Ukrainian boxer Usyk achieves spectacular victory over Fury, becoming undisputed world champion
Photo: Reuters
On the night of May 19, the Saudi Arabian city of Riyadh hosted a heavyweight boxing match for the title of absolute world champion between Ukrainian athlete Oleksandr Usyk and British boxer Tyson Fury.
In an incredible fight, the Ukrainian boxer won and became the undisputed world champion, Rubryka reports, citing Suspilne Sport.
It was the first-ever fight for the undisputed heavyweight champion title in the era of four belts. Usyk was defending his WBA, WBO, and IBF titles and aimed to take the WBC title from Fury.
The match started actively with the Ukrainian boxer. The Briton played to the crowd in the first round, making various gestures. Usyk attacked, testing Fury's defense. Fury allowed Usyk to land hits but ended up taking a left hook to the temple.
The Briton became more active in the second round. It began with a great combination from Usyk, but Fury caught him several times. Usyk continued trying to corner Fury.
Photo: Reuters
In the third round, Usyk alternated his punches between Fury's head and body. Fury increased his activity in the following rounds, raising the pace and breaking through Usyk's defense more frequently.
Photo: Reuters
In the first half of the fight, the boxers' roles remained the same: Usyk often landed punches and cornered Fury. Fury tried to counterattack, especially with uppercuts.
Photo: Reuters
In the sixth round, Fury stood out more, landing several strong hits on Usyk. It was hard for Usyk to attack, and he was taking punches.
In the next three minutes, Usyk became more active, and in the seventh round, he broke the "Gypsy King's" nose. Fury landed another uppercut, but later in the round, Usyk delivered a series of powerful punches to the Briton.
In the eighth round, Usyk landed a precise punch on Fury's nose, causing him to bleed.
In the ninth round, Fury was knocked down but managed to finish the round. Usyk trapped Fury against the ropes, and then Fury went down. He barely stayed on his feet, falling into the ropes, and was saved by the bell.
Usyk continued to dominate Fury in the next two rounds. Only in the 11th round did the Briton manage to regain some control. In the championship rounds, Fury moved around the ring, retreating, avoiding Usyk and landing some punches.
The judges decided who won the Usyk-Fury fight. Both boxers lasted all 12 rounds, but Usyk won by split decision! Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury by split decision: 115-112, 114-113, and 113-114.
The Ukrainian boxer became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. This was Fury's first professional loss.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted to Usyk's victory:
"Ukrainians fight powerfully! In the end, all our opponents will be overcome. Oleksandr Usyk is the undisputed world champion! A tough battle that proves Ukrainian resilience and strength leads to victory. Congratulations, champion! Congratulations, country! Glory to Ukraine!" said the president.
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Kateryna Usyk, Oleksandr Usyk's wife, shared her emotional message after her husband's victory over Tyson Fury in the fight for the undisputed heavyweight champion title:
"Thank you all for the support and belief in us. Every day, it's crucial to prove that Ukrainians are strong and free people. Together, we are strong. The whole world sees this. Glory to the Ukrainian people. Glory to all who defend," said Kateryna.
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The day before, there was a weigh-in ceremony for Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury: the Ukrainian boxer showed his highest weight ever. He met his British opponent wearing a suit with a Crimean Tatar pattern.
Before the fight, Usyk said:
"Ukraine is going through tough times right now. We are fighting for our freedom. Right now, we are fighting for our lives, whether we will be free or destroyed.
"I believe in Ukraine so much that I feel like I don't believe in myself as much as I believe in my country. But I also believe in myself and my victory.
"In war, as in boxing, size doesn't matter much. Skill and character matter a lot. Ukrainian soldiers are showing skill and character."
This was the first time a heavyweight determined the holder of all four titles. The last fight for the undisputed heavyweight championship was in 1999 when Briton Lennox Lewis defeated American Evander Holyfield and held the WBC, WBA, and IBF titles.
