Oleksandr Usyk defeats Tyson Fury to emerge undisputed world heavyweight champion

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Ukrainian heavyweight boxer Oleksandr Usyk has become boxing’s first undisputed world heavyweight championship in 25 years after his victory against Tyson Fury.

Usyk won the bout via the Judges’ split-decision points in Saudi Arabia in the early hours of Sunday. He is now boxing’s first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion.

Fury started the fight well before Usyk grew into the game, taking charge of proceedings and commanding the display in front of 20,000 people which included football legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

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The British fighter was given a standing 10 count and saved by the bell following Usyk’s massive and brutal attack in the ninth round.

By the time the fight was over and everyone waited for the judges to read out the scorecards, the atmosphere was more than tensed.

Confidence was written all over Fury’s face before the decision favoured the hard-faced, no-nonsense Usyk. The Ukrainian’s emotions could not be hidden in the end. He broke down in tears after his confirmation as winner of the highly anticipated clash of Titans.

The scorecards read 115-112 and 114-113 for the Ukrainian, with a third judge scoring it 114-113 to Fury.

It was the first time 35-year-old Fury lost a bout in his 16-year professional career. However, he will be opportuned to get his revenge in rematch already scheduled for October this year.

“… one of the daftest decisions in boxing” – Fury

“I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority,” Fury said in the ring.

“His country is at war, so people are siding with the country at war. Make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion.”

He added: “It was one of the daftest decisions in boxing. I’ll be back.”

Already holding the WBA, WBO, and IBF belts, Usyk now adds the WBC belt to his eye-catching collection.

37-year-old Usyk, who remains unbeaten also said he is “ready for a rematch.”

“Thank you so much to my team. It’s a big opportunity for my family, for me, for my country. It’s a great time, it’s a great day,” Usyk said.