The fight of a generation lived up to its immense billing. On Sunday in Riyadh, Oleksandr Usyk became the new undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, a feat not achieved in a quarter of a century, after defeating Tyson Fury by split decision.
The Ukrainian, already holder of the WBA, WBO and IBF titles, added Fury's WBC belt to complete the unification of all four major heavyweight championships. Two judges scored the fight 115-112 and 114-113 in favor of Usyk, while the third judge saw it 114-113 for Fury.
Usyk, a 37-year-old former undisputed cruiserweight champion, floored Fury in the ninth round with a devastating flurry of punches. The British champion, known as the "Gypsy King," was saved by the bell as the referee began a count. Usyk's victory was historic, as he became the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999, when only three belts existed. This achievement is therefore truly unprecedented.
"This is a great moment, a great day," Usyk savored after the fight, adding that he is "ready for a rematch." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky celebrated on Telegram, writing, "Ukrainians strike hard!" and offering "congratulations to the champion."
A Battle of Undefeated Titans
Entering the ring, both fighters boasted impeccable records. Usyk had won all 21 professional bouts, while Fury had 33 wins and one draw. Many boxing analysts feared the highly anticipated clash, promoted as "one in a generation," would end in a draw, but Usyk's relentless pressure and superior ring IQ proved decisive.
From the opening bell, Usyk took the initiative, using his superior movement and jab to control the distance against the much taller Fury, who stands 2.06 meters (6'9") compared to Usyk's 1.91 meters. The Ukrainian, hailing from Simferopol in Crimea, attacked first and gradually took control, absorbing Fury's wild swings and occasional rough tactics.
By the midpoint of the fight, Usyk had landed twice as many punches as Fury. The British boxer, known for his unorthodox style and psychological warfare, struggled to solve the southpaw's puzzle. Despite Fury's attempts to impose his physical advantages, Usyk's technical brilliance and stamina kept him ahead.
The Defining Moment in the Ninth Round
Galvanized by chants of "Usyk! Usyk!" and watched from ringside by footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and fellow heavyweight star Anthony Joshua, Usyk stepped up the pace in the later rounds. In the eighth round, he sent a stern warning to Fury, opening a serious cut under the Briton's right eye. Fury, bleeding and under pressure, showed tremendous heart to continue.
The ninth round produced the moment that will be remembered for decades. Usyk unleashed a devastating combination to Fury's face, sending the bigger man staggering into the corner. The referee started a standing count as Fury seemed on the verge of being stopped. Miraculously, the "Gypsy King" survived, saved by the bell at the count of nine. Replays showed that only the bell prevented a knockout.
Fury recovered in the later rounds, showing immense courage. He pressed forward in the tenth and eleventh rounds, landing heavy shots of his own, but Usyk's relentless conditioning and defensive guile saw him through. The final round was tense, with both men giving everything, but the judges ultimately favored Usyk's cleaner punching and superior volume.
Historical Context and Legacy
Usyk's achievement places him alongside boxing legends such as Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, and Mike Tyson, who all unified the heavyweight division in their respective eras. However, those fighters unified three or fewer belts. Usyk is the first to hold all four major titles simultaneously in the modern four-belt era.
Lennox Lewis was the last man to be called undisputed heavyweight champion, after defeating Evander Holyfield in 1999, but at that time only the WBC, WBA, and IBF belts existed. Usyk's clean sweep of the modern titles is an extraordinary accomplishment, cementing his status as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
The victory also carries deep symbolic meaning for Ukraine, which continues to face the Russian invasion. Usyk has become a symbol of national pride, following in the footsteps of other Ukrainian sporting heroes. President Zelensky's swift congratulation highlighted the importance of this victory for a war-weary nation.
Fury's First Defeat
For Tyson Fury, this was the first defeat of his career. The 34-year-old from Manchester had previously drawn with Deontay Wilder and beaten him twice, and had dethroned long-time champion Wladimir Klitschko in 2015. His unorthodox style and resilience had made him one of the most feared heavyweights of his generation.
After the fight, Fury offered a mixed reaction. He described it as a "fantastic fight with Oleksandr," but insisted he believed he had done enough to win. In a post-fight interview, Fury suggested the decision might have been influenced by the geopolitical context and the war in Ukraine, a controversial remark that drew criticism from many observers.
Despite the loss, Fury's promoter, Frank Warren, and many fans called the event "a once-in-a-generation" encounter. The rematch clause in the contract means Fury can invoke his right to an immediate rematch, and Usyk has already stated he is ready to face him again. The boxing world is now eagerly anticipating what could be an even bigger sequel.
What's Next for Usyk?
Usyk, who improved his perfect record to 22 wins in 22 fights, has several options. A rematch with Fury is the most likely scenario, with the lucrative Saudi Arabian venue expected to host it again. The winner of that bout could then face either Anthony Joshua or other contenders, depending on how the heavyweight division unfolds.
The 37-year-old Ukrainian has also hinted that he may not have many fights left in his career. He has achieved everything possible in the sport, having also become the undisputed cruiserweight champion in 2018 before moving up to heavyweight. A potential fight against Joshua, which would be a third meeting after Usyk's two wins over the British star, would also be a massive draw.
For now, Usyk can savor his historic achievement. The "great day" he spoke of is not only his own but also a great day for boxing, which has longed for a unified heavyweight champion to clear the confusion of multiple titles. With so much at stake, the rematch with Fury promises to be another epic encounter.
Source: DHnet News