Usyk triumphs over Fury to enter history books
RIYADH: In a historic showdown, Oleksandr Usyk emerged victorious over Tyson Fury in a split decision, claiming the world’s first undisputed heavyweight championship in 25 years.
Despite an aggressive start from Britain’s Fury, Usyk gradually asserted control, ultimately securing a monumental win and handing Fury his first career defeat.
Reflecting on his remarkable achievement, Usyk expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “It is a big opportunity for me, for my family, for my country.” The 37-year-old Ukrainian, who briefly served as a soldier amid his nation’s conflict with Russia, emphasized his readiness for a rematch, highlighting the significance of the moment.
Fury acknowledged the intensity of the bout, describing it as a “fantastic fight with Oleksandr.” While expressing confidence in his performance, Fury believed he had won the majority of rounds. He remained resolute, asserting, “I won that fight in my opinion and I will be back.”
The victory cements Usyk’s status among boxing’s elite, placing him alongside legends like Muhammad Ali and Joe Louis as an undisputed heavyweight champion. With the win, Usyk adds Fury’s WBC belt to his collection, further solidifying his dominance in the sport.
The clash between Usyk and Fury marked a significant moment in boxing history, reminiscent of the era when Lennox Lewis unified the heavyweight belts in 1999. The judges’ scores, two in favor of Usyk and one for Fury, reflected the closely contested nature of the bout, extending Usyk’s undefeated streak to 22-0 while handing Fury a record of 34-1-1.
(Source: AFP)
