Early Sunday morning in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight champion for the first time in nearly a quarter of a century.
The undefeated Ukrainian fighter won a 12-round fight against a bloody and battered Fury, adding the WBO, WBA and IBF treble to the WBC. This is the first time in history that a heavyweight has held all four titles in the four-belt era.
Usyk improved to 22-0 in his career, winning by split decision of 115-112, 113-114 and 114-113 on the judges’ scorecards.
“I feel good. So many people have prayed for me, I love you. I’m so happy,” said a jubilant Usyk, surrounded by his team in the ring at Kingdom Arena. .
It was Fury’s first loss as a professional, dropping his record to 34-1-1.
Both men are currently scheduled to have a rematch later this year as per their pre-fight agreement, with Fury claiming to have won the bout shortly thereafter.
“I believe I won that match,” he said. “I think he won some rounds, but I won more rounds.
“Don’t get me wrong, I won that game and I’ll be back. We’ll go back to our families and start again in October. I’m not going to sit here and cry and make excuses.”
Usyk won the fight by split decision (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
The division is the first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000, with Usyk joining the likes of Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield at the sport’s most exclusive club. It was born in 2000.
Usyk could have ended the fight in the ninth inning. A powerful left and a barrage of fire sent Fury staggering backwards, his face already marked with bruises. Only the combination of the ropes, referee Mark Nelson, and the end-of-round bell saved him from an early stoppage.
In the early going, Fury used his height and reach to keep Usyk, the more aggressive and prolific puncher of the two, mostly out of range.
But just when it looked like Fury had taken control of the fight, Usyk roared back with just over three points remaining, leading to a furious battle that saw Fury forced into the referee’s count for just the eighth time in his career. I had to face it.
However, while both fighters showed mental and physical endurance and were able to go far as champions, Usyk lost a close decision, handing Fury his first loss since the amateur ranks.
“I think my people will be very happy. This is a big victory not only for me, but also for the Motherland and for the soldiers who are currently defending the Motherland,” Usyk said.
“I think my father is very happy to be watching over me now. I love him. I can do it. I told you I could do it.”
(Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
