Oleksandr Usyk emerged as the undisputed heavyweight champion after defeating Tyson Fury in a split decision on Saturday. The judges scored the fight 115-112, 113-114, 114-113 in favor of Usyk, making him the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 2000. The fight was a closely contested battle until Usyk knocked down Fury in the ninth round, ultimately securing his victory on the scorecards. Usyk’s emotional reaction to the win reflected the magnitude of the achievement for him, his team, and his country of Ukraine.
Fury, on the other hand, disputed the decision and announced his plans to invoke his rematch clause to contest the result. He believed he had won the majority of the rounds in the fight and attributed Usyk’s victory to sympathy for Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia. Usyk accepted the challenge for a rematch tentatively scheduled for October 12 and expressed his readiness to defend his title. Despite concerns about a potentially broken jaw following the fight, Usyk’s promoter assured that he would be fully prepared for the rematch.
The fight between Usyk and Fury was characterized by a strong start from Usyk and a comeback from Fury midway through the bout. Usyk demonstrated his aggression early on, landing significant shots, while Fury amused the crowd with his antics and showmanship. As the fight progressed, Fury’s punches began to find their target, causing some trouble for Usyk. The tide turned in the ninth round when Usyk managed to repeatedly knock down Fury, ultimately securing his victory in a hard-fought battle.
Usyk’s undisputed reign as the heavyweight champion will be brief due to the upcoming stripping of the IBF title ahead of a fight between mandatory challengers. Despite the short-lived nature of his status, Usyk’s journey to the top of the division has been impressive, defeating notable opponents on his way to becoming the undisputed champion. His victory over Fury solidified his position as the heavyweight king, earning him recognition as the top fighter in the division by the boxing world.
The last undisputed heavyweight champion was Lennox Lewis in 1999, and since then, there has been a lack of clarity in the division due to title splits and dominant champions like the Klitschko brothers. The opportunity for an undisputed fight had eluded fighters like Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua, paving the way for Usyk and Fury. Usyk now stands as the first true heavyweight king in over two decades, following Lewis’ reign. Despite the imminent stripping of his IBF title, Usyk’s legacy as the undisputed champion will leave a lasting impact on the boxing world.
Usyk’s victory over Fury was a significant moment in boxing that brought clarity to the heavyweight division. Usyk’s rise to the top, culminating in his undisputed championship, showcased his skill, determination, and resilience as a fighter. As he prepares for the rematch against Fury and faces the challenges ahead, Usyk’s reign as the undisputed heavyweight champion will be remembered as a historic achievement in the sport. His journey from cruiserweight to heavyweight supremacy has solidified his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of his generation.
