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:
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and latest updates LIVE
- Anthony Joshua’s scorecard: ‘AJ’ hands Ukrainian razor-thin decision
- Usyk beats Fury by UD with all three judges scoring fight 116-112
- REPORT: Oleksandr Usyk outpoints Tyson Fury again to retain titles and end rivalry
- Official scorecards: Two judges give Fury only one round from rounds 6-12
- Fury reacts to loss to Usyk: ‘I’m not going to cry’
Usyk v Fury 2: Eddie Hearn urges ‘Gypsy King’ to face Anthony Joshua
01:00 , Jack RathbornEddie Hearn: “The reality is, there’s only one fight for Fury: Anthony Joshua. It’s the biggest fight in the history of British boxing.
“It wasn’t a flat performance, it didn’t look like his punch resistance was in question. He might be in the peak of his powers, just not good enough to beat Usyk.
“One at Wembley, then back out for Riyadh Season.”
Tyson Fury reacts to loss to Oleksandr Usyk
00:45 , Jack Rathborn“I was quite confident, I thought I won that fight again, both fights, but then again I’ve gone home with two losses on my record, not much I can do about it, I’ll believe until the day I die I won the fight,” Fury said.
“I was on the front foot all night, sometimes it’s hard to score. I feel a lot of people scored it 7-5, Frank had me three or four rounds up, I’m not going to cry.
“I’ll always feel a little bit hard done by, not a little bit, a lot, when you don’t get a knockout, you can’t guarantee a win.”
Usyk v Fury 2 official scorecards
00:30 , Jack RathbornHere are the official scorecards:
The judge’s scorecard from Usyk vs Fury 2#UsykFury2 pic.twitter.com/ShuATF1SpH
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) December 21, 2024
Who could Usyk fight next?
00:15 , Jack RathbornDaniel Dubois stormed the ring with a strange and perplexing call-out for Usyk.
He was competitive against Usyk in their first fight before being knocked out and now he’s much better and, of course, holds the IBF belt that Usyk tossed away in order to face Fury once again.
Could Jai Opetaia be a future opponent for Usyk? Hearn seems to think so, not quite yet though, surely?
Joseph Parker, of course, will also hope to factor into the conversation, if he beats Dubois, he could be next.
REPORT: Oleksandr Usyk outpoints Tyson Fury again to retain titles and end rivalry
00:15 , Jack RathbornOleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury on points on Saturday to do the double over the Briton, retaining the unified heavyweight titles in the process.
Usyk had beaten Fury on points in May, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years. That result in Riyadh kept the Ukrainian unbeaten, while Fury tasted defeat for the first time as a professional.
And on Saturday, in the same Saudi city, Usyk repeated the result, outpointing Fury again to retain the unified titles. This time it was clearer, too, with Usyk a 116-112 winner on all three scorecards, after he won via split decision in May.
While Usyk’s first victory secured him undisputed status at heavyweight – after he previously reigned as undisputed cruiserweight king – the southpaw vacated the IBF title in June. As such, only the WBC, WBO and WBA belts were up for grabs in Saturday’s rematch.
Usyk outpoints Tyson Fury again to retain heavyweight titles and end rivalry
Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 23:49 , Jack Rathborn
Usyk v Fury 2 reaction
Saturday 21 December 2024 23:46 , Jack Rathborn"I had it very close, I couldn't split it," Eddie Hearn says. “All three judges had it the same way. I had it a draw, one round, I thought it was close. We’ll watch it back, but I found it difficult to pick a winner.”
Sergio Mora: “Fury made adjustments, he hit the body, he was going for uppercuts. Usyk took it right back though, it was a close fight, but there was a clear winner.”
Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 23:36 , Jack RathbornDaniel Dubois is in the ring! He barks at Usyk, demanding a rematch!
He says: “I want my revenge, for a robbery last time, where's Frank [Warren]? Let's make it happen.”
Usyk will gladly oblige: “Turki, make this fight!”
Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 23:34 , Jack RathbornUsyk: “I win, thank god.
“Maybe I’m training, good preparation, my wife helped me. My sons won a competition today too, in judo, my sons won a judo belt, orange and green, my son talked to me, ‘papa, you next!’ I said, ‘OK, I try.’”
Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 23:31 , Jack RathbornAll three judges score the fight 116-112 to your winner and... STILL! The champion retains his heavyweight world titles.
Usyk does enough, Fury wheels away in disappointment, no rage there, perhaps acceptance, it was wider this time.
Usyk v Fury 2: Anthony Joshua’s scorecard
Saturday 21 December 2024 23:30 , Jack Rathborn- R1: Fury
- R2: Fury
- R3: Usyk
- R4: Usyk
- R5: Fury
- R6: Usyk
- R7: Usyk
- R8: Usyk
- R9: Fury
- R10: Fury
- R11: Usyk
- R12: Even
Usyk 115-114 Fury
Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 23:25 , Jack RathbornRound 12
Fury almost slapping the right jab with a backhand, Fury then clubbing the right uppercut there.
Swiping shots, it’s aggressive, two minutes left... Joshua has it 105-104 to Usyk.
Fury with a good one-two... He’s got to go for it now.
Fury is tagged twice on the ropes, he roars and comes back, this one is closer, but Fury needs more!
Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 23:21 , Jack RathbornRound 11
Six minutes, will Fury change something and take a risk? Darren Barker says Team Fury look nervous ringside. Barry Jones has flipped and believes Usyk is ahead, Sergio Mora says the champ is “comfortably ahead”. But Joshua has it level, he gave the 10th to Fury.
Fury clings on then leaves a gap down low for Usyk to deliver four body shots. Lovely work.
That’s a big left! Huge shot! Fury took it well though, but Usyk bringing out the big shots late here.
Fury pushed back and now throwing much in return. But Fury does bring a right uppercut on the bell as he peels away from the ropes. One more round... “Your moment is now,” says SugarHill. Spencer Brown, Fury’s manager tells DAZN he thinks it’s even.
Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 23:17 , Jack RathbornRound 10
Usyk with a cut to his left eye, Fury then rams a right down the middle, aggressive start to the round. He grabs Usyk and is forced to separate, a mostly clean fight in fairness.
Joshua gave Fury the last round, that closes it up to a 5-4 lead to Usyk on his card.
Thudding shot from Fury, but as he leans in another big left from Usyk. Both men grappling towards the end of the 10th, really going for it as a gap briefly opens up. Then BANG! Clean left and Fury held on, he took it well.
Another body shot ripples Fury’s mid-section, Fury with the gamesmanship, throwing his head from side to side. But another Usyk round, you would think, now down a couple for Indy Sport.
Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 23:14 , Jack RathbornRound 9
Good body shot from Fury! And another one, two in fact, left and then a right, but Usyk returned the favour with a left hook.
Usyk jabbing low to the body. AJ has Usyk two points up through eight.
Clean jab from Usyk, then a great combination, Fury’s gut ripples and then he takes one more up top too.
Usyk brushes the gut once more, another left, this is a punishing pace for Fury to cope with.
Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 23:10 , Jack RathbornRound 8
The fight is in the balance here, Fury with a clubbing left hook, Usyk scurries away.
But then the champion launches in with a pair of hooks that brush Fury’s head. It’s another good Usyk round as he storms into range at the end there, real purpose to his work tonight and not merely content to dance and pinch the rounds.
Oscar De La Hoya urging Fury to keep busy. Joshua has Usyk up following the seventh...
Usyk has landed 11 more punches now and thrown five less...
Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 23:04 , Jack RathbornRound 7
Usyk just outlanding Fury for now, 37-25, with connection rate 72 percent to Fury’s 62 percent. Barry Jones still has this for Fury...
Usyk’s upperbody movement is a problem, Fury pokes out the jab, he then takes another heavy left. Usyk has flipped this fight in the last four minutes after Fury’s own mini wave of momentum.
Fury feeling the pace, sucks in some air, back in southpaw, he clings on after Usyk lunges in and lands again.
After six rounds, Joshua had this even, his card in full:
- R1: Fury
- R2: Fury
- R3: Usyk
- R4: Usyk
- R5: Fury
- R6: Usyk
Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 23:00 , Jack RathbornRound 6
Can Usyk change it here? This gameplan is effective from Fury: Take the middle of the ring, walk Usyk down and tag him to the body.
