The boxing world has been captivated by the rivalry between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, two of the most skilled heavyweights of their generation. Their highly anticipated rematch, which took place on December 21, 2024, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was a defining moment in the sport. This article dives deep into the details of the Usyk vs. Fury rematch, covering the fight date, results, key moments, undercard, and what fans have been searching for online. Drawing from the latest available information, we aim to provide an engaging and informative guide to this historic boxing event.
The First Fight – A Historic Clash
On May 18, 2024, Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury faced off in a blockbuster fight billed as the “Ring of Fire.” The bout, held at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, was for the WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring undisputed heavyweight championship. Usyk emerged victorious via split decision, with scorecards reading 115-112 and 114-113 in his favor, while one judge scored it 114-113 for Fury. This victory crowned Usyk as the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999 and the first in the four-belt era.
The fight was a tactical masterpiece, with both fighters showcasing their unique styles. Fury, known for his size, reach, and unorthodox movement, dominated rounds five through seven with powerful uppercuts and body shots. However, Usyk turned the tide in the eighth and ninth rounds, landing a barrage of punches that culminated in a knockdown in round nine. Fury was saved by the bell, but Usyk’s relentless pressure secured the win.
The Rematch Clause and Announcement
The contract for the first fight included a bilateral rematch clause, allowing the loser to demand a second bout. Fury, adamant that he had won the initial fight, quickly activated the clause, with October 2024 initially floated as a potential date. However, due to the grueling nature of the first encounter, the rematch was rescheduled for December 21, 2024, as confirmed by posts on X and various reports.
The announcement fueled speculation and excitement, with fans eager to see if Fury could avenge his only professional loss or if Usyk would solidify his dominance. The rematch was not for the undisputed title, as Usyk had vacated the IBF belt in June 2024, which was claimed by Daniel Dubois. Nonetheless, Usyk’s WBA, WBO, WBC, and The Ring titles were on the line, making the stakes monumental.
The Fight Date and Venue
The Usyk vs. Fury rematch occurred on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This venue, a hub for major boxing events, also hosted the first fight and other high-profile bouts like Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou. The event was scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. GMT (11:00 a.m. ET), with the main event ring walks targeted for approximately 10:00 p.m. GMT (5:00 p.m. ET).
Why Riyadh?
Riyadh has emerged as a global boxing capital, thanks to significant investments from Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector, led by figures like Turki Alalshikh. The Kingdom Arena’s state-of-the-art facilities and the country’s ability to host massive pay-per-view (PPV) events made it the ideal location. The choice of Riyadh also ensured a neutral venue for both fighters, avoiding any home-country bias.
The Fight: Results and Key Moments
The Outcome: Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury by unanimous decision in their rematch, retaining his WBA, WBC, WBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles. All three judges scored the fight 116-112 in favor of Usyk, a more decisive verdict than the split decision in their first encounter. This victory improved Usyk’s professional record to 23-0 (14 KOs) and handed Fury his second career loss, leaving his record at 34-2-1 (24 KOs).
Round-by-Round Highlights
The rematch was a tactical chess match, with both fighters making adjustments from their first fight. Here’s a breakdown of key moments, based on reports from sources like The Athletic, Sporting News, and Forbes:
Rounds 1-3: The fight started cautiously, with Usyk taking the initiative. He landed precise jabs and body shots, while Fury relied on his jab to keep distance. Usyk edged out the early rounds with his higher punch accuracy.
Rounds 4-5: Fury found some success with a big left uppercut in round five, his best punch of the fight to that point. However, Usyk absorbed the shots and responded with sharp combinations, targeting Fury’s midsection.
Rounds 6-8: Usyk began to assert control, landing heavy body shots that slowed Fury’s work rate. Fury’s punch success ratio dropped to 28.3%, compared to Usyk’s 42.3%. Usyk’s relentless pace and footwork frustrated Fury, who struggled to find openings.
