Oleksandr Usyk emerged as the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world after a thrilling split decision victory over Tyson Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Ukrainian southpaw secured the win with scores of 115-112 and 114-113 on two of the judges’ cards, while Fury edged the third card with 114-113, in what has been described as the biggest fight of the century.
The tense and action-packed match saw Usyk taking control early, pressing Fury with relentless aggression and keeping the “Gypsy King” on the back foot.
Fury, known for his confidence, seemed unfazed at first, even laughing off some of Usyk’s attacks. However, the tide turned in the ninth round when Usyk landed a devastating right hook that had Fury reeling.
Despite the onslaught, Fury showed remarkable resilience, surviving a barrage of punches and a standing 10-second count just before the bell. The final rounds saw Usyk relentlessly pursuing the tiring Fury, sealing his victory and etching his name in the history books.
In the aftermath, Fury was vocal about his dissatisfaction with the decision. “I believe I won that fight. I believe he won a few rounds but I won more of them. Make no mistake I won that fight and I’ll be back,” Fury declared, refusing to accept the loss.
Usyk, who has now become the first boxer in 24 years to hold all four major heavyweight belts simultaneously, expressed his readiness for a rematch but emphasized his immediate desire for rest. “I don’t think about rematch now, I want to rest,” he said.
The fight night was a spectacle of grand entrances, with Usyk arriving in the ring dressed as a Cossack warrior, and Fury making a theatrical entrance to a medley of songs by Barry White and Bonnie Tyler, culminating in a spirited dance performance to “Holding Out For A Hero.”
Anthony Joshua, a former champion and potential future opponent for Usyk, watched intently from ringside, setting the stage for what could be another blockbuster showdown in the heavyweight division. Joshua had knocked out Cameroonian Francis Ngannou in a previous fight in February this year.
The clash between Usyk and Fury, weighed down by their contrasting styles and physical disparities—Fury at 262 lbs and Usyk at 223 lbs—will be remembered as a testament to Usyk’s skill, endurance, and tactical brilliance, securing his legacy in the annals of boxing history.
During Fury’s last encounter with Ngannou, critics expressed anger at the jury’s decision, described the Gypsy King’s win as a “stolen victory. “
