Usyk Defeats Fury to Become Undisputed Heavyweight Champion

Kingdom Arena in Riyadh: Oleksandr Usyk triumphed over Tyson Fury by split decision, unifying the WBA, WBO, WBC, and IBF world titles. This victory crowned Usyk as the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era and the first since Lennox Lewis 25 years ago.

The match was packed with drama, especially in the ninth round when Fury narrowly avoided a knockout after receiving a standing count from referee Mark Nelson. Usyk‘s win was confirmed with scores of 115-112, 113-114, and 114-113, adding the WBC title to his collection.

The ninth round was a turning point. Usyk landed a powerful left hook that visibly rocked Fury, sending him staggering across the ring. Usyk followed with a relentless barrage of punches, driving Fury into the ropes. Nelson intervened with a 10-count, believing the ropes had prevented Fury from falling. The bell rang just in time, sparing Fury from further punishment.

Earlier in the fight, Fury displayed strong form, using his jab effectively and landing a significant right uppercut in the second round. Despite his showboating, which included hiding his hands behind his back and slipping his head side-to-side, Fury connected with Usyk several times.

Usyk, unfazed by Fury’s antics, remained focused and delivered solid punches, including a thumping left cross and straight shots to Fury‘s body. By the third round, chants of Usyk‘s name echoed through the arena as he pressed forward.

Fury‘s elusiveness in the fourth round led to Usyk‘s relentless assault when cornered. Fury responded with body shots but sensed an opportunity in the sixth round when a long right hand hurt Usyk, who had to retreat to recover.

The seventh round saw Fury in high spirits, but Usyk‘s left cross reminded him of the challenge he faced. Fury launched a series of hooks in the eighth round, but Usyk‘s persistence paid off in the ninth when he landed a series of punches that nearly ended the fight.

In the final round, Usyk tried to capitalize on his advantage, while Fury fought back fiercely to ensure the fight went the distance. After the decision was announced, Usyk expressed his gratitude, dedicating the win to his team, his country, and his late father.

“Thank you so much for my team. It’s a big opportunity for my family, for my country,” Usyk said. “I’m very happy. My people will be very happy, I think. It’s a big win, not only for me, but for my country and for the soldiers defending it.”

Fury, however, felt he deserved the victory. “I believe I won that fight,” he stated. “He won a few rounds, but I won more of them. Make no mistake, I won that fight and I’ll be back.”

Looking ahead, both fighters are open to a rematch. Usyk affirmed his readiness, saying, “Yeah, of course. I am ready for a rematch.” His promoter, Alex Krassyuk, echoed this sentiment, praising Usyk‘s performance and anticipating another thrilling encounter.