Oleksandr Usyk has defeated Tyson Fury by split decision, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight boxing champion in 24 years.
The Ukrainian boxer, now holding an unblemished record of 22-0, added Fury’s WBC title to his own WBA, IBF, and IBO belts, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
The fight, held in front of an electrified audience, saw Usyk secure the victory through a spectacular late rally, which included a ninth-round knockdown.
The judges’ scores were close: two favored Usyk with scores of 115-112 and 114-113, while the third judge awarded the bout to Fury with a score of 114-113.
Usyk began the match with a quick start, showcasing his speed and agility. However, the middle rounds saw Fury, known for his confidence and charisma, take control.
Despite this, Usyk, an Olympic gold medalist, demonstrated his resilience and tactical prowess, rallying in the final rounds.
He dominated the eighth round and nearly ended the fight in the ninth, where he hurt Fury with a powerful left hand, sending him sprawling into a corner just before the bell.
Fury, who now holds a record of 34-1-1, managed to survive until the tenth round but struggled to regain his momentum after the near-knockout.
After the final bell, in a show of sportsmanship, Fury kissed Usyk on the head, acknowledging the fierce competition.
The victory makes Usyk the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis held the title for five months between 1999 and 2000.
Additionally, Usyk has now claimed the lineal heavyweight championship, a title Fury earned after defeating Wladimir Klitschko in 2015.
