Heavyweight Champion
Oleksandr Usyk Edges Tyson Fury by Split Decision
In a historic night for boxing, Oleksandr Usyk emerged victorious against Tyson Fury, securing his place as the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era. The bout, held at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 18, 2024, was a thrilling contest that saw Usyk claim a split decision victory over the previously unbeaten Fury.
The judges' scorecards read 115-112 and 114-113 in favor of Usyk, while the third judge scored it 114-113 for Fury. This razor-thin margin highlighted the competitive nature of the fight, which saw both fighters have their moments of dominance.
From the opening bell, Usyk, known for his technical prowess and agility, set a fast pace. He landed precise punches and used his superior footwork to outmaneuver the larger Fury. The Ukrainian southpaw's strategy was clear: to use his speed and ring intelligence to offset Fury's size and reach advantage.
Fury, standing at 6-foot-9 with an 85-inch reach, initially struggled to impose his physicality on the 6-foot-3 Usyk. However, the British boxer, known for his resilience and unorthodox style, began to find his rhythm in the middle rounds. Fury's jab and body shots started to take their toll on Usyk, and he appeared to be gaining control of the fight.
The turning point came in the ninth round when Usyk delivered a powerful left hand that sent Fury sprawling into a corner. The knockdown was a decisive moment, as it swung the momentum back in Usyk's favor. Fury, visibly shaken, managed to survive the round, but the damage was done.
Usyk capitalized on this advantage, dominating the final rounds with a relentless assault. His punches were sharp and accurate, and he maintained a high work rate that kept Fury on the defensive. Despite Fury's attempts to mount a comeback, Usyk's superior conditioning and tactical acumen saw him through to the final bell.
In the post-fight interview, an emotional Usyk expressed his gratitude to his team and his country. "It's a great time. It's a great day," he said. "Thank you so much to my team. It's a big opportunity for me, for my family, for my country. Slava Ukraini!"
Fury, ever the showman, was gracious in defeat. He kissed Usyk on the head after the final bell and expressed his desire for a rematch. "I believe I won that fight," Fury said. "I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority of them. We both put on a good fight, best we can do. You know, his country is at war, so people are siding with a country at war. But make no mistake, I won that fight, in my opinion, and I’ll be back. I’ve got a rematch clause."
The victory marks a significant milestone in Usyk's career. The 37-year-old Ukrainian, who was previously the undisputed cruiserweight champion, now holds the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles. This achievement places him among the greats of the sport, joining the ranks of legendary champions such as Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, and Mike Tyson.
The fight also featured a strong undercard, with notable performances from Jai Opetaia, who retained his IBF cruiserweight title with a unanimous decision over Mairis Briedis, and Anthony Cacace, who claimed the IBF super featherweight title with an eighth-round TKO over Joe Cordina. Other highlights included Agit Kabayel's seventh-round KO of Frank Sanchez in a WBC heavyweight championship eliminator and Moses Itauma's second-round TKO of Ilija Mezencev for the vacant WBO Intercontinental heavyweight title.
As the boxing world turns its attention to the anticipated rematch between Usyk and Fury, the debate continues regarding Usyk's place among the pound-for-pound greats. With a resume that includes undisputed titles at cruiserweight and heavyweight, victories over Anthony Joshua twice, and a thrilling win over Fury, it's hard to deny his place in the conversation.
For now, Oleksandr Usyk stands atop the heavyweight division, a testament to his skill, determination, and the heart of a champion. The rematch, expected later this year, promises to be another epic chapter in the storied careers of these two boxing titans.