Usyk vs. Fury: The Epic Heavyweight Showdowns of 2024-The heavy weight boxing world was set ablaze in 2024 with the long-awaited clashes between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, two of the era’s most formidable fighters. Billed as the “Ring of Fire,” their bouts on May 18, 2024, and December 21, 2024, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, captivated global audiences, crowning the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999. Usyk’s split-decision victory in May and unanimous-decision win in December marked historic moments in the four-belt era, per Wikipedia and ESPN. YouTube searches like “Usyk vs Fury date,” “Fury vs Usyk highlights,” and “Usyk Fury rematch result” surged, while Google trends showed fans seeking fight dates, outcomes, and undercard details. This article dives into the Usyk-Fury saga, addressing fan queries with insights from Sky Sports, BBC Sport, DAZN, and X posts, covering the fights, their impact, and the boxing world’s reaction, based on the latest web data as of May 15, 2025.

The Usyk vs. Fury Fight Dates and Context

Initial Plans and Postponements

The Usyk-Fury saga began with high anticipation. On October 25, 2023, both fighters announced via social media a signed bout for December 23, 2023, with Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder as the co-feature, per Wikipedia. However, Fury’s grueling split-decision win over Francis Ngannou on October 28, 2023, led to a postponement due to injuries, despite Usyk’s insistence on the contracted date, per BBC Sport. On November 16, 2023, the fight was rescheduled for February 17, 2024, in Riyadh, but a facial cut Fury sustained during sparring delayed it again, per Sky Sports. The bout was finally set for May 18, 2024, with the rematch confirmed for December 21, 2024, during Riyadh Season, as announced by Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh on X, per BBC Sport.

Key Dates:

Original Plan: December 23, 2023 (postponed due to Fury’s Ngannou fight injuries).

First Reschedule: February 17, 2024 (postponed due to Fury’s sparring injury).

First Fight: May 18, 2024, Kingdom Arena, Riyadh.

Rematch: December 21, 2024, Kingdom Arena, Riyadh.

YouTube searches for “Usyk vs Fury date” and “Fury Usyk postponement reasons” spiked, with Sky Sports explainers trending, per YouTube.

May 18, 2024: The First Clash

The May 18 fight, dubbed “Ring of Fire,” was a historic 12-round battle for the WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring undisputed heavyweight titles, per DAZN. Usyk, the former undisputed cruiserweight champion, faced Fury, the WBC champion, in a clash of undefeated titans. Usyk weighed in at a career-heaviest 223 lbs, while Fury was at 262 lbs, per Sky Sports. The fight saw Fury dominate rounds 5–7 with uppercuts and body shots, but Usyk’s late rally, including a ninth-round knockdown, secured a split-decision victory (115-112, 114-113 for Usyk; 114-113 for Fury), per ESPN. Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years, per BBC Sport.

Fight Highlights:

Round 1: Usyk landed a left hook, winning 10–9, per Wikipedia.

Rounds 5–7: Fury’s uppercuts and body shots gave him the edge, per BBC Sport.

Round 9: Usyk’s left hand sent Fury reeling, earning a standing count, per DAZN.

Outcome: Usyk won by split decision, claiming all four belts, per ESPN.

Fans searched “Usyk Fury May 2024 highlights” and “Usyk knockdown Fury,” with TNT Sports clips going viral, per YouTube.

December 21, 2024: The Rematch

The rematch, contested for Usyk’s WBA, WBC, and WBO titles (the IBF belt was vacated to Daniel Dubois), was a chance for Fury to avenge his first professional loss, per Sky Sports. Held again at Kingdom Arena, the fight saw Fury at a career-heaviest 281 lbs (fully clothed, likely inflated by a leather jacket) and Usyk at 226 lbs, per DAZN. Usyk’s superior footwork and boxing IQ shone, landing 185 punches to Fury’s 132, per ESPN. All three judges scored it for Usyk (116-112, 117-111, 118-110), per BBC Sport. Fury retired on January 13, 2025, making this his final fight, per Wikipedia.