Joshua has Fury up 48-47 now... A great one-two from Fury, fast and accurate hands, but Usyk is back in front and showing angles to keep Fury on his toes.
Another clean shot to Fury’s body, the combinations coming out now, a left lands upstairs, it’s majestic boxing.
OH! Usyk with a heavy shot, to Fury’s head, he dabs at the left eye... That hurt him. Tagging him for fun in the final 30 seconds.
Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 22:57 , Jack RathbornRound 5
Fury’s round again, for Joshua, 38-38... Interesting.
Fury with a big shot, Usyk holds on, that shook him a little, now Fury leans on the champ, hoping to impose that size advantage. Usyk now dabbing at his nose.
Centre of the ring, still, Fury is growing in confidence, down low to the body, attritional damage. Fury doing a lot of work in there, but another right to the body, Usyk responds, a grin from the champ as he absorbs one in return. Fury in the ascendency!
Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 22:52 , Jack RathbornRound 4
Was the third Fury’s round? Perhaps. These are close, Barry Jones believes Fury is winning the fight, so a different view. But Usyk has outlanded Fury 29-23 with a higher connection rate 40 percent to 23 percent. Those numbers reflect what Joshua has seen. AJ gives the third to Fury, 29-28 to Usyk on his card.
Fury taking the centre of the ring... But BANG! Big left hand from Usyk, a huge shot, Usyk rewarded for that activity and intent.
Usyk ducks under and out of range, but Fury times a right, then the body...
What a round! Usyk’s round, you might think, based off that big left.
“It could go either way,” Dubois says at ringside. “I don’t know [if Fury needs to attack the body], let the best man win. It’s just a good fight. Of course, I’m here for that [facing the winner].”
Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 22:48 , Jack RathbornRound 3
A shot to the back of the head lands on Usyk, he has a grumble... Fury rolling out of trouble, leading with that left shoulder as a shell.
It’s 2-0 to Usyk, according to ‘AJ’, fascinating insight from a man who shared 24 rounds with the Ukrainian remember.
Good work from Fury with the jab, a classy match this. Usyk bounces one to the top of Fury’s head. A jab to the body lands for Fury, that’s better. Fury back in a southpaw stance, blood to the nose of Usyk, is he turning the screw a little? That was closer.
Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 22:45 , Jack RathbornRound 2
Anthony Joshua is scoring this fight live for DAZN, he gives the first to Usyk.
The champ looks phenomenal, the left is like a piston, Fury unable to throw with real intent now.
Fury has the range-finder with the left, then attempts to bring down the right, but he can’t time him. Usyk is like a wasp, in and out of range, but lingering longer than usual, real intent.
BANG! Fury with a big right, the most meaningful shot of the fight so far you’d suggest, but Usyk’s round once again.
Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 22:39 , Jack RathbornRound 1
We’re underway, Fury’s eyes widen, Usyk doesn’t blink, despite some late trash talk.
Remember, the line on Fury’s shorts, it’s high, could that be a tactic to avoid his body being peppered by the champion?
Fury in orthodox stance, he’s aggressive, as we thought. Usyk conceding the centre of the ring, both men jabbing furiously.
Fury is MASSIVE in there, huge bulk around his mid-section, but plenty of movement upstairs, the fists fluttering in front of Usyk, who is targeting the body with straight shots.
Usyk got in!! Oh, one-two and he got into range, Fury attempted to chop down. That looping left hook from Usyk is dangerous, the speed!
A left hand gets through again, just after a high guard lured Fury into a commitment, a slight twitch, this is chess inside that ring. High level stuff and a tight round.
Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 22:38 , Jack RathbornFury 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.
Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 22:37 , Jack RathbornHere 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.
Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 22:32 , Jack RathbornFirst the national anthem for Saudi Arabia, now the United Kingdom... Ukraine is next and then we’ll get this rematch underway...
Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 22:28 , Jack RathbornHere comes the champ! Usyk strides to the ring, leading the security too.
