Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk: Usyk Win The Heavyweight Championship Fight by Split Decision.
In a bout that will be remembered as one of the greatest in boxing history, Oleksandr Usyk emerged victorious against Tyson Fury by split decision, securing his place as the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world—the first since Lennox Lewis. The match took place in Saudi Arabia, where the intense battle captivated fans worldwide.
The fight concluded with scores of 115-112, 113-114, and 114-113, reflecting the closely contested nature of the encounter. Usyk’s win added the WBC title to his already impressive collection of WBA, IBF, and WBO belts, solidifying his dominance in the heavyweight division.
The turning point of the fight came in a dramatic ninth round when Usyk nearly stopped Fury in his tracks. A devastating left hook from Usyk connected with Fury’s jaw, sending shockwaves through Fury’s 6-foot-9 frame. In the highlights of the fight, Fury staggered, barely able to stay upright, and was driven into the ropes by Usyk’s relentless assault. Referee Mark Nelson intervened, administering a standing count that might have saved Fury from being knocked out. The bell rang just in time, sparing Fury from further punishment.
Despite the brutal ninth round, Fury had started the fight in promising form, showing glimpses of his best self. For 25 years, the boxing world had waited to crown a new undisputed heavyweight champion, a title last held by Lennox Lewis. This historic fight between Fury and Usyk, who held all the major world titles between them, was the climax of years of anticipation and buildup.
In the early rounds, Fury’s showmanship was on full display. He taunted Usyk, shimmying and slipping his head side to side, even hiding his hands behind his back in the second round. His long, flickering jab distracted Usyk, setting up powerful right-hand shots to the body. Fury ended the second round with a sharp right uppercut that brought a smile to his face, signaling his confidence.
Usyk, unfazed by Fury’s antics and size, struck back with powerful left crosses and straight shots that landed solidly on Fury’s long torso. By the third round, chants of Usyk’s name echoed through the arena, and he continued to press forward, demonstrating his resilience and determination.
Fury remained elusive in the fourth round, using his agility to slide along the ropes and avoid Usyk’s attacks. However, when cornered, Usyk unleashed flurries of punches, forcing Fury to weave and dodge. Fury’s counterattacks targeted Usyk’s body, but by the sixth round, a significant right hand from Fury visibly hurt Usyk, who had to retreat to recover.
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The seventh round saw Fury in control, joyfully working his way through the round until Usyk landed a defiant left cross at the end, reminding everyone of his threat. This led to a furious start to the eighth round from Fury, who battered Usyk with hooks. Despite Fury’s dominance, Usyk continued to push forward, finding it increasingly difficult to navigate Fury’s long reach.
Everything changed in the ninth round when Usyk’s punches staggered Fury and nearly ended the fight. Usyk sought to capitalize on this momentum in the final rounds, landing more hooks to Fury’s jaw. However, Fury fought back valiantly, ensuring the fight went the distance.
After the final bell, Usyk expressed his gratitude and pride. “Thank you so much for my team. It’s a big opportunity for my family, for my country,” he said. “I’m very happy. My people will be very happy I think, it’s a big win, not only for me, it’s a big win for my country, for soldiers who now defend my country. I think my father now is watching over me and is very happy. Dad, I love you. I can, you told me I can.”
Fury, however, believed he should have won. “I believe I won that fight,” he declared. “I believe he won a few rounds but I won more of them. Make no mistake I won that fight and I’ll be back. We go back to our families and we run it back in October. I’m not going to sit here and cry and make excuses.”
Usyk is ready for a rematch. “Yeah, of course. I am ready for rematch,” he affirmed. Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, echoed this sentiment: “I’m exhausted, I was backing Usyk the whole fight. No disrespect to the referee, I think he stopped the KO in the ninth. It was a tremendous performance, something unbelievable. I hope to see more in the rematch.”
The epic clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight world titles is a testament to the skill, heart, and tenacity of both fighters. Repeats of the fight will be available at 10am and 10pm on Sunday, May 19.
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