Photo Credit: Fayez NURELDINE / AFP
Oleksandr Usyk triumphed over Tyson Fury by split decision on Sunday to claim the title of the world’s first undisputed heavyweight boxing champion in 25 years, a historic achievement in boxing’s four-belt era.
The fight, held at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena, saw Britain’s Fury initially take the lead, but Usyk gradually dominated, leading to Fury’s first career defeat. Judges scored the bout 115-112 and 114-113 in favor of Usyk, with one judge scoring it 114-113 for Fury.
Usyk, who remains undefeated with a 22-0 record, now joins the ranks of legendary champions such as Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, and Mike Tyson. The 37-year-old Ukrainian boxer expressed his pride and readiness for a potential rematch. “It is a big opportunity for me, for my family, for my country,” Usyk said. “It’s a great time, a great day.”
Fury, who now holds a 34-1-1 record, remained defiant in his post-fight comments. “I believe I won that fight, I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority of them,” Fury said. He suggested that political sentiments might have influenced the decision, stating, “You know his country is at war, so people are siding with the country at war but make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion and I will be back.”
The victory adds Fury’s WBC belt to Usyk’s IBF, WBA, and WBO titles, cementing Usyk’s status as one of the greats in boxing history. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky celebrated Usyk’s win, posting on social media, “Ukrainians hit hard! And in the end, all our opponents will be defeated.”
The match saw a fired-up Fury starting aggressively, using his jab to keep Usyk at bay and entertaining the crowd with his antics. Usyk, however, managed to land quick combinations and heavy shots as the fight progressed. In the ninth round, Usyk’s relentless assault left Fury in serious trouble, saved only by the bell.
The event drew a star-studded audience, including boxing legends and Saudi-based football stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in sports. Fury’s entrance to Barry White and Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding out for a Hero” set a lively tone for the bout, contrasting Usyk’s more solemn ring walk in traditional Ukrainian attire.
Fury’s career has seen significant ups and downs, including a drug ban and struggles with personal issues, while Usyk has been a model of consistency. The Crimean-born boxer boasts an impressive amateur record and a swift rise in the professional ranks, having unified the cruiserweight belts before moving up to heavyweight and defeating Anthony Joshua in 2021.
The fight marks a significant moment in boxing history and sets the stage for a highly anticipated rematch, expected to take place later this year.