Compatriot Vasyl Zhadan’s song, ‘Brothers’, rings around the Kingdom Arena, it’s iconic and so is Usyk’s look.
A blue and yellow jacket, he bows in his corner and makes a prayer. It’s time!
Well, first the anthems...
Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 22:24 , Jack RathbornMariah 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.
Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 22:21 , Jack RathbornCarl Frampton with a huge statement on TNT Sports: “If Fury doesn't win the fight inside the first three rounds, in that shape I don't think he can win the fight!”
Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 22:19 , Jack RathbornA 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...
Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 22:13 , Jack RathbornWe’ve just seen Fury in his dressing room and, unsurprisingly, he looks HUGE!
A reminder of that weight factor, then, Fury has a 55-pound advantage. He tipped the scales, admittedly in clothes, at 281 lbs.
Usyk is down at 226 lbs, so could this fight depend on Fury’s success early? If he isn’t on top, could Usyk dance in the second half and wear him down?
Sweet Caroline is playing in the Kingdom Arena, so that means we’re pretty close to the ring walks.
Usyk v Fury 2: Main event up next
Saturday 21 December 2024 22:09 , Alex PattleUsyk was a split-decision winner in the first fight.
Fury looked in control as the fight passed the midway point, but Usyk rallied in stunning fashion, with round nine proving decisive.
In that round, the Ukrainian almost stopped Fury, who was battered around the ring for almost a minute, falling into the ropes and getting a standing count.
Usyk then finished strong to secure the decision.
In the end, the scorecards read: 115-112 and 114-113 to Usyk; and 114-113 to Fury.
Usyk v Fury 2: Main event up next
Saturday 21 December 2024 22:02 , Alex PattleAnyone else getting butterflies now? The main event is UP NEXT.
Fury is getting his gloves laced backstage, as we speak.
Usyk will be doing the same, if he hasn’t already done so.
Twelve rounds scheduled, with the unified heavyweight titles on the line.
The unbeaten Usyk, the champion, in one corner; former champion Fury in the other, aiming to avenge his first ever loss – to Usyk in May.
Usyk v Fury 2: Teen sensation Moses Itauma and Demsey McKean meet at heavyweight
Saturday 21 December 2024 21:52 , Alex PattleOne 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.
Usyk v Fury 2: Serhii Bohachuk takes on Ishmael Davis in super-welterweight clash
Saturday 21 December 2024 21:21 , Alex PattleRound 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.
Usyk v Fury 2: Serhii Bohachuk takes on Ishmael Davis in super-welterweight clash
Saturday 21 December 2024 21:17 , Alex PattleSo, that knockdown: Bohachuk and Davis were leaning on each other, and the Ukrainian just shoved away the Briton with his shoulder, then landed the left hook RIGHT on the nose!
Round 3
Lots of pressure from Bohachuk, as is his way – but also with him understandably buoyed by the knockdown.
He closes the distance to Davis and leans on him again, before unloading hooks off both sides. It’s great work, but the crowd voices support for Davis as he rallies now!
Oh, that said, he’s cut by Bohachuk with perhaps the final punch of the round!
Round 4
I wonder if Davis could benefit from going orthodox. His form is deserting him a bit, under constant pressure from Bohachuk.
Encouraging moment for Davis now, though. He’s landed some strong single shots, and he’s getting back to his combinations.
Both men land hard punches late in the round. Bohachuk’s right hand staggers Davis somewhat...
Usyk v Fury 2: Serhii Bohachuk takes on Ishmael Davis in super-welterweight clash
Saturday 21 December 2024 21:05 , Alex PattleTwo more fights before the main event! First up, Ukraine’s Serhii Bohachuk vs Britain’s Ishmael Davis, in a super-welterweight bout. Davis is stepping in for the ill Israil Madrimov.
Round 1
Bohachuk is the favourite, but Davis has landed some clever, imaginative combinations early on, and he connects with one really nice right hand now!
Bohachuk does well to absorb that and keep pressing forward. Davis switches stances here and there.
Round 2
Great head movement by Davis, in a southpaw stance, then a counter combination. Later, Bohachuk ties up the Briton and wears on him in the clinch.
