RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Oleksandr Usyk triumphed over Tyson Fury by a split decision, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight boxing champion in 24 years.
Usyk (22-0) clinched Fury’s WBC title, adding it to his WBA, IBF, and IBO belts with an impressive late surge that featured a ninth-round knockdown in a battle between two previously undefeated heavyweights. The judges scored it 115-112 and 114-113 in favor of Usyk, while the third judge scored it 114-113 for Fury.
The match saw Britain’s Tyson Fury and Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk exchanging blows at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 19, 2024.
Usyk began the fight strongly but had to weather the storm as Fury, known for his confidence and charisma, took control of the middle rounds. Usyk then rallied, dominating the eighth round and nearly stopping Fury in the ninth with a left hand that sent Fury into a corner, resulting in a knockdown just before the bell. Fury survived to the 10th round but found it difficult to sustain a consistent offense afterward.
After the final bell, Fury kissed Usyk on the head. The fighters are expected to have a rematch in Saudi Arabia later in the year.
Usyk’s victory marks the first time since Lennox Lewis held the title of undisputed heavyweight champion in 1999 and 2000. Usyk also now holds the lineal heavyweight title by defeating Fury, who had earned the distinction by beating Wladimir Klitschko in 2015.
