In a historic night for boxing, Oleksandr Usyk emerged victorious in a dramatic split-decision points victory over Tyson Fury, becoming the sport’s first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion. The highly anticipated showdown, held in Saudi Arabia, saw Fury initially dictating the pace, but a relentless onslaught from Usyk in the ninth round turned the tide of the bout.
Amidst a tense atmosphere, Fury found himself on the receiving end of a standing 10 count and narrowly escaped defeat as the bell rang to end the round. As the scorecards were announced, the British boxer appeared confident of victory, only to be met with the sobering reality of Usyk’s triumph, prompting emotional scenes as the Ukrainian boxer broke down in tears.
The judges’ verdict, with scores of 115-112, 114-113 in favor of Usyk, and a third judge scoring it 114-113 for Fury, marked the first defeat in Fury’s illustrious 16-year professional career. However, amidst the disappointment, Fury remains determined, expressing his belief that he had won the majority of the rounds and vowing to return stronger for a rematch planned later this year.
Usyk’s victory not only secures the WBC belt but also adds to his existing collection of WBA, WBO, and IBF titles, solidifying his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion. At 37 years old, Usyk maintains his unbeaten record and joins an elite group of boxers to hold the prestigious title.
In his post-fight remarks, Usyk expressed gratitude to his team and highlighted the significance of the victory for himself, his family, and his country. He reiterated his readiness for a rematch, setting the stage for another thrilling encounter between two of boxing’s heavyweight giants.
As the boxing world absorbs the impact of this historic bout, Usyk’s triumph serves as a testament to his skill, determination, and unwavering resolve, while Fury’s resilience ensures that the stage is set for a compelling rematch that promises to captivate fans worldwide.