OH! Brilliant left hook by Bohachuk, at point-blank range, and Davis goes down heavily!! He’s back up, he’s okay to continue, and there are only 20 seconds left in the round... He stays mobile and makes it to the bell!
Usyk v Fury 2: Johnny Fisher and Dave Allen produce gripping heavyweight scrap on undercard
Saturday 21 December 2024 20:48 , Jack RathbornWe go to the judges’ scorecards, we have a split decision!
95-94 to Fisher, 96-93 to Allen, and 95-94 to your winner and now the WBA Intercontinental heavyweight champion... JONNY FISHER!!!
Boos ring around the Kingdom Arena... You have to say, that is not a good decision, heartbreak for Allen.
“Nonsense,” says Sergio Mora on the broadcast. It’s a bitter moment for Allen, he surely did enough.
Usyk v Fury 2: Johnny Fisher and Dave Allen produce gripping heavyweight scrap on undercard
Saturday 21 December 2024 20:42 , Alex PattleRound 10
Here we go then, a huge moment for Allen, he’s three minutes from the biggest win of his career, surely he’s up?
Both men battle into the corner, trying to work some room, this is Allen’s game though.
Huge right from Fisher as Allen begged him to exchange. Allen thumps his chest, he drops to his knees at the final bell, has he won the first belt of his career? He’s in tears. Remarkable emotion, this is what it’s all about.
Usyk v Fury 2: Johnny Fisher and Dave Allen produce gripping heavyweight scrap on undercard
Saturday 21 December 2024 20:34 , Alex PattleRound 8
Sergio Mora has it 66-66 on his unofficial scorecard for DAZN. A body shot from Fisher, lands clean, now Allen swings a left hook.
Both men drop their hands in the eighth, incredible, digging down low, the pace isn’t dipping though.
Fisher then brushes off the referee, that was a bit naughty.
LEFT HOOK! Allen lands a bomb, Fisher’s chin is something else though. As the bell goes, Fisher’s waist bends, he leans over the top rope.
Round 9
A clubbing shot from Allen brushes the top of Fisher’s head. But back comes the younger man, one-two as Allen leads in front of him, no need to look far to find the target.
Allen then shoves Fisher down, which earns him a talking to.
A lungeing left jab from Allen as he falls in. The experience of Allen, leaning on Fisher, shoving him once more over the top rope. This is draining the energy from Fisher. UPPERCUT! “Ohhhhh,” shouts Moore in his corner. He lit a rocket for his fighter and my word has he delivered.
Usyk v Fury 2: Johnny Fisher battles Dave Allen in heavyweight scrap on undercard
Saturday 21 December 2024 20:32 , Alex PattleRound 6
Allen wrestling with Fisher in the sixth, they’re exhausted, but if either create some space, they can finish this fight.
Fisher not able to put a dent in a gutsy Allen, who delivers a stunning left hook to stagger Fisher once more. The speed from Allen, would you believe it!?
Fisher looked hurt again, this one narrowing up on the cards with the 10-8 round, too. “Don’t miss it,” says Jamie Moore in the corner. What an opportunity for Allen to cause a huge upset.
Round 7
Fisher with the check left hook, smart shot, then he skips back, a shuffle, even, which is laughable really given the previous few rounds.
What on earth are we watching? Who wants it more? A fight built on guts, desire and grit. They touch gloves at the end. Remarkable, Allen putting everything on the line.
Right uppercut, left hook in that round from Allen was sensational really, amid some messy exchanges. How did Fisher survive?
Usyk v Fury 2: Johnny Fisher battles Dave Allen in heavyweight scrap on undercard
Saturday 21 December 2024 20:23 , Jack RathbornBOOM! Allen with a heavy, heavy shot, DOWN GOES FISHER!
This is a stunner, Fisher with a low shot, again, a truly shocking fifth round! Instead of complaining, this time he connects with a heavy, whipping hook that clocks Fisher and he tumbles.
Fisher then back to his feet, in survival mode, they’re both exhausted in there. Blood all over the face of Fisher.
It’s not high quality, but my word, Allen with a huge left hook, then two more shots just brushing the back of Fisher, luckily for him.
