Usyk's Victory over Fury 2: Exploring Usyk's Future Prospects
On a Saturday, Oleksandr Usyk boosted his career wins to 23-0 by securing a unanimous decision triumph over Tyson Fury in an eagerly awaited rematch. Usyk, who outclassed Fury in their initial encounter in May to claim the undisputed heavyweight championship, improved his record against Fury to 2-0. With the defeat, Fury slipped to 34-2-1. Shortly after his victory was acknowledged, the topic of discussion shifted to what the future holds for Usyk.
The probability for Usyk is a potential confrontation with the victor of the forthcoming battle between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker. This upcoming bout is set to take place on February 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with Dubois' IBF heavyweight title at stake.
Dubois claimed the IBF title, a title Usyk had retained following his victory over Fury, after the organization refused Usyk's request to sidestep a mandatory challenge from Dubois to allow him to retain the title until his rematch with Fury.
As a result of the IBF's decision, Usyk willingly surrendered the belt just weeks after his first fight with Fury. Dubois, whom Usyk had previously knocked out in August 2023, won the interim IBF title in June 2024, following a TKO victory over Filip Hrgovic. With Usyk forfeiting the belt, Dubois was declared the undisputed IBF champion. A title he successfully defended in September with a knockout victory over Anthony Joshua.
Dubois, disregarding Parker, entered the ring upon Usyk's win, awkwardly calling for a rematch with Usyk. "I want my revenge! I want my revenge, Usyk," Dubois revealed during Usyk's in-ring interview. "Well done tonight. God bless, but I want my revenge. Let's get it! Let's go!"
Usyk responded, "Make a fight with Daniel Dubois. Thank you so much." "Yeah, no problem. I'm ready. Next fight, no problem," Usyk affirmed during his interview. "Now I'm going back home for a little bit of rest, but I'm ready."
"It's too early to mention Daniel Dubois' name," Usyk said later.
"Now I want to go back home, rest, turn off my phone, sit and look in the sky and how the trees grow.
"Not think about Dubois [or] Tyson Fury. Just rest and play with my children."
Eddie Hearn On What’s Next For Oleksandr Usyk
Following Usyk's victory over Fury on Saturday, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn shared his view on Usyk's potential future plans, who retained the WBA, WBC, and WBO title with his win.
"I don’t really see any other fights for Oleksandr Usyk, but one thing I will tell you is don’t count your chickens,” said Hearn. “I don’t think Daniel Dubois will necessarily beat Joseph Parker."
"I think Joseph Parker is on a tremendous run of form. He’s in the shape of his life, he’s extremely confident. But Dubois has a lot of confidence himself.
"If you’re looking at the future for Oleksandr Usyk, I guess it is to try and pick up that spare belt again that he let go."
BetOnline has Dubois listed as the -260 favorite over Parker for their upcoming matchup. Parker comes in as the +200 betting underdog.
Usyk Vs. Fury 2 Results And Reaction:
Usyk and Fury both made improvements for the rematch, with Fury showing significant improvement throughout the fight. He eschewed the clowning and showboating, kept his weight up, and prevented Usyk from cornering him to unleash a barrage of punches.
Meanwhile, Usyk ensured that Fury could not mount any sustained offense. While Fury had gained an advantage during the middle of their initial battle, Usyk remained focused throughout the rematch, even if he lost some rounds during that stretch. Whether it was in the final rounds or elsewhere, Usyk ensured that whenever Fury scored, he made an effort to respond and finish strong, effectively hindering Fury's offense. Usyk relentlessly pressed forward, leaving no space or time for Fury to recoup.
Fury performed admirably, but Usyk was superior in the rematch. There seems to be a specific opponent Usyk has mastered, and it appears Fury is one of them. It is difficult to pinpoint specific areas for Fury to improve in order to defeat Usyk. Perhaps he could have been more assertive and aggressive in the final rounds. Nevertheless, it is hard to envision Fury having the energy to counter Usyk in the latter stages of the fight.
The judges made an accurate call, unanimously declaring Usyk the victor.
Fury should not lose any goodwill or respect from fight fans and analysts following his loss to Usyk, but rather, their appreciation for Usyk should increase substantially.
"I've got plenty of confidence, I believed I emerged victorious again in that bout," Fury declared post-fight. "I reckon I've got a touch of the Holmes syndrome. I thought I came out on top in both encounters, but here I am, two Ls on my record. Guess there's not much I can do about it. All I can do is give it my all and perform at my best. I'll always maintain this belief until my last breath: I believed I won that fight."
Usyk vs. Fury 2: Usyk's Reflections
"Tyson Fury pushes me, motivates me. He's an excellent adversary," Usyk shared during his press conference following the fight.
"He's a massive, powerful boxer. An amazing individual. I hold Tyson Fury in high esteem. It's now part of boxing history."
As for the future of Oleksandr Usyk, one thing is certain: it will be an epic encounter.
After securing a unanimous decision win over Tyson Fury in their rematch, Oleksandr Usyk's focus shifted to potential future opponents. Eddie Hearn, Matchroom promoter, suggested that Usyk may aim to reclaim a spare title he had relinquished earlier, likely referencing the IBF title held by Joseph Parker, who was set to face Daniel Dubois in a highly anticipated bout. Dubois had previously been knocked out by Usyk, but had since claimed the interim IBF title and successfully defended it against Anthony Joshua. Following Usyk's victory, Dubois had entered the ring to call for a rematch with the champion.