Fight Highlights:

Early Rounds: Usyk controlled with movement, Fury countered with reach, per Sky Sports.

Mid-Rounds: Usyk’s body shots wore Fury down, per DAZN.

Late Rounds: Usyk’s precision secured a unanimous decision, per ESPN.

Outcome: Usyk retained his titles, cementing his legacy, per BBC Sport.

YouTube searches for “Usyk Fury rematch result” and “Fury retirement 2025” surged, per YouTube.

Why Were the Fights Postponed?

Fans frequently searched “Why was Usyk vs Fury postponed?” The initial December 2023 date was delayed after Fury’s bruising Ngannou fight, requiring recovery from cuts and fatigue, per Wikipedia. The February 2024 postponement stemmed from a sparring injury—a cut above Fury’s right eye needing 11 stitches, per Sky Sports. X posts from @SkySportsBoxing in October 2023 and @Turki_alalshikh in May 2024 clarified these delays, per Sky Sports.

What Titles Were at Stake?

Searches for “Usyk Fury titles 2024” were common. The May fight was for the WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring titles, making it a true undisputed championship, per DAZN. The December rematch excluded the IBF belt, which Dubois won after Usyk vacated it, per BBC Sport. Fans also searched “Why wasn’t the rematch undisputed?” due to this vacancy, per YouTube.

How to Watch the Fights?

Fans globally searched “How to watch Usyk vs Fury 2024.” Both fights were broadcast on DAZN PPV, Sky Sports Box Office, and TNT Sports in the UK, and ESPN+ PPV in the US, per Goal.com. DAZN’s coverage began at 3:30 PM GMT, with ring walks around 11:00 PM GMT (May: 6:00 PM ET; December: 6:00 PM ET), per DAZN. PPV prices were £24.99 in the UK and $39.95 in the US, with a seven-day DAZN trial, per DAZN. YouTube searches for “Usyk Fury live stream” and “DAZN PPV price” were prevalent, per YouTube.

Who Won and How?

Searches for “Usyk Fury result” and “Who won Usyk vs Fury 2024” dominated. Usyk won the May fight by split decision, with judges’ scores of 115-112 and 114-113 in his favor, against 114-113 for Fury, per ESPN. The December rematch was a unanimous decision for Usyk (116-112, 117-111, 118-110), per BBC Sport. YouTube clips of “Usyk Fury full fight” and “Usyk ninth round knockdown” were widely viewed, per TNT Sports.

What Was the Undercard?

Fans searched “Usyk Fury undercard 2024.” The May undercard included:

Joe Cordina vs. Anthony Cacace: Cacace won the IBF super featherweight title, per The Independent.

Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis: Opetaia regained the IBF cruiserweight title, per DAZN.

Agit Kabayel vs. Frank Sanchez: Kabayel’s knockout upset, per Sky Sports.

The December undercard featured:

Serhii Bohachuk vs. Ishmael Davis: Light middleweight bout, per DAZN.

Moses Itauma vs. Demsey McKean: Heavyweight prospect Itauma’s win, per DAZN.

Johnny Fisher vs. Dave Allen: All-British heavyweight clash, per BBC Sport.

YouTube searches for “Usyk Fury undercard highlights” and “Cacace Cordina knockout” were popular, per YouTube.

The Fights: Round-by-Round Analysis

May 18, 2024: A Classic Encounter

The first fight was a tactical masterpiece. Usyk started strong, landing a left hook in round 1, scored 10–9 by all judges, per Wikipedia. Fury gained momentum in rounds 4–7, using his 6’9” frame and seven-inch reach advantage to land uppercuts and body shots, per BBC Sport. Usyk’s resilience shone in round 8, with a right punch bloodying Fury’s nose, and a devastating left in round 9 sent Fury into the ropes, earning a standing count, per DAZN. Usyk outlanded Fury 170-157, the most punches landed on Fury in his career, per ESPN. The split decision sparked debate, with Fury claiming he won, per The Independent.

Judges’ Scores:

Manuel Oliver Palomo (Spain): 115-112 Usyk.

Mike Fitzgerald (USA): 114-113 Usyk.

