In a night that will be etched in boxing history, Oleksandr Usyk defied the odds and defeated Tyson Fury by split decision in a thrilling showdown to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
The monumental victory in Saudi Arabia marks the first time since Lennox Lewis that a single fighter has held all four major belts in the division.
The fight was a roller coaster of momentum shifts, with Fury initially appearing in top form.
The towering Brit controlled the early rounds, utilizing his size and reach advantage to keep Usyk at bay.
However, the Ukrainian’s relentless pressure and sharp counterpunching slowly began to wear on Fury as the fight progressed.
The pivotal moment came in the ninth round, where Usyk unleashed a devastating left hook that sent Fury reeling.
A barrage of follow-up punches had the Gypsy King on the ropes, seemingly out on his feet. The referee administered a standing count, but the bell saved Fury from further punishment.
Despite the knockdown, Fury showed incredible resilience and managed to survive the round.
The championship rounds were closely contested, with both fighters landing significant blows. Ultimately, the judges’ scorecards reflected the fight’s competitive nature, with two scoring it 114-113 for Usyk and one for Fury at 115-112.
This historic victory solidifies Usyk’s place among the boxing greats. Having already achieved undisputed status at cruiserweight, he now joins Evander Holyfield and David Haye as the only fighters to unify titles in multiple divisions.
His triumph also marks a significant milestone for Ukraine, with Usyk becoming the country’s first undisputed heavyweight champion.
For Fury, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow. The charismatic champion had been unbeaten in his professional career and was heavily favored to win the fight.
However, he showed incredible heart and determination to even survive the ninth round onslaught.
The fight’s aftermath has already sparked discussions about a potential rematch. Both fighters expressed their willingness to face each other again, with Fury even claiming he won the fight despite the judges’ decision.