Oleksandr Usyk from Ukraine defeated the United Kingdom’s Tyson Fury to claim the title of undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. The match took place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
After 12 intense rounds, the judges delivered a split decision: 115-112 for Usyk, 114-113 for Fury, and 114-113 for Usyk. Both fighters have impeccable records—Fury is 34-0-1 with 24 knockouts, Usyk 21-0 with 14 KOs—and engrossing backstories.
Ahead of the bout, Fury weighed in at 262 pounds (118.8 kilos), more than 15lb lighter than his last outing, while Usyk was 233.5lb, significantly heavier than his customary 221lb.
Opinions were divided over the outcome, with some favoring the rangy, street-smart “Gypsy King” Fury, while others backed the supreme skills and fitness of Usyk. British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua, speaking ahead of the bout, expected Usyk to defeat Fury.
“I’ve fought Usyk, so I can only speak on what I’ve experienced with him – phenomenal fighter, I would say he’s going to do a really good job. I’ve never fought Fury, so I can’t speak on what it’s like to face him. Only speaking on what I know, I have to say Usyk will be victorious,” Joshua told TalkSport.
Former British professional boxer Amir Khan remarked, “It’s a massive fight for boxing and for the heavyweight division. I just lean more towards Tyson in this fight. As we get closer to the fight, I feel like Tyson might be a little bit too thin. I’m going to stick with Fury to win the fight. But there could be a few scares in the fight.”
Former world champion and Usyk opponent Tony Bellew said, “Usyk wins on points. If the judges read the fight properly and judge it properly, I can see it being a unanimous decision. The only way I see it getting close is if we have incompetent judging,” he told the BBC.
Two-time UFC champion Conor McGregor added, “Usyk is a crafty, crafty boxer. If anybody can do it, maybe Usyk can do it. Tyson is also a crafty boxer, plus he has the size. Tyson is a tough man to beat in the boxing arena.”
Former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield commented, “It can go either way. It all depends if Usyk fights the right fight.”
Lennox Lewis, the last undisputed heavyweight champion, stated, “I think Tyson Fury should win it by points,” according to the BBC.
Fury and Usyk, who have a rematch clause, stand to profit handsomely from the fight, with reports claiming the Briton will bank at least £100 million ($127 million).
With Usyk celebrating his victory and securing the belts, speculation about a rematch in October is already underway, and a third bout could even be on the horizon if Fury wins the next match. This rivalry is far from over, and fans can expect more excitement in the coming months.
