Oleksandr Usyk emerged victorious in a closely contested heavyweight title fight against Tyson Fury, earning a split decision victory and becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999. The Ukrainian boxer now holds all four major heavyweight belts: the WBA, IBF, WBO, and WBC titles.
Two judges scored the fight 114-113 and 115-112 in favor of Usyk, while one judge had it 114-113 for Fury. The bout was a back-and-forth affair, with Usyk starting strong before Fury staged a comeback in the middle rounds.
However, Usyk regained control in the later rounds, notably leaving Fury bleeding with a combination in Round 8 and forcing a standing eight count in Round 9 after a right-left combination sent the British boxer staggering on the ropes.
“It’s [a] big opportunity for me, for my family, for my country, for history. It’s [a] great day,” Usyk said after the fight. He also thanked his “God, Jesus” for the opportunity and victory.
Despite the loss, his first as a professional boxer, Fury remained upbeat. “We’ve both put on a good fight. Best we could do,” he said, adding that he believes he won the majority of the rounds.
Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, noted that a rematch could be held in October, as per the contract between the two fighters.
