Oleksandr Usyk has defeated Tyson Fury by split decision to become the first undisputed heavyweight boxing champion in 24 years.
Usyk (22-0) added Fury‘s WBC title to his own WBA, IBF and IBO belts with a spectacular late rally highlighted by a ninth-round knockdown in a back-and-forth bout between two previously unbeaten heavyweight champs. Two judges favored Usyk, 115-112 and 114-113, while the third gave it to Fury, 114-113.
Usyk started quickly, but then had to survive while the confident, charismatic Fury dominated the middle rounds. Usyk rallied in the final rounds, just as the Ukrainian Olympic gold medalist has done so many times in his career, taking control with a dominant eighth round and nearly stopping Fury in the ninth.
Usyk hurt Fury (34-1-1) with a left hand and eventually sent him sprawling into a corner in the final seconds of the round, getting credit for a knockdown right before Fury was saved by the bell. Fury made it to the 10th, but he struggled to mount a consistent attack after nearly getting stopped.
Fury kissed Usyk on the head after the final bell. The fighters are likely to have a rematch in Saudi Arabia in the fall.
Usyk is the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis held the honor for five months in 1999 and 2000. He is also now the lineal heavyweight champion by beating Fury, who beat Wladimir Klitschko to earn that distinction in 2015.
Relive Fury vs Usyk, the undercard results and all the reaction below.
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Tyson Fury accuses judges of helping Oleksandr Usyk win because Ukraine is ‘at war’
Tyson Fury accused the judges of helping Oleksandr Usyk because the Ukrainian’s nation is “at war”, after Usyk outpointed the Briton to win the undisputed heavyweight titles.
Usyk was a split-decision winner against Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday (18 May). The scorecards read 115-112 to Usyk, 114-113 to Usyk, and 114-113 to Fury.
In the ninth round, Fury was arguably lucky not to see the fight waved off when Usyk hurt him badly. Usyk, 37, had Fury, 35, out on his feet, but the referee gave the Briton a strange standing count – potentially saving him from a knockout loss. Yet Fury feels he was denied a rightful victory.
Tyson Fury accuses judges of helping Oleksandr Usyk win because Ukraine is ‘at war’
Usyk beat Fury via split decision in Riyadh, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 2000
Jack Rathborn19 May 2024 08:45
Oleksandr Usyk delivers emotional speech for father
An emotional Oleksandr Usyk delivered a speech for his father, who passed away in 2012, after becoming undisputed world heavyweight champion with victory over Tyson Fury.
“I was writing gratitude to the lord, I'm thankful that you are here and giving me the opportunity.
“I know you are leading me the way that you consider is better for me. And if I really deserve this, please grant me this victory. I am not the principal, you are, this is all for you and in your glory.”
Jack Rathborn19 May 2024 08:30
Oleksandr Usyk has ‘no problem’ after being denied knockout against Tyson Fury
"No knockout, no problem, but the 12th round was a big drama,” Usyk says, before dismissing the potential for Tyson Fury to avoid a rematch and fight Anthony Joshua instead.
“I don't think about boxing now. Nine months I work. I missed my son and daughter. I missed all my family. Family holidays.
“Training, training, training. My focus was on this fight. Now, I’m happy. I want to go back home, go to church and pray.”
Jack Rathborn19 May 2024 08:15
Usyk promoter maintains referee ‘stole’ victory in controversial ninth round
Alex Krassyuk maintains referee Mark Nelson "stole" victory from Oleksandr Usyk in the ninth round.
“He had to win in the ninth, the referee stole victory,” says Krassyuk, Usyk’s promoter.
“How can you be happy with the scorecards today? Impossible. 7-5 minimum to Usyk.
“Minus one point for Fury and the knockdown.”
Jack Rathborn19 May 2024 08:00
Eddie Hearn reveals Anthony Joshua reaction to Fury vs Usyk
“He thought Usyk won, he said, ‘Usyk won it easy,’” Hearn told IFLTV before pulling a face when he confirmed to Joshua his own opinion, “I had it quite close.
“Again, scoring is subjective. I thought Fury boxed fantastically well in the first six rounds. I thought he was well on his way to boxing to a stoppage or a decision but Usyk is incredible.”
Jack Rathborn19 May 2024 07:45
Eddie Hearn reacts to Oleksandr Usyk defeating Tyson Fury
"I thought Usyk won the fight,” Hearn told IFLTV. “I thought it was close, I struggled to give Usyk of the first six. I thought Fury was in control and looked fantastic, seven, eight, nine, was obviously massive, how he survived I don't know? In an undisputed fight, when the guy doesn’t touch the canvas, I don’t think so. But he showed so much bottle to come back. Not sure that, to compose himself into 10. 10, 11, 12... I thought 12 was quite close. I guess when you look back on that, you score it 115-113 to Usyk, some had it wider, I’m not sure anybody had it for Fury. I thought the right man won.
“They’re talking about Usyk retiring? I don’t think so. I think he’ll fancy his chances. I think Fury has to switch it up on the front foot. I thought Usyk looked a little bit tired at times. Usyk is also a genius. He’s so undersized, the disadvantage against a man of that size, to overcome that, you’re talking one of the best fighters of his generation.”
Jack Rathborn19 May 2024 07:30
Eddie Hearn on Anthony Joshua’s plan and if Fury vs Usyk result changes it
"Not really, this is their night tonight. We want to regain the world heavyweight title,” Hearn told IFLTV.
“So whoever has got it, has got it. The rematch looks to be set for October. Is that Wembley? We'll see what happens on 1 June."
Jack Rathborn19 May 2024 07:10
Is Oleksandr Usyk pound-by-pound No 1 in the world?
Terence Crawford has made a case for Oleksandr Usyk to be the pound-for-pound No 1 fighter in the world.
Usually heavyweights do not appear on the mythical list of the sport’s best fighters, but with a previous reign at cruiserweight, Crawford has tipped up Usyk to top the rankings.
“Man y’all better put some respect on Usyk,” said the American.
“He is definitely a candidate for No 1 P4P fighter in the world. I’m no hater. He beat the man that beat the man in a bigger division, giving what he’s already done. Salute brother!”
Jack Rathborn19 May 2024 06:40
Lennox Lewis praises Oleksandr Usyk after becoming undisputed champion
Lennox Lewis said: “His heavyweight journey is still being written but I don’t think ANYONE can take away from his INCREDIBLE accomplishments.
“Gold medal. Undisputed cruiserweight champ and now undisputed heavyweight champ? Definitely puts him rare air.
“Welcome to the club!”
Jack Rathborn19 May 2024 06:10
Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk official scorecards revealed
Jack Rathborn19 May 2024 05:40
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