Usyk v Fury 2: Johnny Fisher battles Dave Allen in heavyweight scrap on undercard
Saturday 21 December 2024 20:17 , Jack RathbornFisher measuring Allen by holding out a glove, then the big right comes in, many ringside shuddering as that shot bounces off the White Rhino.
But this is better from Allen, some intent, variety and making Fisher think. He’s losing the rounds, but Allen helping to make the pace respectable here. Three rounds gone and Fisher has probably won them all though.
Usyk v Fury 2: Johnny Fisher battles Dave Allen in heavyweight scrap on undercard
Saturday 21 December 2024 20:06 , Alex PattleFisher v Allen is up next, a fun heavyweight bout between fighters at the opposite ends of their careers.
Here we go then, a real pair of characters, for the WBA Intercontinental championship.
Dave Allen aiming to test Johnny Fisher’s potential, sparring many rounds, the respect is there, but who will prevail?
Darren Barker revealing what he knows about the pair’s sparring in the gym. Just like that, hugely inexperienced move from Allen. Low from Fisher, and Allen turns to the referee with his opponent pouncing on him with a punishing combination.
Shades of Mayweather vs Ortiz there, luckily Allen didn’t clock one clean, time to regroup...
Isaac Lowe boxes Lee McGregor in pundits’ pick for fight of the night on Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 19:54 , Jack RathbornAnother point off for Lowe, the gum guard slips out, this is astonishing, have you ever seen anything like it? It is stopping the flow of the fight and McGregor is fuming, too, but he shouldn’t be, he’s miles ahead and surely minutes from victory.
We go to the judges’ scorecards: 96-92, 97-91, 97-91, all in favour WBC international featherweight champion... ‘Lightning’ Lee McGregor!
Flower of Scotland and the pipes can be heard ringing around the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
Isaac Lowe boxes Lee McGregor in pundits’ pick for fight of the night on Usyk v Fury 2
Saturday 21 December 2024 19:46 , Jack RathbornLowe up early at the start of the ninth, a bit of urgency given he is surely down on the judges’ scorecards.
Attacking McGregor’s body, it’s getting scrappy now. Sergio Mora had the Scot up 6-2 with DAZN’s unofficial scorecard.
Lowe pinned McGregor to the ropes and whipped the body shots in, some real success there in the ninth. He looked a little wobbly, too. Life in this one, yet?
OH! Costly from Lowe, spitting the gum guard out, it's been about five times now, there's a point off! How crucial could that be? Lowe is putting his foot on the gas, a knockout is all that can save him now. The gum guard slips out again, astonishing. He’s furious, he kicks the stool in anger. Wasted energy. One more round...
Isaac Lowe boxes Lee McGregor in pundits’ pick for fight of the night
Saturday 21 December 2024 19:28 , Alex PattleTo emphasise the see-saw nature of this contest, it’s like every time Lowe seems to hurt McGregor, McGregor returns the favour.
Round four sees lots of phone-booth fighting, with each man landing digging body shots. Eventually, McGregor puts Lowe in the corner, and out comes Lowe’s mouthguard. A classic trick to buy time?
Into the fifth round, and McGregor is warned again for leading with his head.
A slow-motion replay shows him landing heavily with his forehead before his right hand connects, and he grazes Lowe’s cut in the process.
McGregor is boxing well, though, overall. But Lowe has a couple of good moments late in the round, and he mocks the Scot.
Isaac Lowe boxes Lee McGregor in pundits’ pick for fight of the night
Saturday 21 December 2024 19:20 , Alex PattleMcGregor with some effective uppercuts, before he and Lowe clinch and are asked not to lead with their heads.
Lowe is trying to manhandle McGregor in the clinch, holding the Scot and dragging him about.
McGregor with some tidy combinations now. His single shots are well selected too: an uppercut to the body, a hook to the head.
Lowe is having his own success, though. This one is very back and forth, as expected.
Four rounds gone. Ten scheduled overall.
Isaac Lowe boxes Lee McGregor in pundits’ pick for fight of the night
Saturday 21 December 2024 19:12 , Alex PattleNext up, Fury’s teammate Isaac Lowe faces Scotland’s Lee McGregor at featherweight!
