In a historic boxing match held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oleksandr Usyk emerged victorious over Tyson Fury by split decision, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years. The highly anticipated bout saw Usyk (22-0) claim Fury's WBC title to add to his own WBA, IBF, and WBO belts in a thrilling back-and-forth encounter between the two previously unbeaten heavyweight champions.
Usyk, a Ukrainian Olympic gold medalist, showcased his resilience and skill as he weathered Fury's dominant middle-round performance before mounting a spectacular late rally. The pivotal moment came in the ninth round when Usyk landed a decisive knockdown on Fury (34-1-1), setting the stage for his eventual victory by split decision.
Following the match, Usyk expressed his gratitude to his team and his country, emphasizing the significance of the win for Ukraine. Fury, while acknowledging Usyk's performance, voiced his belief that he had won the fight and expressed his desire for a rematch in October.
At 37 years old, Usyk now holds the distinction of being the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999-2000. Overcoming a significant size disadvantage against the towering Fury, Usyk's strategic prowess and athleticism proved instrumental in securing the victory.
With a remarkable 41% punch accuracy compared to Fury's 31.7%, Usyk's precision and power punches played a crucial role in the outcome of the fight. The match, which took place in the early hours to cater to Western pay-per-view audiences, drew significant attention due to the involvement of Saudi Arabia and the substantial financial rewards for the fighters.
Usyk's achievement of holding all major world championship belts at heavyweight cements his legacy among boxing greats, marking a milestone in the sport's history. The bout also featured undercard fights, including Jai Opetaia's successful defense of his IBF cruiserweight title and Anthony Cacace's victory for the IBF super featherweight title.
In a sport known for its unpredictability and drama, Usyk's triumph stands as a testament to his skill, determination, and unwavering pursuit of greatness in the ring.
