Usyk, victorious in a war against Fury

By William Dumoulin
Photo credit: Ring Magazine

This Saturday, live from the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 K.-O.) took on the man nicknamed “The Gypsy King”, Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 K.-O.), in a highly anticipated rematch. Their first confrontation, last May, offered an incredible spectacle worthy of the great fights in the queen category.

Ukrainian victorious over the Gypsy King
Similar to their first clash, this rematch between the world's top two heavyweights was a veritable tactical war. Despite Fury's huge weight advantage (281 lbs to Usyk's 226 lbs), the Ukrainian technician used his speed and mobility to counter his opponent. The two boxers fought a true technical and strategic battle, when the majority of rounds could have been decided either way.

At the end of this incredible 12-round duel, Usyk emerged victorious by unanimous decision of the judges (116-112 X 3). One thing's for sure, boxing fans will be hoping for a third fight between these two pugilists. Usyk thus retains his status as undisputed champion of the queen category. This triumph also consolidates his place as best pound-for-pound boxer, having been undisputed champion at light-heavyweight and heavyweight.

Moses Itauma enters the big leagues
For his fourth and final fight of 2024, promising heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma (11-0, 9 KOs) faced his greatest career challenge against Australian southpaw Demsey McKean (22-2, 14 KOs). Itauma wasted no time, sending McKean to the mat twice with powerful left-handed jabs. With this explosive victory, Itauma sends a clear message to the heavyweight division: he's ready for the big fights.

Serhii Bohachuk back on the winning track
Ukrainian Serhii Bohachuk (25-2, 24 KOs) was back in the ring after his controversial loss to Vergil Ortiz Jr last August. This time, he faced Britain's Ishmael Davis (13-2, 6 KOs). Bohachuk dominated the first six rounds, prompting Davis' corner to stop the fight before the start of the 7th engagement.

Other fights of the evening:
- Johny Fisher (13-0, 11 K.-O.) defeated David Allen (23-7-2, 18 K.-O.) by split decision (95-94 X 2, 93-96).
- Isaac Lowe (25-2-3, 8 KOs) defeated Lee McGregor (14-1-1, 11 KOs) by unanimous decision (97-91 X 2, 96-92).
- Peter McGrail (11-1, 6 K.-O.) defeated Rhys Edwards (16-1, 4 K.-O.) by unanimous decision (96-94 X 2, 96-95).
- Daniel Lapin (11-0, 4 KOs) wins the IBF International light-heavyweight title over Dylan Collin (14-1, 4 KOs) by unanimous decision.
- Andrii Novytskyi (14-0, 10 K.O.) defeats Edgar Ramirez (10-2-1, 4 K.O.) by unanimous decision (100-90 X 2, 98-92).
- Mohammed Alakel (2-0, 0 KO) defeats Joshua Ocampo (8-34-5, 6 KO) by unanimous decision (60-53 X 3).