Usyk Defeats Fury to Become Undisputed Heavyweight Champion

Oleksandr Usyk triumphed over Tyson Fury in Riyadh on Saturday, securing his place as boxing’s first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion.

The bout, dubbed the “Ring of Fire,” saw Usyk emerge victorious after a dramatic ninth-round that nearly saw Fury defeated by technical knockout. Usyk claimed the win via split-decision, adding Fury’s WBC belt to his collection of WBA, WBO, and IBF titles.

The fight’s three judges scored it 115-112, 113-114, and 114-113 in Usyk’s favor, with Fury expressing his disagreement with the decision. “I believe I won that fight. He won a few rounds, but I won more of them. Make no mistake, I’ll be back,” the British fighter declared post-match.

Both fighters entered the ring undefeated, with Fury initially appearing to dominate, using his reach advantage to keep the 37-year-old Ukrainian at bay. However, Usyk turned the tide in the ninth round, gaining a decisive edge. “Thank you so much to my team. It’s a big opportunity for my family and my country,” Usyk celebrated afterward.

Fury has already called for a rematch, which is stipulated in the fight clause, suggesting an October date. “We go back to our families and run it back in October. I’m not going to sit here and make excuses,” Fury said, with his promoter Frank Warren backing the call. Usyk responded affirmatively, “Yeah, of course. I am ready for a rematch.”

In the early rounds, Fury’s reach and confidence gave him the advantage, with Usyk adopting a strategy of low attacks and overhead punches. The Ukrainian sustained a cut above his right eye in the fourth round from a clash of heads. Fury maintained his lead through the middle rounds, but the ninth round saw Usyk completely dominate, nearly knocking Fury out.

Despite the fierce contest, former champion Wladimir Klitschko praised Usyk’s performance and expressed surprise that Fury survived the ninth round. “Oleksandr showed he’s the best fighter in modern history. Judges ruled Oleksandr deserved that fight,” Klitschko stated, adding respect for Fury’s resilience.