Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury by split decision on Sunday to become the first undisputed heavyweight boxing champion in 24 years. Usyk added Fury’s WBC title to his own WBA, IBF, and IBO belts in a back-and-forth bout that saw Usyk rally late with a ninth-round knockdown after an initially strong start. The judges scored the fight 115-112 and 114-113 in favor of Usyk, while Fury received one judge’s score of 114-113. Fury expressed interest in a rematch in October, believing he had won the majority of the rounds, despite ultimately losing the fight.
With his victory over Fury, Usyk also became the lineal heavyweight champion, holding all the major world championship belts at heavyweight in the four-belt era that began in 2007. He is 6 inches shorter and 30 pounds lighter than Fury but used his athleticism and skill to overcome the size difference and land 41% of his punches compared to Fury’s 31.7%. Usyk upset Anthony Joshua in 2021 to win three title belts and secured this bout against Fury in Saudi Arabia, where he will reportedly make more than $100 million. Despite his success, Usyk remains emotionally connected to his Ukrainian heritage, acknowledging his country amidst the turmoil and conflict there.
The 37-year-old Usyk is the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999 and 2000, who held the title for five months before relinquishing it due to boxing’s ongoing territorial disputes. Usyk is now part of an elite club of fighters who have held every major world championship belt at heavyweight, a list that includes legendary boxers such as Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, and Mike Tyson. His victory over Fury solidifies his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of his era.
The bout between Usyk and Fury was highly anticipated and only came together due to the involvement of Saudi Arabia, which offered substantial financial rewards that promoters and sanctioning bodies could not refuse. The fight took place at Kingdom Arena, with the bout starting at 1:45 a.m. to reach a Western pay-per-view audience. The fight was filled with drama and excitement as Usyk and Fury traded blows, with Usyk ultimately emerging victorious with a display of skill and determination that silenced any doubts about his abilities as a heavyweight champion.
Despite Fury’s disappointment at the result, he acknowledged Usyk’s performance and expressed his desire for a rematch to reclaim the titles. Usyk’s victory has cemented his place in boxing history as the first undisputed heavyweight champion in over two decades, and his journey from cruiserweight to heavyweight has been nothing short of remarkable. As both fighters reflect on the outcome of the bout, the boxing world eagerly awaits the next chapter in the rivalry between Usyk and Fury, which promises to deliver more excitement and intrigue for fans around the world.
