Ukrainian Boxer Secures Historic Victory in Split-Decision After 12 Rounds
The showdown took place in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and unfolded over 12 rounds of nail-biting action. The match culminated in a split-decision points victory for Usyk.
The fight started with Tyson Fury dominating the Ukrainian completely. The boxer displayed his signature “agility with aggression” moves.
However, Oleksandr Usyk weathered Fury’s initial onslaughts, akin to channeling Muhammad Ali in his most famous match, absorbing blow after blow from his opponent. And just like that match, Usyk emerged the victor.
The Ukrainian bided his time before launching his own offensive maneuvers. As the rounds progressed, the momentum shifted back and forth.
The climax came in the ninth round when the Ukrainian launched a relentless barrage of attacks that overwhelmed Fury completely. The referee was forced to administer a standing 10 count to Fury. While the British boxer managed to survive until the bell, he could not mount an offensive at all after being battered so badly.
Despite Fury’s managing to hold his own, the judges’ scorecards ultimately favored Usyk. At the end of the grueling 12 rounds, the judges rendered a split decision: 115-112 in favor of Usyk, 114-113 for Fury, and another 114-113 for Usyk.
This match marks Tyson Fury’s first professional defeat in his 16-year career. Following the judges’ decision, emotions ran high in the ring as the British boxer expressed disbelief and disappointment quite aggressively.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian was overcome with emotion. Usyk broke down in tears as he celebrated probably the highlight of his boxing career.
With this victory, Usyk claimed the World Boxing Council (WBC) belt from Fury. This adds to his existing collection of World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Organisation (WBO), and International Boxing Federation (IBF) belts.
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Not only is Usyk boxing’s first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion, he now joins an illustrious lineage of one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Both boxers have expressed their intentions for a rematch, scheduled to take place later this year. Tyson Fury, in particular, immediately called for a rematch, as per the fight terms.
