"Fury was sure he would win on points": why there was little blood in Usyk's rematch and it turned out to be "uninteresting", a well-known promoter explained

Ihor Faniian, owner of SpartaBox Faniian Promotions, believes that the second fight between unified world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) and Tyson Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) was fairly even and the Briton was much better prepared for the rematch than he was for the previous one. However, the Ukrainian boxer did more to win, which was reflected in the judges' notes.

In a commentary to OBOZ.UA, the founder of SpartaBox and SpartaBox Faniian Promotions noted Usyk's activity and the importance of his victory for Ukraine. However, he believes that in such a fairly even fight, the scales could have tipped either way.

"We are very happy that Usyk won. He is a great fighter. But it was a very even fight, in my opinion, and the judges could have gone either way. However, they came to the conclusion that Usyk did more to win. And in fact, it's true. He had more punches, more attempts, he was more active than Fury. And I think he also had the tension of the whole of Ukraine on him. And Usyk is taking it responsibly. Well done," Faniian shared his impressions of the fight.

Regarding Tyson's active start to the fight and the gradual fading of the Gypsy King, the promoter suggested that "Fury was just sure that he would win on points." "I think he had the most important task for the fight - not to miss Sasha's left hand. He was afraid of it after the last fight and the ninth round."

"Usyk is a champion, and this is recognized all over the world. After this victory, yes. Before the results were announced, I thought, to be honest, that it would be a draw (laughs). Because I bet on a draw, it had the highest odds. And, to be honest, the fight was also very even. That's my opinion," Faniian said.

"But the most important thing is that Usyk is taking the belts and the victory home. Because now what Usyk is doing is very important for Ukraine, for all of us. After all, the whole world hears about us. In the truest sense of the word. The whole world was watching this fight. Without exception. And the flag of Ukraine was everywhere. That's why everyone knows how important the victory is for us," Faniian emphasized.

Boxing fans might have thought that the second fight between Oleksandr and Tyson was not as dynamic and emotional as the first, but Ihor was not disappointed.

"Well, Fury prepared very well for the rematch. He was better than in the previous fight against Usyk. That's why it turned out to be such a, you know, uninteresting fight. Because both were very well prepared for it. And both didn't want to miss a single extra punch. And I think now that Tyson was just really well prepared for this fight," the promoter said.

"Were you both acting very carefully? Yes, yes, very carefully. That's why for us, as an ordinary viewer, the rematch turned out to be uninteresting. But from the point of view of boxers and boxing thinking, it was a very interesting fight. In the first fight, let's just say there was more blood. And people like blood," the promoter explained.

According to Ihor Faniian, there will definitely not be a third fight between Oleksandr and Tyson: "I think Usyk will not give him this opportunity either. And Tyson himself... And the world is not particularly interested in this anymore."

Instead, the promoter would be interested in seeing a Ukrainian fight against another Briton: "It would be interesting to see Usyk vs. Dubois again, a rematch. Although there Oleksandr said that he wanted to move to a lighter category again. I don't know. But we will always watch Usyk and, of course, cheer for him."

Earlier, OBOZ.UA reported that Fury was furious about the refereeing in the rematch with Usyk.

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