Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury met for the second time on December 21, 2024, with the Ukrainian defending his unified heavyweight world titles and Fury seeking revenge for the only defeat of his professional career.
Seven months after their historic first encounter, the two heavyweight rivals returned to the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Their first fight had crowned Usyk undisputed champion and produced one of the most dramatic heavyweight contests in recent memory.
The rematch was another absorbing tactical battle with Fury looking to impose his size and boxing skills, but Usyk’s movement, accuracy and work rate again proving decisive as he claimed a unanimous-decision victory.
The build-up featured renewed debate about Fury’s tactics, his corner team and whether he could reverse the result of their first meeting. A dramatic weigh-in added another talking point when Fury tipped the scales at a career-high 281lbs, although he was fully clothed.
This complete fight guide follows the road to the rematch, the predictions and tactical debate, fight-week developments, the result and aftermath, alongside Furyjoshua.com’s original reporting from the second chapter of their rivalry.
Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury 2: Fight Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, 21 December 2024 |
| Venue | Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Titles | WBC, WBA (Super), WBO, The Ring and lineal heavyweight titles |
| Result | Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury |
| Method | Unanimous decision, 12 rounds |
| Scorecards | 116-112, 116-112, 116-112 (all for Usyk) |
| Weights | Usyk 226lbs; Fury 281lbs (both fully clothed) |
| Key moment | Usyk’s cleaner punching and sustained work through the second half |
| Significance | Usyk retained his unified heavyweight titles, defeated Fury for the second time and extended his unbeaten professional record to 23-0 |
Read the full Usyk vs Fury 2 fight report, result and scorecards
Why Usyk vs Fury 2 Was So Important
The first meeting had transformed the heavyweight landscape. Usyk had become undisputed champion and handed Fury his first professional defeat, leaving the former WBC titleholder determined to reverse the result.
Unlike their May 2024 encounter, the rematch was not for the undisputed championship. Usyk had relinquished the IBF title, which Daniel Dubois subsequently defended against Anthony Joshua.
Nevertheless, the stakes remained enormous. Fury was fighting to reclaim his position at the top of the division and become a three-time world heavyweight champion, while Usyk had the opportunity to establish himself as the clear winner of their rivalry.
The first fight had been extraordinarily close, with Fury enjoying sustained success during the middle rounds before Usyk’s dramatic comeback. The rematch offered Fury the chance to demonstrate that he could maintain his best work for the full 12 rounds.
Key Coverage and Original Reports
- Tyson Fury agrees to Oleksandr Usyk rematch
- Fury vs Usyk results, scorecards and analysis from their first fight
- Who are boxing’s three-time world heavyweight champions?
The Build-Up: Could Fury Solve the Usyk Puzzle?
One of the biggest questions ahead of the rematch was whether Fury could make the adjustments needed to overcome Usyk.
Fury had enjoyed considerable success in their first fight, particularly when using his reach and uppercuts. But Usyk had finished strongly, using his footwork and accuracy to change the momentum.
The tactical debate centred on whether Fury could maintain his best work over 12 rounds or whether Usyk’s pressure and consistency would again prove decisive.
There was also considerable discussion about Fury’s physical approach. Would he use his size more aggressively, applying pressure and leaning on the smaller Ukrainian? Or would he attempt to outbox one of the most technically accomplished fighters in the sport?
Fury’s corner was another major talking point. His father John Fury had been a vocal presence during the first contest, leading to debate about whether the British heavyweight had received too many conflicting instructions.
Ahead of the rematch, Fury confirmed his intention to continue working with trainer SugarHill Steward, putting renewed focus on the tactical approach that might help him reverse the result.
Key Coverage and Original Reports
Tactical Background From the First Fight
- How Fury beats Usyk: Big-fight analysis and keys to victory for ‘The Gypsy King’
- How Usyk beats Fury: The keys to heavyweight boxing glory for a genius from Ukraine
- Fury vs Usyk punch stats reveal deciding factor in their first fight
Fight Week: Final Press Conference and Weigh-In
The final days before the rematch brought renewed attention to both fighters’ condition, preparations and mindset.
With Fury seeking redemption and Usyk aiming to prove his first victory was no accident, every development in Riyadh came under scrutiny.
