A t a time when armed conflict is rampant, boxing, often the whipping boy of the sports world, can set a far greater example of how to settle differences in a sane manner. Yes, boxing is dangerous, we all know that, and it appeals to a primeval need for violence. But at times it can also be glorious, so let’s hope the hottest heavyweight rematch in some time lives up to its potential. Except for the boxers, the best way to fight is vicariously. As we count down the days to Oleksandr Usyk-Tyson Fury II, let’s scrutinize their first fight. See what we can find. Why did Usyk win? Why did Fury lose? And could the second fight produce a different result? The rematch will be held at the same venue as last time, the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on December 21, 2024. It’s the sort of fight you want to see, but you also keep your fingers crossed. Another injury postponement would be unbearable. A brief account of the first Usyk-Fury fight might at least provide clues to some of the queries. After all, it’s been the talk
of the boxing world ever since the ring announcer proclaimed that the southpaw Usyk had won a 12-round split decision and the undisputed heavyweight championship. The biggest head-scratcher was Fury’s unexpected fade over the second half of the fight. What a stunning turnaround. He had boxed well, worked the body, jolted Usyk with a right uppercut in the sixth round and was ahead on the official scorecards going into the eighth. Then, suddenly, in the ninth round, The Gypsy King fell apart like a cheap watch. When Usyk’s left hook slammed home, Fury knew he was in trouble, maybe in more trouble than ever before. Usyk seized the moment and unleashed a fusillade of punches, most of which landed on Fury’s head and sent him floundering around the ring like an octopus on ice skates. One of Usyk’s wallops propelled The Gypsy King into the ropes, which prevented Fury from going down or flying out of the ring like a human cannonball. Technically, referee Mark Nelson could have called it a knockdown, and a few seconds later when Fury sagged to the canvas in a corner, Nelson gave him an eight count. Fury was in dire trouble but somehow managed to finish the round on his feet. One thing that could have helped Fury would have been to take a knee after fielding the left hook that rocked his world. It would have given him an opportunity to pull himself together. But The Gypsy King is not that kind of fighter; pride would never allow him to genuflect in a boxing ring. Two of the judges, Mike Fitzgerald and Craig Metcalfe, both scored it 114-113 – Fitzgerald for Usyk, Metcalfe for Fury. Manuel Oliver Palomo’s tally was slightly wider than his colleagues, giving Usyk a 115-112 advantage. My score was 114-113 for Usyk, the difference being the knockdown. Yep, it was close, damn close. Forget the numbers; the delirious ninth round will always be the focal point of the fight. Usyk’s attack was magnificent, as was Fury’s wonky bravery. Although Fury has been knocked down eight times in his pro career, he usually pops right up like a Jack-in-the-Box, ready to rumble. A single blow delivered by a terrifying
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