Usyk Defeats Fury to Claim Undisputed Heavyweight Title

Usyk Defeats Fury to Claim Undisputed Heavyweight Title

Oleksandr Usyk turned the tide on Tyson Fury in the eighth round [Action Images via Reuters/Andrew]

Oleksandr Usyk became the first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion in boxing after a split-decision points defeat over Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia. Fury started strong but faced a standing 10 count in the ninth round. The scorecards favored Usyk, with one judge scoring for Fury. This marked Fury’s first loss in his 16-year professional career.

In the ring, Fury expressed his disagreement with the decision, stating, “I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority.” Usyk, now 37 and unbeaten, added Fury’s WBC belt to his WBA, WBO, and IBF titles. He thanked his team and expressed readiness for a rematch.

Usyk’s victory in the history-making fight came after a slow start. The event, attended by 20,000 people, including Cristiano Ronaldo, saw Usyk enter the ring in a traditional Ukrainian outfit, while Fury sang and danced to Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out For A Hero.”

Fury dominated the early rounds, but Usyk rallied in the ninth, landing a barrage of overhand lefts that left Fury staggering. He narrowly escaped a knockout, saved by the bell. The fight continued to be action-packed, with Usyk possibly edging the final round, leading to his victory.

Despite October’s lacklustre performance, Fury was fit and controlled early parts of the fight. A rematch is planned for later this year, though it may not be for all four belts. The IBF plans to strip Usyk for not facing its mandatory challenger next.

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5 thoughts on “Usyk Defeats Fury to Claim Undisputed Heavyweight Title

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