The weigh-in provided a particularly intriguing talking point. Fury registered 281lbs, some 19lbs heavier than his official weight for their first meeting. However, he stepped onto the scales fully clothed, including a leather jacket, trousers and a baseball cap, making direct comparisons difficult.
Usyk weighed 226lbs, also fully clothed, still a substantial size disadvantage on paper.
Whether Fury’s additional bulk would help him impose his physical strength became one of the central questions ahead of fight night.
The rematch was again staged as part of Riyadh Season, with a major supporting card.
Key Coverage and Original Reports
- Usyk vs Fury 2 weigh-in results: ‘Gypsy King’ has MASSIVE size advantage and promises WAR
- Usyk vs Fury 2 fight schedule, running order and ring walk times
Usyk vs Fury 2 Result: How the Rematch Unfolded
The second encounter was a more measured contest than their dramatic first meeting. Fury enjoyed success with his jab and heavier individual punches, particularly during the opening half of the fight.
The British heavyweight looked to hold centre ring more effectively and use his physical advantages, at times leaning on Usyk and attempting to slow the Ukrainian’s movement.
Usyk, however, continued to apply pressure and found success with his accurate left hand and combinations. His cleaner punching and sustained activity proved increasingly important as the rounds passed.
The sixth round was particularly significant as Usyk landed a powerful left hand that briefly troubled Fury.
There was no repeat of the ninth-round knockdown from their first meeting, but the Ukrainian continued to find openings as the contest entered its final stages.
Fury remained competitive and attempted to produce a strong finish, but Usyk’s accuracy and relentless determination ensured another compelling conclusion.
After 12 rounds, all three judges awarded Usyk a deserved 116-112 victory.
Full Fight Report: Usyk Beats Fury Again in Riyadh
Usyk vs Fury 2 results, scorecards and analysis after another heavyweight boxing BLOCKBUSTER
Read Graham Shaw’s original fight-night report, including the round-by-round analysis, official judges’ scorecards and the decisive moments as Usyk retained his world heavyweight titles.
Further Fight-Night Coverage
- Moses Itauma vs Demsey McKean results as heavyweight sensation takes latest step towards greatness
- Johnny Fisher vs Dave Allen results after an incredible Riyadh slugfest
The Aftermath: What Next for Fury and Usyk?
Usyk’s second victory over Fury strengthened his claim to be one of the outstanding heavyweights of his generation.
Having beaten Joshua twice and now Fury twice, the Ukrainian had assembled an extraordinary run of victories against leading British heavyweights. He had also seen off Dereck Chisora and Daniel Dubois for good measure.
For Fury, a second consecutive defeat raised fresh questions about his future in the sport and whether he could return to world-title contention.
The result also shaped the wider heavyweight picture, with Dubois among the major names in the division and renewed interest in the possibility of Usyk pursuing another undisputed championship.
Usyk had now beaten Fury on two different sets of scorecards and under two different circumstances: first in the dramatic battle for the undisputed championship, and then in a more tactical rematch.
Further Reading and Original Reports
- Who are boxing’s three-time world heavyweight champions?
- Oleksandr Usyk record: Fights, dates and scorecards for boxing’s heavyweight champion
- Tyson Fury record: Every fight, result and scorecard
Usyk vs Fury 2: Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Usyk vs Fury 2?
Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury by unanimous decision on December 21, 2024.
What were the Usyk vs Fury 2 scorecards?
All three judges scored the 12-round contest 116-112 in favour of Usyk.
Where did Usyk vs Fury 2 take place?
The rematch took place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Was Usyk vs Fury 2 for the undisputed heavyweight title?
No. The WBC, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles were at stake, along with The Ring and lineal championships. Usyk no longer held the IBF title, so the rematch was not an undisputed championship fight.
Did Fury knock Usyk down in the rematch?
No. Neither fighter scored a knockdown during the 12-round contest.
How much did Fury weigh for the Usyk rematch?
Fury officially weighed 281lbs, although he stepped onto the scales fully clothed. Usyk weighed 226lbs, also fully clothed.
Did Fury change trainers for the Usyk rematch?
No. Fury continued working with SugarHill Steward, although there was considerable discussion about the instructions he received from his corner during the first fight.
How many times did Usyk beat Fury?
Usyk defeated Fury twice in 2024, winning their first meeting by split decision in May and their rematch by unanimous decision in December.
