Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury, handing the “Gypsy King” his first professional loss early Sunday morning.
The win makes Usyk the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years.
The dramatic fight at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh saw Usyk drop Fury in the ninth round, ultimately securing a split decision victory with scores of 115-112, 114-113 in his favour, and one judge scoring it 114-113 for Fury.
Usyk’s victory marks the first time all four major belts (WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO) have been unified in the heavyweight division since Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield in 1999.
The win extends Usyk’s legacy as a two-weight undisputed champion, having previously dominated the cruiserweight division.
The fight began with both fighters probing each other with jabs, with Usyk landing a sharp backhand in the opening round.
Despite Fury’s taunts, Usyk’s direct punches started to take their toll. By the ninth round, Usyk’s relentless pressure paid off as he knocked Fury down, leaving him staggering and held up by the ropes.
Though Fury gave some troubles earlier on, it was not enough to sway the judges, as Usyk’s late surge and ninth-round knockdown proved decisive.
In the post-fight press conference, Usyk dedicated his victory to his supporters and homeland.
Meanwhile, Fury threatened he will be back, disclosing there is a rematch clause to the fight.
The fighters are slated to meet again on October 12/13 this year.
