Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury in a split decision on Sunday, securing the coveted title of the first undisputed heavyweight boxing champion in 24 years.
With an impressive display of skill and determination, Usyk (22-0) added Fury’s WBC title to his already impressive collection of WBA, IBF, and IBO belts.
The match showcased a thrilling exchange between two previously undefeated heavyweight champions. While two judges favoured Usyk with scores of 115-112 and 114-113, the third judge awarded the victory to Fury with a score of 114-113.
Usyk started the fight with great intensity but soon found himself in a challenging position as the confident and charismatic Fury dominated the middle rounds.
However, Usyk showcased his resilience and experience, mounting a remarkable comeback in the final rounds. Displaying the same tenacity that has defined his career as an Olympic gold medalist, Usyk took control of the match with a dominant eighth round and came close to stopping Fury in the ninth.
In a pivotal moment, Usyk landed a powerful left hand that sent Fury sprawling into a corner just seconds before the round ended.
This knockdown, right before the bell, earned Usyk the credit he deserved. Although Fury managed to make it to the 10th round, he struggled to regain his momentum and launch a consistent attack after narrowly escaping a potential stoppage.
“Thank you so much to my team,” Usyk said while fighting back tears in the ring. “It’s a big opportunity for me, for my family, for my country. Slava Ukraini!”
Fury kissed Usyk on the head after the final bell. Fury also said he wants the rematch in October.
“I believe I won that fight,” Fury said. “I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority of them, and I believe it was one of those what-can-you-do, one of them … decisions in boxing. We both put on a good fight, best we can do.
“You know, his country is at war, so people are siding with a country at war. But make no mistake, I won that fight, in my opinion, and I’ll be back. I’ve got a rematch clause.”
Usyk, aged 37, has become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis held the title for a brief period between 1999 and 2000. Furthermore, he has now claimed the lineal heavyweight championship by defeating Fury, who earned that distinction by defeating Wladimir Klitschko in 2015.
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