Rounds 9-10: Fury showed resilience, landing a solid right uppercut and one-two combinations. However, Usyk’s counters and body work kept him ahead. The Sporting News noted that Fury couldn’t hurt Usyk, who remained composed under pressure.
Rounds 11-12: Usyk closed strongly, maintaining his energy and landing thumping shots. Fury pushed forward but was outworked, with Usyk’s combinations sealing the victory. The final round saw both fighters exchange blows, but Usyk’s precision prevailed.
Usyk outlanded Fury 179-144, showcasing superior accuracy and volume. The unanimous decision reflected Usyk’s dominance, though Fury and his promoter, Frank Warren, expressed frustration, calling the result “nuts” and an “early Christmas gift” to Usyk.
Post-Fight Reactions
Usyk: In the ring, Usyk praised Fury as a “great fighter” and “unbelievable opponent,” noting the significance of their 24 combined rounds across two fights. He welcomed a potential rematch with Daniel Dubois, who challenged him post-fight.
Fury: Fury was defiant, insisting he won both fights and suggesting bias in the judging. He avoided immediate interviews but later expressed disappointment, hinting at retirement.
Promoters and Analysts: Frank Warren called the scorecards “nonsense,” while Eddie Hearn and others felt the decision was fair, given Usyk’s technical brilliance. Fans on X echoed mixed sentiments, with some praising Usyk’s mastery and others believing Fury was hard done by.
The Undercard: Rising Stars and Exciting Bouts
The Usyk vs. Fury 2 undercard featured several notable fights, showcasing both established and up-and-coming boxers. Here are the results, as reported by sources like ESPN and The Tennessean:
Moses Itauma def. Demsey McKean by TKO in Round 1 (Heavyweight): The 20-year-old prospect Itauma delivered a devastating knockout, reinforcing his status as a future star.
Serhii Bohachuk def. Ishmael Davis by TKO in Round 6 (Light Middleweight): Bohachuk overcame a late replacement opponent in Davis, who stepped in after Israil Madrimov’s withdrawal due to bronchitis.
Johnny Fisher def. Dave Allen by split decision (Heavyweight): This all-British clash was competitive, with Fisher edging out a victory.
Lee McGregor def. Isaac Lowe by unanimous decision (Featherweight): McGregor’s technical prowess secured a clear win.
Peter McGrail def. Rhys Edwards by unanimous decision: McGrail dominated in this featherweight bout.
Daniel Lapin def. Dylan Colin by unanimous decision: Lapin maintained his unbeaten record.
Andrii Novytskyi def. Edgar Ramirez by unanimous decision: Novytskyi outpointed his opponent.
Mohammad Alakel def. Joshua Ocampo by unanimous decision: Alakel rounded out the card with a victory.
The undercard, broadcast live on DAZN PPV, started at 3:30 p.m. GMT and provided fans with a mix of knockouts and competitive decisions, setting the stage for the main event.
Streaming and Broadcast Options
The rematch was a PPV event available on multiple platforms:
DAZN PPV: Priced at £24.99 in the UK and $39.95 in the US, the purchase included a seven-day free trial of DAZN. The fight was accessible on smartphones, smart TVs, game consoles, and web browsers.
Sky Sports Box Office: Priced at £24.95 in the UK and €27.95 in Ireland until midnight on December 20, 2024, with prices increasing slightly for late bookings. Two repeat showings aired on December 22.
TNT Sports: Available in the UK, alongside DAZN and Sky Sports, with live updates on ESPN.
DAZN offered watchalongs with personalities like True Geordie and ShowBiz, and commentary in multiple languages. The broadcast team included Kate Scott, Ade Oladipo, Andy Lee, and Eddie Hearn, among others.
VPN for International Viewers: For fans traveling or unable to access their usual streaming services, a VPN was recommended to unblock platforms like DAZN or Sky Sports. This ensured global access to the live stream and replays.
What’s at Stake?
Titles on the Line: Usyk defended his WBA, WBO, WBC, and The Ring heavyweight titles. The IBF belt, vacated by Usyk in June 2024, was not contested, as Daniel Dubois had become champion and defended it against Anthony Joshua in September 2024. A win for Usyk solidified his status as the top heavyweight, while Fury aimed to reclaim the belts and avenge his loss.
