Oleksandr Usyk is the Undisputed Boxing Heavyweight Champion – the first in 25-years.
In a thrilling bout that was attended by renowned sporting figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, Tyson Fury suffered a split-decision points defeat against Oleksandr Usyk, who made history by becoming boxing’s first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion.
The highly anticipated bout, which took place on a grand stage, saw Fury start well but came up against significant challenges as the fight progressed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Fury, 35, initially performed well but experienced a turning point in the ninth round when he was given a standing 10 count and narrowly saved by the bell after a powerful onslaught from Usyk. The tension in the arena was palpable as the fight went to the judges’ scorecards.
In a dramatic wait for the decision, Fury appeared confident of victory. However, the final scorecards revealed a different outcome: two judges scored the fight in favor of Usyk, with scores of 115-112 and 114-113, while the third judge scored it 114-113 for Fury. This handed Fury his first professional defeat in a 16-year career.
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Usyk, 37, who remains unbeaten, was visibly emotional when announced as the winner, breaking down in tears. He took the WBC belt from Fury, adding it to his existing WBA, WBO, and IBF titles, thereby solidifying his place as the undisputed heavyweight champion for the first time in nearly 25 years.
Fury, defiant in defeat, expressed his belief that he had won the majority of the rounds, calling the decision “one of the daftest decisions in boxing.” He vowed to return stronger and mentioned the planned rematch for later this year as an immediate opportunity for redemption.
Usyk, gracious in victory, thanked his team and highlighted the significance of the win for himself, his family, and his country. He also confirmed his readiness for a rematch, setting the stage for another highly anticipated clash between the two heavyweights.
