Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk (Photo: Andrew Couldridge/Action Images via Reuters)
Eko Hot Blog reports that Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk has gotten the better of his British counterpart, Tyson Fury, earning himself the title of the undisputed heavyweight world champion.
Usyk became champion on a split decision: 115-112 to Usyk, 114-113 to Fury, and 114-113 to Usyk in Saudi Arabia in the early hours of sunday, May 19, 2024.
He had almost knocked out Fury in the ninth round when the British boxer staggered across the ring drunkenly. He was given a standing count of eight and saved by the bell.
Both boxers fought on and completed 12 rounds before the decision went to the three judges.
Stats show that Fury landed 157 of his 496 punches, while Usyk landed 170 of 407 punches, indicating that the latter had better luck hitting his rival.
The win means Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era of WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO titles.
Oleksandr Usyk celebrates with the belts after winning the fight to become the undisputed heavyweight world champion against Tyson Fury (Photo: Andrew Couldridge/Action Images via Reuters)
An emotional Usyk was moved to tears as he spoke after the match.
“Thank you so much for my team. It’s a big opportunity for me, my family and my country,” he told DAZN.
“It’s a great time, a great day. Without [Tyson], it’s not possible.”
Oleksandr Usyk celebrates with the belts after winning the fight to become the undisputed heavyweight world champion (Photo: Andrew Couldridge/Action Images via Reuters)
Fury disagreed with the split decision that gave the win to his opponent, saying he wants a rematch.
“His country is at war and people sided with him for that,” Fury told DAZN.
“I have a rematch clause and I want it because I won that fight. We’ll go and rest up and fight again in October.”
Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk (Photo: Andrew Couldridge/Action Images via Reuters)
Meanwhile, Promoter Frank Warren has said that the rematch between Usyk and Fury is on.
“That’s what the contract says and if that’s what [Fury] wants, then it’s up to him,” Warren told DAZN.
Reacting to the end-to-end boxing encounter, Promoter Eddie Hearn hails a “spectacle” that was “great” for boxing.
“Fury barely gave Usyk a round in the first six,” Hearne told DAZN. “How he managed to stay on his feet was incredible but he’s lucky the fight wasn’t called off.
“It was nearly a mismatch in the first half of the fight but Usyk just kept coming.”
Oleksandr Usyk celebrates with the belts after winning Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk (Photo: Andrew Couldridge/Action Images via Reuters)
“You have to mark the brilliance of Usyk, he beat Anthony Joshua twice,” Hearn continued. “You’re talking about one of the greatest fighters of our generation.
“You can’t help but feel for him. He’s going to lift his country.
“Fury thinks he won but more people feel like Usyk won.
“It looked like Fury had won in the first half and everyone was already lining up Joshua to step in and face Fury.
“Rematches and trilogies, some people don’t like them but you’re talking about the best of the best.”
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