Brilliant bout reveals harsh truth for Fury and Usyk
The Independent|December 23, 2024
Oleksandr Usyk is the king of the modern heavyweights and has left in his slipstream the ruins of every giant boxer he has faced in the ring.
STEVE BUNCE
Brilliant bout reveals harsh truth for Fury and Usyk

On Saturday night in Riyadh, Usyk fought to a standstill once again in a gruelling clash with Tyson Fury. It was their rematch and it was personal and brilliant.

At the end of 12 rounds, Usyk won an oddly wide unanimous decision to retain his championship belts and his crown as the king of the heavyweights. The three identical scores of 116-112, which meant Usyk won eight and Fury just four of the completed rounds, was harsh on Fury, but the right man had his hands raised.

Usyk had to once again find a way to overcome disadvantages in height, reach and weight to win; Fury was about five inches taller and 55lb heavier. Usyk has mastered the art of beating big men by using his feet, his timing and, ultimately, his desire to win.

At the end, as Usyk fell to his knees in prayer and Fury dipped down to kiss his great opponent’s head, both men had the scars and bruises from the fight. Usyk’s face was swollen, reddened, but his icy-cold stare remained in place. It is not easy being the king in the land of the giants, but Usyk has found a way.

Fury never put a foot wrong, but was just beaten to the punch on too many occasions and once again found out that Usyk had an answer for all of his usual tricks.

This story is from the December 23, 2024 edition of The Independent.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 23, 2024 edition of The Independent.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE INDEPENDENTView All
I created the perfect book for my dad with dementia
The Independent

I created the perfect book for my dad with dementia

Many people start to spot a change in their loved ones during Christmas festivities. When it happened to Matt Singleton, an expert in ageing, he was able to do something about it...

time-read
5 mins  |
December 23, 2024
The truth about the cost of this year's Christmas dinner
The Independent

The truth about the cost of this year's Christmas dinner

The cost of Christmas dinner has fallen this year. So, when you,re greeting the son of God on happy Christmas morning, you can do so in the joyous knowledge that you°ve spent 15 pence less on sprouts than you did in 2023.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 23, 2024
Brilliant bout reveals harsh truth for Fury and Usyk
The Independent

Brilliant bout reveals harsh truth for Fury and Usyk

Oleksandr Usyk is the king of the modern heavyweights and has left in his slipstream the ruins of every giant boxer he has faced in the ring.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 23, 2024
Rodri's absence leaves City and Silva looking tarnished
The Independent

Rodri's absence leaves City and Silva looking tarnished

Bernardo Silva was back at the scene of perhaps his greatest goal for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola was eulogising one of his favourite footballers.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 23, 2024
Cherries again find hapless United ripe for the picking
The Independent

Cherries again find hapless United ripe for the picking

Ruben Amorim's Manchester United staggered into Christmas on the back of a chastening 3-0 home loss to an impressive Bournemouth side that now are up to fifth in the Premier League standings.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 23, 2024
Liverpool bask in applause thanks to Angeball's flaws
The Independent

Liverpool bask in applause thanks to Angeball's flaws

Are you not entertained? After the seven-goal thriller came the excitement of nine goals.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 23, 2024
Ten dead and dozens hurt after plane crash in Brazil
The Independent

Ten dead and dozens hurt after plane crash in Brazil

A light aircraft crashed into buildings in a Brazilian town yesterday, killing all 10 passengers on board and injuring more than a dozen people on the ground.

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
Sending weapons to Taiwan is playing with fire, US told
The Independent

Sending weapons to Taiwan is playing with fire, US told

China has warned the US that sending weapons to Taiwan is akin to “playing with fire” and risks severe consequences.

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
'We do not know what our destination, our fate is yet'
The Independent

'We do not know what our destination, our fate is yet'

As Syria marks the overthrow of the Assad regime, Bel Trew meets Aleppo’s Christian residents beset by uncertainty

time-read
6 mins  |
December 23, 2024
'My little teddy bear didn't do anything to anybody'
The Independent

'My little teddy bear didn't do anything to anybody'

Mother’s tribute to boy, 9, killed in attack on German market

time-read
2 mins  |
December 23, 2024