The Ring Of Fire: Everything You Need to Know

Background

After Oleksandr Usyk upset Derek Chisora in 2020, Anthony Joshua in 2021 and 2022, and Daniel Dubois in 2023, it was clear that the ex-cruiserweight champion had his eyes on the prize - Tyson Fury.

And just two months after Usyk beat Dubois via a KO in the 9th round, he and Fury took it to social media and let the boxing world know that one of the most anticipated matchups in the heavyweight division is finally happening.

Before Oleksandr Usyk had Tyson Fury on his radar, in the years prior, the “Gypsy King” came out victorious in one of the sport's greatest trilogies against Deontay Wilder. In 2022, Fury would also defeat by TKO both Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora, and in 2023, he’d claim a win over the ex-UFC Heavyweight Champion, Francis Ngannou via a split decision.

Before the two titans of the division collided, Tyson Fury was on a 7 fight winning streak with an undefeated professional record. As for Usyk, the Ukrainian came forward with a perfect professional record of 21 wins, 0 draws, and 0 losses.

Their staggering history in the boxing world, achievements in the sport, and remarkable professional records are what made Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk I so special and that’s exactly what will make upcoming events featuring the two fighters ones for the history books.

Main Event Analysis & Statistics

The first round between the two was a discovery round - each fighter testing the other’s range, timing, and reactions. Tyson Fury used his jab effectively to measure distance, while Oleksandr Usyk managed to land a heavy blow that didn’t seem to affect Fury in the last few seconds of round number 1. All judges scored the first round 10-9 in favour of Usyk.

Rounds two and three were a lot faster-paced. In what seemed like an even bout, both Fury and Usyk landed some excellent shots. Two of the three judges gave round number two to Fury while round number three was in favour of Usyk.

Fury went on to win round number four after starting off strong and maintaining an excellent work rate - hurting Usyk through jabs and power punches to the body and the head throughout the round.

Although Usyk was coming at Fury throughout round number five, the “Gypsy King” used his reach to his advantage and kept Oleksandr at a distance while landing some heavy blows and body punches.

In rounds six and seven, Fury was starting to feel very comfortable, landing more body shots and hurting the Ukrainian on several occasions. Fury’s dominance in rounds five, six, and seven didn’t go unnoticed, with all three judges scoring the rounds 10-9 in favour of the “Gypsy King.”

Fury had a strong first couple of seconds in round eight, but Usyk came back strong and landed some heavy punches, one of which caused Fury to bleed from the nose and seemingly lost him the round - with all three judges scoring the round 10-9 in favour of Usyk.

In round nine, Usyk was the dominant force, landing a series of unanswered punches, which left Fury stumbling against the ropes. The referee registered this as a knockdown and gave Fury a standing eight count. The round ended 10-8 in favour of Usyk.

In rounds ten and eleven, the two heavyweights continued to go at each other. Usyk had won both rounds. Throughout round twelve, Fury landed several power punches that won him the round in a unanimous 10-9 score.

At the end of round 12, Fury had landed 62 jabs vs Usyk’s 48 and 95 punches vs Usyk’s 122. Overall, the landed vs. thrown percentage was in favour of Usyk, 42% to Tyson’s 32%.