Many pundits believe that this fight could steal the show tonight.
Lowe favours the body of McGregor in the early phases, before the latter tags the Englishman with a good hook upstairs!
Now Lowe lands a heavy shot to the head, before both men land simultaneous hooks! This one is living up to the hype early on...
More body work from Lowe, and another moment where they land hooks at the same time.
McGregor with a stern right hand late in the round! Great start to the fight.
Peter McGrail beats late replacement Rhys Edwards in super-bantamweight bout
Saturday 21 December 2024 18:56 , Alex PattleA thrilling contest gets a thrilling end! Both men carry on throwing punches until the final bell!
This one could go either way. We await the judges’ scorecards...
Peter McGrail def. Rhys Edwards via unanimous decision 96-95, 96-94, 96-94.
A great fight. Both men gave their all. Huge respect to them!
Peter McGrail faces late replacement Rhys Edwards in super-bantamweight bout
Saturday 21 December 2024 18:41 , Alex PattleSome really encouraging stuff from Edwards in round four, as he backs McGrail up to the ropes and slings uppercuts to the head and hooks to the body.
McGrail paws at his cut after that barrage from his opponent. His torso and white shorts are painted with streaks of his own blood.
McGrail does better in round five, though, arresting momentum to keep this one close as we hit the midway point.
Through seven rounds, this has been a really fun fight. McGrail had success in the middle rounds, with Edwards seemingly feeling the pace, but the latter has flipped the script a little in recent minutes – punishing McGrail to the body.
Peter McGrail faces late replacement Rhys Edwards in super-bantamweight bout
Saturday 21 December 2024 18:26 , Alex PattleEdwards looks so fired up to be here.
He tags McGrail with a few hard shots early on, using nice shot variation, as McGrail presses forward in his southpaw stance. But McGrail is having success as well, changing angles nicely, moving his head cleverly, and switching targets from head to body.
Stinging jabs by Edwards now, before McGrail attacks the body. Two fun rounds to get this one up and running.
McGrail is dripping blood from the outside end of his right eyebrow. It seems a clash of heads caused the cut.
Whether or not Edwards is now intentionally attacking the wound, he is landing there – with sharp jabs and shrewd hooks.
One to watch...
Edwards seems to have a small cut over his left eye, actually. Three rounds gone.
Early results as Fury vs Usyk 2 undercard gets up and running
Saturday 21 December 2024 17:13 , Alex PattleAndrii Novytskyi def. Edgar Ramirez via unanimous decision (100-90, 100-90, 98-92).
Those scorecards are much too wide in favour of Novytskyi, even though he was the right winner.
Daniel Lapin def. Dylan Colin via unanimous decision (100-90, 99-91, 99-91).
No arguing with these scorecards.
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk both at career-heaviest weights for rematch
Saturday 21 December 2024 16:00 , Alex PattleTyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk both tipped the scales at career-heaviest weights on Friday, ahead of their heavyweight title rematch.
In May, Usyk beat Fury via split decision to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years. The result also kept the Ukrainian unbeaten, while Fury suffered the first loss of his professional career.
Tonight the Briton will try to avenge that defeat and take the unified belts from Usyk, who vacated the IBF title in June. The boxers will clash in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – the same city where they duelled in May.
And on Friday, the rivals weighed in for their rematch, with Fury stepping on the scales first at 281lb/127.4kg, a career-heaviest weight.
Usyk, 37, then tipped the scales at 226lb/102.5kg, also a career-heaviest weight. Both the southpaw and Fury were fully clothed when they weighed in, however, which could affect Usyk’s personal record.
Fury hasn’t spoken to wife ‘in three months’ while training for Usyk
Saturday 21 December 2024 14:00 , Alex PattleTyson Fury has revealed the sacrifices he’s made in his efforts to win his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk.
The former heavyweight world champion bids to win the WBC, WBO and WBA titles in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday after dropping a split decision in May this year for his first professional loss of his career.
But Fury has now detailed the lengths he has gone in an attempt to beat the Ukrainian this time, even claiming to have gone on 14 runs and performed 14 strength sessions on a two-week holiday earlier this year.
