Ukrainian overcomes Tyson Fury - Usyk triumphs in century's most gripping match!
In a massive victory, Oleksandr Usyk (37) emerges as the new king of the boxing world by defeating Tyson Fury (35) in a thrilling match. This unforgettable showdown makes history as Usyk becomes the unified, unrestricted world champion, holding the titles of the four major world boxing associations: WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO.
This nail-biting event features a split decision, with one judge scoring it 114:113 in favor of Fury while the other two give Usyk the edge, 115:112 and 114:113, making it Usyk's win.
With a choked voice, Usyk expresses, "This victory is for my family and my country. Long live Ukraine. This is a great day for all of us."
This achievement marks the first time in 25 years that a single boxer holds all four major heavyweight titles. The last instance occurred in 1999, when Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield on points, capturing the world championship belts of the then-leading organizations (WBC, IBF, and WBA). But the WBO was recognized later.
Fury Appears to Secure Victory for Much of the Fight
Usyk enters the ring at 1:30 a.m. local time, and Fury follows four minutes later.
As is typical of Fury, he showcases a spectacular ring walk performance. This time, he dances to a medley mix of "You've the first, the last, my everything" by Barry White and "Holding out for a hero" by Bonnie Tyler.
Ring announcer legend, Michael Buffer, introduces the match at 1:40 a.m.
Fury soon takes control of the contest from a safe distance, making it challenging for Usyk to overcome the 15-centimeter height difference. In the 6th round, Fury's powerful uppercuts bring Usyk to the brink. The Ukrainian staggers but manages to stay on his feet.
Usyk, however, regains momentum in the 9th round. He lands a flurry of lefts, causing Fury to stagger and struggle around the ring. Fury is counted out, narrowly escaping the countdown.
Usyk's resilience leads to a points victory.
Fury, who suffers his first career loss, comments, "It was an amazing fight with Oleksandr. I think I won the fight. I'll be back. There's a rematch clause. I'll see you again in October."
Agit Kabayel Realizes His World Championship Dream
In another significant event, World-class boxer Agit Kabayel (31) outperforms Frank Sanchez (31) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, winning by technical knockout in the 7th round. He will now battle for the WBC title.
"I did it. We trained so hard for this fight. I saw he wasn't in top form. My trainer told me to go for the body, and Sanchez's condition was bound to deteriorate after the 6th round. Our plan worked out perfectly," Kabayel shared.
The battle between the German and the Cuban was announced as a final elimination fight, meaning the winner - Agit Kabayel - is now eligible for a world championship match. [
Here's a detailed look at the stunning Fury vs. Usyk fight:
Round 1: Fury stands at his usual stance and teases Usyk by putting his hands on the ropes in a corner of the ring and sticking out his tongue. Usyk lands a left hand directly after, potentially winning this round.
Round 2: The second round is fairly even, with Usyk starting strongly and Fury improving midway through. Although it's a close call, Fury's superior activity could be enough for him to claim this round.
Round 3: Usyk comes out aggressive, but Fury emerges better from the backpedal in the fight. A combination from Fury lands successfully. This round goes to Fury.
Round 4: Butt heads collide in the middle of the round, causing the referee to briefly interfere before the fight can resume. Usyk expends enormous energy, pressing the pace, but Fury appears unscathed.
Round 5: Fury increasingly targets Usyk's body with his right hand. Usyk complains about a low blow to the referee. Despite his efforts, Usyk cannot topple Fury.
Round 6: Usyk battles harder than ever, but Fury remains in control from afar. This round is roundly given to Fury.
Round 7: Height difference is a major challenge for Usyk, but he never backs down, constantly applying pressure. However, Fury performs well from a distance.
Round 8: Usyk's lunging attacks make Fury cautious, but the Englishman holds firm. Fury pushes Usyk's head back with his right hand. Fury, once again, appears to have won the round.
Round 9: Usyk demonstrates bravery in the face of Fury's shoulder roll. Fury circles the Ukrainian, making it difficult for Usyk to counter. Nonetheless, Usyk scores with a left hand.
Round 10: Shockingly, the seemingly invincible Fury wobbles suddenly, and Usyk switches the momentum in his favor. His series of three lefts leaves Fury visibly shaken. The ropes keep Fury from collapsing.
Round 11: Usyk keeps up the pressure, and Fury reverts to his veteran tactics. Usyk's left hand lands on Fury's head. Fury manages to ward off Usyk's attacks. Fury holds Usyk to the end.
Round 12: Usyk continues his relentless assault, while Fury remains defensive. Usyk's left to the body is well-timed. Fury endures despite the late surge from Usyk. Fury strives to keep his balance, ending the round with a Fury left counter.
The judges' scores: 114:113 for Fury, 115:112 and 114:113 for Usyk. Therefore, Usyk wins the incredible match.
Round 13: (Rematch Clause)
The eventual rematch between Fury and Usyk heats up the boxing world again, promising equal thrills.
In the 7th round, Fury takes charge with complete control. The majority didn't anticipate this degree of dominance. Fury unleashes another uppercut. At this point, Usyk's only option is a TKO - and that's what he's aiming for in the closing moments of the round. Is he still standing?
During the 8th round, Usyk manages to land a clean combo in the middle of the round. Fury acknowledges him with a respectful nod. The British boxer has incurred a cut on his nose. It's possible that the judges may award this round to the Ukrainian.
Come the 9th round, Usyk continues to dominate. He delivers a couple of lefts. Out of nowhere, Fury totters and wobbles around the ring. He's been badly hurt and is declared knocked out. Insanity! Only the ring bell rescued Fury from certain defeat.
In the 10th round, Usyk starts anew. Regrettably, Fury doesn't get a second knockout opportunity in this round. However, the fight is tight again on the scorecards due to this round, just like the previous two, both going to the Ukrainian.
In the 11th round, Fury struggles to maintain distance against Usyk. At the moment, the Ukrainian seems more energetic, landing another left-handed blow. Just one more punch could secure him the round. It could be a draw before the last round.
Finally, in the 12th round, it's all about determination! Both boxers push themselves to the limit - INSANITY! Fury throws a strong right, while Usyk counteracts with a hit of his own. The bell sounds, and Fury kisses Usyk on the forehead. WHAT AN EPIC BATTLE!
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Source: symclub.org