Legacy and Future Fights
For Usyk, the victory cemented his legacy as one of boxing’s all-time greats, having been undisputed champion in both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. Post-fight, Daniel Dubois challenged Usyk for a rematch, aiming to unify the titles again. For Fury, the loss raised questions about his future. On January 13, 2025, he announced his retirement, though he has retired and returned multiple times before. A potential fight with Anthony Joshua remains a fan favorite, but Fury’s immediate plans are unclear.
The Bigger Picture: Usyk and Fury’s Impact on Boxing
Usyk’s Rise to Greatness: Oleksandr Usyk’s journey from cruiserweight to heavyweight is a testament to his skill and determination. As a former undisputed cruiserweight champion, he moved up to heavyweight in 2019 and defeated top names like Anthony Joshua (twice), Daniel Dubois, and Tyson Fury. His 23-0 record, technical mastery, and ability to overcome size disadvantages make him a pound-for-pound great.
Fury’s Legacy: Tyson Fury, the “Gypsy King,” remains one of boxing’s most charismatic and resilient figures. His wins over Wladimir Klitschko, Deontay Wilder, and Dillian Whyte, combined with his comeback from mental health struggles, have earned him a lasting legacy. Despite the losses to Usyk, his size, skill, and showmanship keep him among the elite.
The Heavyweight Division: The Usyk-Fury rivalry has reshaped the heavyweight landscape. With Dubois holding the IBF title and fighters like Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker in the mix, the division is vibrant. Usyk’s potential rematch with Dubois could unify the titles again, while Fury’s next move, whether retirement or a return, will shape future matchups.
FAQs
What is the Usyk vs Fury fight location?
The location for the Usyk vs Fury fight has not been confirmed yet. However, it is widely speculated that the fight could take place in the UK, where Tyson Fury is based, or in Saudi Arabia, which has become a prominent location for major boxing events due to lucrative financial offers. Discussions regarding the venue are still in progress.
What title will be on the line in the Usyk vs Fury fight?
The fight is expected to be for the undisputed heavyweight title. Oleksandr Usyk currently holds the WBA, WBO, and IBF heavyweight titles, while Tyson Fury holds the WBC heavyweight title. This fight will determine the first undisputed heavyweight champion in boxing since Lennox Lewis in 2000.
Why is the Usyk vs Fury fight so important?
The Usyk vs Fury fight is crucial because it will crown the first-ever undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era. Both fighters are undefeated, making the matchup even more thrilling. The bout will decide who truly rules the heavyweight division, unifying all the major world titles.
Has the Usyk vs Fury fight been delayed?
Yes, the Usyk vs Fury fight has faced multiple delays. Several factors, including negotiations, the timing of other fights, and financial considerations, have impacted the finalization of the match. However, both camps remain committed to making the fight happen, with 2025 being the target for the showdown.
Who is favored to win between Usyk and Fury?
Betting odds and expert opinions have varied. Tyson Fury is often seen as the slight favorite due to his size, power, and experience, particularly after his victories over Deontay Wilder. However, Oleksandr Usyk’s technical mastery and superior footwork have earned him considerable respect, with many seeing him as a formidable challenge. It’s a very evenly matched fight.
In Summary
The Usyk vs. Fury rematch on December 21, 2024, was a defining moment in heavyweight boxing, showcasing two of the sport’s finest talents. Oleksandr Usyk’s unanimous decision victory solidified his status as the division’s king, while Tyson Fury’s valiant effort underscored his enduring appeal. From the electrifying undercard to the global PPV broadcast, the event captivated fans worldwide.
For those searching for details on the fight date, results, or how to watch highlights, this guide covers it all. As Usyk looks to unify the titles once more and Fury contemplates his future, the boxing world eagerly awaits the next chapter in this storied rivalry. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, the Usyk vs. Fury saga is a reminder of why boxing remains the sweet science.
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