Craig Metcalfe (Canada): 114-113 Fury.

Fans searched “Usyk Fury judges’ scorecards” and “Fury ninth round controversy,” per YouTube.

December 21, 2024: Usyk’s Dominance

The rematch was less competitive but equally compelling. Usyk’s movement and body shots controlled early rounds, per Sky Sports. Fury landed jabs, but Usyk’s 185 punches landed, including 60 to the body, overwhelmed Fury’s defense, per ESPN. The judges—Patrick Morley (USA), Ignacio Robles (Panama), and Gerardo Martinez (Puerto Rico)—unanimously favored Usyk, with scores reflecting his dominance, per BBC Sport. Fury’s post-fight comments acknowledged Usyk’s skill, per DAZN.

Judges’ Scores:

Patrick Morley: 116-112 Usyk.

Ignacio Robles: 117-111 Usyk.

Gerardo Martinez: 118-110 Usyk.

YouTube searches for “Usyk Fury rematch full fight” and “Usyk body shots” were trending, per YouTube.

Key Moments and Controversies

The Ninth-Round Knockdown (May 2024)

The ninth round of the first fight was pivotal. Usyk’s left hand rocked Fury, who collapsed into the ropes, prompting a standing count from referee Mark Nelson, per ESPN. Some fans, searching “Usyk Fury referee controversy,” argued the fight should’ve been stopped, per YouTube. Usyk’s manager, Egis Klimas, praised the referee’s decision, noting it protected Fury, per Mirror Online. Fury recovered, winning round 12 on all scorecards, per Wikipedia.

Fury’s Post-Fight Comments

Fury’s claim that Usyk’s victory was influenced by Ukraine’s war drew backlash, per The Independent. He stated, “His country’s at war, so people are siding with the country at war,” per BBC Sport. Fans searched “Fury Ukraine comments controversy,” with X posts like @SkySportsBoxing condemning the remarks, per Sky Sports. Usyk dedicated his win to Ukraine, breaking down in tears, per Wikipedia.

The 11-Minute Staredown

Before the rematch, an 11-minute face-off after the press conference became legendary, with WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman intervening, per Sky Sports. Described as “the longest staredown ever,” it fueled hype, with fans searching “Usyk Fury staredown video,” per YouTube.

Financial and Piracy Issues

The rematch generated over $50 million from 1.5 million PPV buys, mostly in the UK, but incurred losses due to $120 million from 20 million illegal streams, per Wikipedia. The $150 million purse saw Fury earn 70% (£81.2 million), per ESPN. Fans searched “Usyk Fury PPV revenue” and “boxing piracy 2024,” per YouTube.

Fighter Profiles and Strategies

Oleksandr Usyk: The Boxing Genius

Usyk, 37, entered with a 22-0 record (14 KOs), per BBC Sport. A 2012 Olympic gold medalist and undisputed cruiserweight champion, his victories over Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois showcased his skill, per DAZN. His footwork, boxing IQ, and body shots neutralized Fury’s size, landing 170 punches in May and 185 in December, per ESPN. Fans searched “Usyk boxing style” and “Usyk training 2024,” per YouTube.

Tyson Fury: The Gypsy King

Fury, 36, had a 34-1-1 record (24 KOs) before retiring, per Wikipedia. His wins over Wladimir Klitschko and Deontay Wilder defined his career, per BBC Sport. At 6’9” with an 85-inch reach, Fury relied on jabs and uppercuts but struggled against Usyk’s movement, per Sky Sports. Fans searched “Fury reach advantage” and “Fury retirement reason,” per YouTube.

Tactical Breakdown

Usyk’s strategy focused on lateral movement and body shots, exploiting Fury’s slower footwork, per ESPN. Fury aimed to use his size, leaning on Usyk and landing uppercuts, but his showboating in May cost him, per BBC Sport. In December, Fury adjusted, focusing on jabs, but Usyk’s 60 body shots were decisive, per DAZN. Fans searched “Usyk Fury tactics analysis,” with Sky Sports breakdowns popular, per YouTube.

