Oleksandr Usyk delivered a masterclass performance on Saturday night, defeating Tyson Fury to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era. The thrilling bout culminated in a split-decision victory for the Ukrainian fighter.
The judges’ scores were tightly contested, with two favoring Usyk: 115-112 and 114-113, and one judge scoring it 114-113 in favor of Fury.
The fight, held at the Kingdom Arena, was a dramatic tale of two halves. Fury dominated the early rounds, leveraging his reach and power to keep Usyk at bay. However, Usyk’s superior footwork and tactical brilliance allowed him to turn the tide in the latter half. In the ninth round, Usyk unleashed a barrage of punches that left the “Gypsy King” struggling to regain control.
After the final bell, both fighters showed mutual respect, exchanging hugs and kisses as they awaited the judges’ decision. The camaraderie was short-lived, as Fury’s demeanor changed upon hearing the result. In a post-fight interview, Fury expressed his frustration, claiming that “people are siding with Usyk because of the Ukraine war.”
From the opening round, both fighters came out aggressively. Fury attempted to use his reach advantage to keep Usyk at a distance and target his body with heavy shots. Usyk, however, adeptly utilized his footwork to navigate Fury’s reach and find openings. This strategy eventually paid off, as he managed to get inside Fury’s defenses and score effectively.
Usyk’s victory not only cements his place in boxing history but also showcases his exceptional skills and determination. The win marks a significant milestone in Usyk’s career, highlighting his ability to overcome one of the most formidable opponents in the sport.