While ‘The Gypsy King’ has also been away from his family and cut off communication entirely to focus on the rematch.
“I’ve not spoken to Paris for three months,” Fury told TNT Sports. “Not a word, not spoke to anyone, not been on my phone, I’ve been away from it all. I just wanted to give myself the best opportunity I can.
“I don’t want to keep dividing modes from beast mode, to Dad mode, wife mode, I’ve not spoken to anybody on the phone, that’s it. I’ve just been in the camp the whole time.”
Tyson Fury carries out baffling open workout as Oleksandr Usyk dances in ring
Saturday 21 December 2024 13:30 , Alex PattleDuring his brief ‘workout’, Tyson Fury mouthed the words “hurt” and “damage” repeatedly.
“It was a little workout,” Steward laughed. “We gave it our best. Tyson Fury is just ready right now, along with myself. He’s always had like a silly demeanour and [been] playing around, but this is a different side of him. He’s just ready, 100 per cent ready.”
Fury was followed in the ring by Oleksandr Usyk, who shadow boxed and danced while a band outside the ring played a song that seemed to include the lyrics “Oleksandr Usyk”.
Usyk, 37, was asked about Fury’s strange workout and simply replied: “Okay.”
The unbeaten Ukrainian defends the unified heavyweight titles on Saturday, having vacated the IBF belt in spring.
Ruling made on Tyson Fury’s beard after Oleksandr Usyk’s team raise concern
Saturday 21 December 2024 11:14 , Alex PattleTyson Fury will reportedly not have to trim his beard for his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk tonight.
Fury, who claimed he cut himself off from his family during an intense training camp, has sported a long beard this week, as he aims to avenge his sole professional loss – a split decision against Usyk in May. That result kept Usyk unbeaten and saw him crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years.
And ahead of tonight’s second meeting in Riyadh, where Usyk defends the unified belts this time, the Ukrainian flagged Fury’s beard as a potential concern.
Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk told The Independent: “Beard rule is grossly violated, so Tyson’s beard has to be trimmed. We will push it further.”
Krassyuk also highlighted the WBC’s rules, specifically: “A boxer may [sport] a trimmed beard and/or moustache as long as, [at] the discretion of the commission and the supervisor, the facial hair thickness does not: (1) cushion or in any way affect the impact or trajectory of punches; or (2) cause cuts or abrasions to his rival.”
However, Sky Sports reported that Fury will not have to trim his beard.
Fury, 36, has alternated between being clean shaven and sporting a beard in recent years. In his first fight with Usyk, 37, he was clean shaven, while he had a shorter beard against Francis Ngannou last October.
Arguably his thickest beard to date was on display during his trilogy fight with Deontay Wilder in 2021, when the Briton stopped his rival for the second time in three fights – after they initially drew in 2018.
New: Third judge for Fury vs Usyk confirmed as coin flip settles dispute
Saturday 21 December 2024 10:59 , Jamie BraidwoodThe third judge for Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight championship rematch has been confirmed, with a coin toss settling the dispute between rival camps ahead of tonight’s showdown in Saudi Arabia.
Fernando Barbosa had been set to score the bout in Riyadh, but he withdrew due to illness late on Thursday before he could fly to Saudi Arabia.
Fury and Usyk’s teams were split on which judge should replace Barbosa and Fury’s promoter Frank Warren reportedly suggested that a coin toss should settle the issue.
But it has now been confirmed that Ignacio Robles will join officials Pat Morley and Gerardo Martinez at ringside. Steve Weisfeld, who made the journey to Saudi Arabia on Thursday night, was also in contention, but the coin toss determined Robles will officiate instead.
How much money are Fury and Usyk making?
Saturday 21 December 2024 09:00 , Jamie BraidwoodReports suggested that the overall purse for the first fight was around $150m (£116m), with Fury taking roughly 70 per cent of that.
For the rematch, the purse is reported to be closer to $191m (£150m), and while the split has not been disclosed, Usyk should earn a greater percentage than he did in May – as the A-side this time around.
How much prize money will Fury and Usyk earn in title rematch?