Cultural and Boxing Impact

Historic Significance

Usyk’s May victory made him the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999 and the first in the four-belt era, per Wikipedia. His December win solidified his pound-for-pound status, with Terence Crawford endorsing him for No. 1, per ESPN. Fans searched “Usyk undisputed champion” and “Usyk pound-for-pound ranking,” per YouTube.

Global Viewership

Broadcast in over 200 countries, the fights drew massive audiences, per DAZN. The Kingdom Arena’s 30,000–40,000 capacity hosted electric crowds, per Sporting News. YouTube searches for “Usyk Fury crowd reaction” and “Riyadh boxing atmosphere” reflected this, per YouTube. X posts from @Turki_alalshikh praised Riyadh Season’s role, per BBC Sport.

Saudi Arabia’s Boxing Rise

Riyadh’s emergence as a boxing hub, backed by Turki Alalshikh, was evident, per Sky Sports. Fans searched “Why Saudi Arabia boxing 2024” and “Riyadh Season boxing events,” per YouTube. The financial backing, with a $150 million purse, underscored this, per Wikipedia.

Usyk’s Emotional Dedication

Usyk’s tearful dedication to Ukraine and his late father, who died after his 2012 Olympic win, resonated, per The Independent. Fans searched “Usyk Ukraine dedication” and “Usyk press conference tears,” per YouTube.

Fan Engagement and Sentiment

YouTube Search Trends

YouTube was a go-to for fans, per DAZN:

“Usyk vs Fury date”: May 18 and December 21, 2024, per Sky Sports.

“Usyk Fury highlights”: Ninth-round knockdown, per TNT Sports.

“Usyk Fury rematch result”: Usyk’s unanimous decision, per BBC Sport.

“Usyk Fury undercard”: Cacace, Itauma wins, per DAZN.

“Fury staredown Usyk”: 11-minute face-off, per Sky Sports.

“Usyk Fury PPV price”: £24.99 UK, $39.95 US, per DAZN.

Google and X Insights

Google searches included:

“Usyk Fury fight date”: May 18 and December 21, per ESPN.

“Usyk Fury result”: Usyk’s victories, per BBC Sport.

“Fury retirement 2025”: January 13, 2025, per Wikipedia.

“Usyk Fury controversy”: Fury’s Ukraine comments, per The Independent.

X posts reflected excitement:

@Turki_alalshikh (May 29, 2024): “Rematch… scheduled on 21 of December 2024,” per BBC Sport.

@SkySportsBoxing (December 21, 2024): “Usyk vs Fury 2 ring walks at 10pm UK time,” per Sky Sports.

@ringmagazine (October 2023): “Fury vs Usyk doubtful for Dec 23rd,” per BBC Sport.

The Guardian called Usyk’s May win “a historic triumph,” while The Standard noted Fury’s “brave but futile rematch effort,” per TheGuardian.com. Fans searched “Usyk Fury fan reactions” and “Usyk post-fight interview,” per YouTube.

Where to Follow

DAZN.com: PPV streams, highlights, per DAZN.

SkySports.com: Fight analysis, undercard, per Sky Sports.

BBC.com/sport: Results, commentary, per BBC Sport.

ESPN.com: Stats, punch counts, per ESPN.

TheRing.com: Rankings, historical context, per Wikipedia.

Challenges and Criticisms

Fury’s Preparation and Mindset

Fury’s showboating in May, per BBC Sport, and his 281-lb weigh-in in December (likely inflated), per Sky Sports, drew scrutiny. Fans searched “Fury weight controversy” and “Fury showboating Usyk,” per YouTube. His father, John Fury, headbutting a Usyk team member before May added drama, per Forbes.

Judging and Refereeing

The May split decision, with one judge favoring Fury, sparked debate, per ESPN. December’s replacement judge, Ignacio Robles, due to Fernando Barbosa’s illness, raised eyebrows, per Sky Sports. Fans searched “Usyk Fury judges controversy” and “Usyk Fury referee decisions,” per YouTube.

