In a momentous bout at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Oleksandr Usyk emerged victorious over Tyson Fury by split decision, unifying the WBA, WBO, WBC, and IBF world titles. This victory marks Usyk as the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era, and the first since Lennox Lewis.
The fight’s turning point came in a dramatic ninth round when Usyk delivered a powerful left hook that staggered Fury. The Ukrainian relentlessly pursued Fury with a barrage of punches, driving him into the ropes and prompting referee Mark Nelson to administer a 10 count. Fury, visibly shaken, was saved by the bell, narrowly avoiding further punishment.
Fury, who made a theatrical entrance through a tunnel of flames, initially displayed confidence and showmanship. He engaged in his signature antics, including slipping punches and showboating, yet also effectively utilized his long jab and occasional body shots to keep Usyk at bay.
Usyk, undeterred by Fury’s size and bravado, landed solid blows early in the fight and maintained pressure throughout. In the third round, Usyk advanced with precision, backed by chants from his supporters. By the sixth round, Fury sensed an opportunity, landing a significant right hand that momentarily had Usyk on the defensive.
As the fight progressed, Fury seemed to gain momentum, especially in the seventh round, until Usyk’s late-round counterpunches served as a stark reminder of his resilience. Fury responded with aggressive hooks in the eighth round, but Usyk’s persistence paid off when he hurt Fury in the ninth.
In the final round, Usyk continued to press his advantage, targeting Fury’s jaw with precise hooks. Fury, however, fought back tenaciously, ensuring the fight went the distance.
The bout, attended by global stars including Cristiano Ronaldo and Anthony Joshua, concluded with a split decision: one judge scored it 114-113 for Fury, but the other two judges awarded the fight to Usyk with scores of 115-112 and 114-113.
Usyk’s victory not only crowns him the undisputed heavyweight champion but also etches his name in the annals of boxing history.
