In a riveting heavyweight rematch, Oleksandr Usyk retained his title against Tyson Fury, maintaining his status as the undisputed champion. The fight, held in Saudi Arabia, saw Usyk secure victory through a unanimous decision, with judges scoring the match 116-112 in his favor.
While the bout itself was a spectacle, it was surrounded by controversy over Fury’s choice of attire. Fury entered the ring with unusually high trunks, leading to speculation that this was a strategic move to reduce the impact of Usyk's renowned body shots. Fury’s thick beard, contrasting his previous clean-shaven appearance, also drew attention.
Additionally, the match stirred controversy regarding Usyk’s inability to have his cherished crucifix in his corner, a stark change from their last bout when he frequently kissed the cross—a gift from Greek monks—during rounds. Fury's promoter, Frank Warren, explained the decision, citing regulations that allow only water to touch a fighter's lips during the match.
The undercard featured a standout performance by rising heavyweight star Moses Itauma, who swiftly defeated Australia's Demsey McKean, further solidifying his reputation in the heavyweight division.
Elsewhere in the event, the decision to award Johnny Fisher a split-decision victory over Dave Allen for the WBC inter-continental heavyweight championship was met with strong criticism from commentators and fans who believed Allen was the clear winner.
Looking forward, Usyk hinted at a possible return to the cruiserweight division, feeling he has little left to prove at heavyweight. This move could potentially reshape the division, presenting new opportunities and challenges for current cruiserweight champions like Australia’s Jai Opetaia.
In the post-fight celebrations, Usyk wore a striking t-shirt emblazoned with the phrase "ορθοδοξία ΘΆΝΑΤΟΣ" in Greek, meaning "Orthodoxy or Death." This bold statement reflects Usyk’s deep-rooted cultural and religious beliefs, reinforcing his identity and personal convictions. Despite being unable to have his crucifix in the ring, Usyk found a way to express his spiritual values, adding a profound dimension to his victory narrative.
As the boxing world digests this latest chapter, attention turns to the future paths of Usyk and Fury, as well as the broader implications for the heavyweight and cruiserweight divisions.