Piracy Losses

The rematch’s $120 million piracy loss, with 20 million illegal streams, was a setback, per Wikipedia. Fans searched “Usyk Fury piracy impact” and “boxing PPV streaming issues,” per YouTube.

Looking Ahead

Usyk’s Next Steps

Usyk, now 23-0, may face Anthony Joshua or Daniel Dubois, per BBC Sport. Fans searched “Usyk next fight 2025” and “Usyk Joshua trilogy,” per YouTube. His The Ring No. 1 pound-for-pound ranking is secure, per Wikipedia.

Fury’s Retirement

Fury’s retirement on January 13, 2025, closed a storied career, per Wikipedia. Fans searched “Fury retirement statement” and “Fury legacy boxing,” per YouTube. A potential Joshua fight is off, per Mirror Online.

Boxing’s Future

Saudi Arabia’s boxing dominance will continue, with Dubois vs. Joshua rematches possible, per ESPN. Fans searched “Saudi Arabia boxing 2025” and “next undisputed heavyweight fight,” per YouTube.

Clarifying Misconceptions

Postponement Rumors

Some X posts suggested Fury ducked Usyk, but injuries were confirmed, per Sky Sports. Fans searched “Did Fury avoid Usyk?” to clarify, per YouTube.

Undisputed Status

The rematch wasn’t undisputed due to the IBF vacancy, not a failure, per BBC Sport. Fans searched “Why Usyk Fury 2 not undisputed?” per YouTube.

The Usyk-Fury fights of May 18 and December 21, 2024, were defining moments in boxing, with Usyk’s victories cementing his legacy as a two-division undisputed champion, per Wikipedia. From postponements to a historic ninth-round knockdown and a record-breaking staredown, the saga delivered drama, per Sky Sports. YouTube searches like “Usyk Fury highlights” and X posts like @Turki_alalshikh’s rematch announcement captured global fervor, per BBC Sport. Despite controversies, from Fury’s comments to piracy losses, the fights showcased boxing’s heart, per ESPN. Follow the sport on DAZN.com, SkySports.com, and BBC.com/sport, where Usyk’s reign and boxing’s future unfold.

FAQS

When is the Usyk vs. Fury rematch scheduled?

The rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury is scheduled for December 21, 2024. The fight will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the Riyadh Season. The main event ring walks are expected to begin around 10 p.m. GMT (5 p.m. ET). 

What titles are on the line in this fight?

The rematch will feature the WBA (Super), WBC, and WBO heavyweight titles. Usyk relinquished his IBF title in June 2024, with Daniel Dubois becoming champion and defending the belt against Anthony Joshua in September. 

How can I watch the fight?

The Usyk vs. Fury rematch will be available to watch via pay-per-view:The Sun

Sky Sports Box Office in the UK

DAZN in the UK and United States

TNT Sports in the UK

ESPN will also provide live updates

What happened in their first fight?

In their first encounter on May 18, 2024, Usyk defeated Fury by split decision with scores of 115–112, 114–113, and 113–114. The bout was held at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and was contested for the WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles.

What is at stake for both fighters?

For Tyson Fury, the rematch represents an opportunity to avenge his first professional loss and reclaim the heavyweight titles. For Oleksandr Usyk, it’s a chance to solidify his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion and prove that his first victory was no fluke. Wikipedia+8Sky Sports+8BBC+8

What are the fighters’ strategies for the rematch?

Fury has indicated plans to come into the fight heavier, aiming for a weight around 19 stone 7lbs (273lbs), compared to his initial fight weight of 18 stone 10lbs (262lbs). He attributes his loss in their first encounter to “taunting too much” and plans for a more aggressive approach this time. talkSPORT

Usyk, on the other hand, has expressed discomfort with the build-up and training for fights, stating that it makes him nauseous. Despite this, he remains focused on the task at hand and is determined to defend his titles successfully. The Sun

What is the significance of this rematch?

This rematch is highly anticipated as it features two of the top heavyweights in the world. The first fight was a closely contested battle, and the rematch promises to be another thrilling encounter. With both fighters bringing their best strategies to the ring, fans can expect an exciting and competitive bout.

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