In a historic night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oleksandr Usyk emerged victorious over Tyson Fury in a thrilling 12-round split decision. The highly anticipated fight lived up to the hype, with Usyk claiming the title of the first-ever four-belt heavyweight champion with scores of 115-112, 114-113 in his favor, while Fury received the nod at 114-113 on the third card.
With this monumental win, Usyk improved his undefeated record to 22-0(14), securing the biggest victory of his professional career. On the other hand, Fury, who experienced his first defeat, now holds a record of 34-1-1(24). Despite the intense competition in the ring, Fury displayed great respect for Usyk, acknowledging his opponent’s skill and sportsmanship.
The bout between Usyk and Fury started cautiously, with both fighters measuring each other in the early rounds. Contrary to expectations, Usyk took on an aggressive approach, pushing forward while Fury utilized feints and showboating tactics. As the fight progressed, Fury, known for his size advantage, landed powerful shots to the body and uppercut, initially gaining momentum.
However, Usyk, showcasing his remarkable talent, turned the tables with a strong performance in round eight. Subsequently, Usyk managed to knock Fury down in the ninth round, unleashing a relentless series of blows that left Fury battered and bleeding. Referee Mark Nelson allowed the fight to continue, emphasizing Fury’s endurance and determination.
Despite the outcome, Fury expressed confidence in his performance, suggesting that the judges favored Usyk due to external factors. Referring to a rematch clause, Fury announced his intention to face Usyk once again in October, setting the stage for a potential rematch between the two formidable heavyweights.
As the dust settles on this epic showdown, the question remains: has the Tyson Fury era concluded, or does the 35-year-old possess the resilience to regain his status? Meanwhile, Usyk, at 37 years old, has solidified his legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time, leaving a lasting impact on the heavyweight division. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the future of both fighters, one thing is certain – the world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in the saga of Usyk and Fury.