 tightly contested rounds.
The scorecards read 114-113, 113-114 and 115-112 in what was a split verdict for Usyk.
This fight really was that close, and it was one that played out over three chapters. The early round saw Usyk jump out to good start as he used his trademark movement behind his southpaw stance. This wasn't too big of a surprise as the Ukrainian regularly out-boxes his opponents. But in the middle innings, Fury began to assert himself as he was able to get to the body of Usyk on a consistent basis. Landing hard right uppercuts to the ribs of Usyk. At this point it seemed like the bigger man was going to be the better man on this night.
Riyadh Season
But at the end of the eighth frame, Usyk landed a solid left that buzzed Fury. Then late in the ninth, Usyk struck 'the Gypsy King' with a shot that had him stumbling around the ring like a guy who had a few too many pints during happy hour at the local pub. While Fury never left his feet, he was certainly hurt and was staggering around the ring for a good half minute. A knockdown was ruled by referee, Mark Nelson, with just under 10 seconds to go in the ninth as Fury stumbled into the corner.
UNDISPUTED CHAMPION CROWNED | Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk Fight Highlights (Ring of Fire)
Usyk had done more than score a 10-8 round, more importantly he had turned the momentum of this fight. He did enough in the championship rounds to surge past Fury and become the recognized heavyweight champion of the world. While there are some Fury loyalists out there who believe their man received a dubious decision, the consensus is that the right man had his hand raised in victory.
Riyadh Season
Now the question is, can he do it again?
The reality is that in the first encounter he was behind, and looked to be getting worn down by the size of Fury. But it has to be said that perhaps Usyk's greatest strength isn't anything physical or even technical, but his ability to weather the storm and hold himself together mentally. Case in point, as Anthony Joshua edged closer to him in their rematch, Usyk was able to find another gear and quell his rally in the 10th. If there was ever a fighter in the modern era to have the 'clutch gene', it's this guy.
Fury contends that he was the rightful winner of the first bout. In his view, while he admittedly got stung, Usyk never actually got him off his feet. But you wonder, does either fighter change their approach in the rematch knowing that the Fury could be hurt by a boxer he derisively referred to as ''the rabbit''?
DAZN
There is still a considerable size advantage in favor of Fury, who is listed at 6'9 and weighed 262 pounds back in May. While the 6'3 Usyk came in at 223.5. But this is nothing new for Usyk, who has regularly faced much larger men since he migrated up from the cruiserweight class.
Most of the tangibles still favor Fury, but the intangibles lie with Usyk. While Fury has been able to toy with past opponents psychologically with his antics. The equally idiosyncratic Usyk has been his equal in that department. He almost seems impervious to the barbs coming from Fury.
There's also this, while Fury is a somewhat inconsistent boxer who has had a hard lifestyle, Usyk is among the most consistent and has lived clean. Then there is also what took place in their original match-up.
The opinion here is that if he can do it once, I don't see why he wont be able to do it twice.
CONWELL
Didn't get to fit this into my last column where the past weekend's action was discussed, but I was really impressed by the outing put forth by junior middleweight Charles Conwell. He dispatched of the previously undefeated Gerardo Luis Vergara over seven rounds at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, where he displayed his solid all-around skills.
Conwell (21-0, 16 KOs) is a guy who does everything well in the ring, and at age 27 is now entering his physical prime. Yeah, some will say that he should've already fought for a title, but he's had some promotional and managerial issues that have hampered his development.
Cris Esqueda/GBP
Looking at the landscape at 154, I don't see that many guys that I would clearly favor over him. It will be interesting to see how Golden Boy Promotions guides him moving forward. Currently he is ranked number nine by Ring Magazine, and has high as three in the WBO (whose belt is held by Sebastian Fundora).
He looks like a guy who is ready to make a move at junior middleweight in 2025.
