On December 22, 2024, the boxing community found itself buzzing with excitement and debate following Oleksandr Usyk’s remarkable unanimous decision victory over Tyson Fury. This match, which took place after their initial encounter in May 2024 that ended controversially with Usyk winning by split decision, has ignited a myriad of reactions from boxing pundits and former champions alike. Among the prominent voices were legendary boxers Lennox Lewis, Tony Bellew, and Anthony Crolla, who expressed their views on the fight’s outcome and the performance of both fighters.
Usyk, a 37-year-old Ukrainian, managed to maintain his undefeated record, and the judges unanimously favored him in this rematch, which led to mixed feelings among those watching. Notably, all three judges scored the fight in his favor, a decision that many found contentious. Lewis, the former undisputed heavyweight champion, shared his perspective on BBC Radio 5 Live, admitting that while he did not score the match, he believed it to be closer than the judges suggested. He remarked that Fury had deserved more recognition during the bouts.
Crolla echoed these sentiments, stating that although Usyk deserved the victory, he thought the match was tightly contested. He expressed that the differences between the two athletes were not as vast as the final scores indicated, indicating his belief in the fight’s competitive nature. Bellew, another former world champion who had faced Usyk in the ring back in 2018, also commented on the scoring, declaring it being “too wide.” Nevertheless, he affirmed Usyk’s capabilities asserting that he felt the Ukrainian should be credited with the win due to his effective pressure and work rate throughout the fight. Bellew, known for his candor, offered respect to Fury for taking on the challenge again, emphasizing the warrior spirit Fury displayed in the ring.
The fight had its dynamics shift as Fury, who entered the match weighing a career-high 20 stones and 1 pound, seemed to dominate the early rounds. However, as time passed, Usyk showcased his superior boxing acumen, skillfully landing significant punches of his own and dictating the pace of the fight. Johnny Nelson, a former WBO cruiserweight champion, noted on Sky Sports that he perceived the match to be a lot closer than the final scores indicated, reinforcing the contention that the judges may have miscalculated the bout’s intensity.
Moreover, a notable discussion arose from the viewpoints of promoters involved in the fight. Frank Warren, representing Fury, expressed disappointment with the judges’ scoring, questioning how his fighter could secure only four rounds. Meanwhile, Team Usyk, led by Alex Krassyuk, felt that the judges’ decision was just, highlighting their satisfaction with the score and showcasing their confidence in Usyk’s performance.
The aftermath of the fight reveals a boxing landscape filled with contrasting opinions on the judging and the fight dynamics, reflecting the nuances of boxing as both a sport and a spectacle. Fighters and analysts alike continue to dissect the performances of Usyk and Fury, demonstrating the complexities of scoring and judgment in boxing matches. While Usyk celebrates his victory, discussions about the future matchups for both fighters loom, emphasizing the ongoing drama and excitement in the world of boxing. The passion surrounding boxing remains palpable, showcasing the impact of such high-profile matches on fans and professionals alike.
As the world turns its attention to upcoming boxing events, the reactions born from this match will continue to influence narratives within the sport, fostering debate, and perhaps leading to future rematches, as both Usyk and Fury aim to solidify their legacies in the ring.
