Good column, Mark. It was a terrific fight, one that only a smart fighter could win. Few have ever possessed Usyk's smarts, a brilliant blend of tactical skill and ring awareness. To wit: He knows what he's doing and he applies his inexhaustible knowhow throughout every second of every round. By the ninth, the always clever Fury -- who always has a response for just about anything -- had no answer. Usyk's subtle footwork creates angles on punches that Fury -- and lot of other world-class fighters -- have never seen. Fury could deal with Deontay Wilder's power. He got up. He endured. But he simply could not deal with Usyk's geometry.
You're also right. It was a great moment for the Ukraine. I wish Fury had not suggested that sympathy for the Ukraine in its desperate war against the Russians some how influenced the scorecards. But I'm not surprised that he did. I guess he'll want Moscow Marge to be a judge for the rematch, if there ever is one. Actually, I like Fury. Eventually, I think he'll regret that remark. At least, I hope so.
Good column, Mark. It was a terrific fight, one that only a smart fighter could win. Few have ever possessed Usyk's smarts, a brilliant blend of tactical skill and ring awareness. To wit: He knows what he's doing and he applies his inexhaustible knowhow throughout every second of every round. By the ninth, the always clever Fury -- who always has a response for just about anything -- had no answer. Usyk's subtle footwork creates angles on punches that Fury -- and lot of other world-class fighters -- have never seen. Fury could deal with Deontay Wilder's power. He got up. He endured. But he simply could not deal with Usyk's geometry.
You're also right. It was a great moment for the Ukraine. I wish Fury had not suggested that sympathy for the Ukraine in its desperate war against the Russians some how influenced the scorecards. But I'm not surprised that he did. I guess he'll want Moscow Marge to be a judge for the rematch, if there ever is one. Actually, I like Fury. Eventually, I think he'll regret that remark. At least, I hope so.
Thanks, Norm