Top duel in the heavyweight division: Usyk remains boxing king – next mega fight beckons

After the renewed demonstration of power in the heavyweight division, the drum was drummed in the ring for Oleksandr Usyk’s next mega fight. IBF world champion Daniel Dubois crashed the winner’s interview, congratulated the Ukrainian on his second triumph against Tyson Fury and demanded several times: “I want my revenge!” Usyk turned to the organizer and said dryly: “Organize me a fight against Daniel Dubois. Thank you very much.”

A new World Cup unification match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is certainly to the liking of powerful sports official Turki Al-Sheikh. At least there is nothing more to be gained from the boxing duel Usyk against Fury. Seven months after the first duel, the three-time world champion also won the World Cup rematch – this time even unanimously on points.

Congratulations from Zelenskyj and Klitschko

There were presidential congratulations from the war-torn homeland. “Victory! So important and so necessary for all of us now,” wrote Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj on Telegram. With the successful defense of the world titles of the WBC, WBA and WBO associations, Usyk demonstrated that the Ukrainians were not giving up what was theirs, added Zelensky.

Vitali Klitschko, once heavyweight champion like Usyk and now mayor of Kiev, also congratulated his compatriot. “The victory today is not just yours personally – it is a victory for Ukraine,” he wrote. Brother Wladimir, about whom there are rumors of a comeback, was live on site and described Usyk, who is still undefeated in 23 professional fights, as a “true legend”.

After the last of twelve thrilling laps ended, relief initially set in. Usyk (37) fell to his knees and Fury (36) kissed his bald head. The Brit knew long ago that the Ukrainian had inflicted the second defeat of his career. But afterwards the eccentric complained publicly about the verdict – all three referees had scored 116:112 for Usyk.

Fury feels betrayed

The former champion, who saw himself as the winner in both fights, complained that he had been “robbed”. “I think Usyk got a Christmas present, but it’s not Oleksandr’s fault.”

Fury offered strong resistance at times and also scored a few dangerous headshots on the favored opponent. But the victory deservedly went to the more active and technically clean boxing athlete. Fury was a “great fighter,” said Usyk, who thanked the Brit for a total of “24 incredible rounds in my career.”

In May, after defeating Fury on points, Usyk became the first boxer since Lennox Lewis more than 25 years ago to be crowned the so-called “Undisputed Champion” – he secured all world titles from the four major world associations. Because he did not defend his title, the IBF belt has now been awarded to Dubois.

Will Usyk take back the IBF title now?

Usyk and Dubois have already faced each other in the ring, in August 2023. Usyk prevailed through a technical knockout, but Dubois had at least sent the dominator to the boards once and felt cheated out of the victory in view of the subsequent low blow discussion.

Usyk has no problem settling things with Dubois once and for all. “I’m ready,” he said. But now he wants to “go home” and “recover a bit”. He dedicated the victory to his own mother and “all mothers in Ukraine.”

Criticism of Saudi Arabia is rather quiet

Usyk and Fury once again put on a great show for their high millions of dollars, and the discord around the venue was barely audible. Saudi Arabia, which has been criticized for its human rights record, is also trying to improve its image through major sporting events. In the boxing scene, however, this is viewed less critically; a possible World Cup unification fight Usyk against Dubois is also likely to take place in Riyadh.