Usyk vs Fury 2: Highlights from epic rematch

Notably, Usyk defeated Fury and became the world champion in the heavyweight division, holding the WBC, WBA, and WBO titles. The rematch, which took place at the packed Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, lasted all 12 rounds. As in their first meeting, the Ukrainian boxer won by decision. However, this time, it was unanimous — three judges scored the fight 116-112.

After the fight, Usyk raised a unique artifact — a saber belonging to the great Ukrainian Hetman Ivan Mazepa, dated to the 17th century.

The blade bears the inscription: "My every hope I place in you, Mother of God, keep me under your protection!" On the right side of the blade are two candles, two angels, and a crowned Madonna with a child and a sprig. This depiction of the Madonna is called The Everblooming Flower.

Usyk with Mazepa's saber (photo: facebook.com/K2Ukraine)

Usyk with Mazepa's saber (photo: facebook.com/K2Ukraine)

Interesting facts surrounding the Usyk-Fury fight

The rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will be remembered not only for its sporting significance but also for the numerous details that made this event unique.

In particular, both athletes earned record sums for the fight. Usyk reportedly made around $114 million, while Fury earned $76 million. As a result, the Ukrainian champion set a personal earnings record, as he only received $38 million for their first fight.

Before the match, the Ukrainian boxer was prohibited from kissing his cross during the fight. However, the issue wasn’t religious. During the first match, Usyk had kissed the cross during breaks between rounds, and some boxing fans, during the broadcast, thought the champion was using an inhaler with a PED (a substance that enhances endurance). As a result, Usyk faced accusations of doping during the fight.

Of course, Usyk, his team, and the organizers of the first fight rejected all accusations. However, this time, they decided to avoid any potential controversies. They ruled that only a water bottle straw could touch the boxers' lips during the fight.

It is also interesting that, for the first time in the history of world boxing, an artificial intelligence-based referee monitored the fight to eliminate bias and human error in scoring. However, the verdict of the AI referee did not influence the official results of the match, as the head of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, Turki Alsheikh, stated that the experiment was purely demonstrative.

Notably, the day before the fight, Usyk met with Ukrainian soldiers who came to support the champion in Riyadh.

Additionally, on the same day, the athlete talked with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During the phone call, the Ukrainian president asked Oleksandr not to beat Fury too hard, as the UK is the partner of Ukraine and helps it in the fight against the Russian aggressor.