Usyk Edges Fury to Claim Undisputed Heavyweight Crown

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – In a showdown for the ages, Oleksandr Usyk outpointed Tyson Fury by split decision to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era. This was the first undisputed heavyweight title fight in 25 years, with huge traveling crowds for both fighters and over 30,000 people in attendance. The highly anticipated ‘Ring of Fire’ bout at the Kingdom Arena delivered on its promise, with both fighters showcasing grit and skill.

Usyk set a high pace from the opening bell, darting in and out with quick jabs and straight lefts. The Ukrainian Southpaw found early success, landing clean shots to Fury’s midsection and head. Fury, known for his size and unorthodox style, took a few rounds to adjust but started finding his rhythm by the third round, using his jab and reach advantage to keep Usyk at bay.

The middle rounds saw Fury’s confidence grow. He began landing his trademark right uppercuts and body shots, taunting Usyk with his hands behind his back, and even switching to Southpaw, momentarily utilizing his showboating antics to land massive blows. Despite this, Usyk remained composed, picking his spots and scoring with his sharp left hand.

The fight’s turning point came in the ninth round when Usyk rocked Fury with a barrage of punches, nearly sending the Gypsy King to the canvas. Although Fury beat the count, he never fully regained control. Usyk pressed the action, outboxing Fury in the championship rounds and securing crucial points on the scorecards.

The judges’ scores reflected the battle’s intensity. One judge scored it 114-113 for Fury, but the other two had it 114-113 and 115-112 for Usyk, crowning him the undisputed champion.

Round-by-Round Highlights

• Round 1: Usyk starts strong, landing body shots and a solid overhand left. (10-9, Usyk)
• Round 2: Fury responds with a big right uppercut, showing his power. (10-9, Fury)
• Round 3: Fury finds his groove, using his jab effectively. (10-9, Fury)
• Round 4: Fury continues to dominate with his jab and uppercuts. (10-9, Fury)
• Round 5: Fury targets Usyk’s body, opening a cut over his eye. (10-9, Fury)
• Round 6: Fury’s best round, taunting Usyk and landing big shots. (10-9, Fury)
• Round 7: Usyk rallies, landing overhand lefts and pushing Fury back. (10-9, Usyk)
• Round 8: Usyk dominates, landing multiple lefts and cutting Fury. (10-9, Usyk)
• Round 9: Usyk floors Fury with a barrage of punches. (10-8, Usyk)
• Round 10: Usyk keeps the pressure on, landing clean shots. (10-9, Usyk)
• Round 11: Usyk outworks Fury, maintaining control. (10-9, Usyk)
• Round 12: A close round, but Usyk’s precision gives him the edge. (10-9, Usyk)

What’s Next?

After the bout, Fury received a one-week medical suspension, while Usyk required stitches for a cut over his eye. Both fighters are eyeing a rematch scheduled for October 12 in Riyadh. Promoter Frank Warren expects the rematch to be even better, as both fighters have now tasted each other’s power and strategy.

Usyk’s victory solidifies his position as one of boxing’s elite, adding the heavyweight crown to his cruiserweight achievements. For Fury, this loss is a bump in the road, but the Gypsy King is determined to reclaim his titles and further cement his legacy.

The boxing world eagerly awaits the rematch, in which these two warriors will once again battle for supremacy in the heavyweight division.