Usyk Claims Undisputed Heavyweight Crown in Epic Battle!
There can only be one heavyweight champion, and this weekend, Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) proved himself the king by defeating Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) in a dramatic split decision here at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
This victory makes Usyk only the second former undisputed cruiserweight champion, following Evander Holyfield, to achieve the same feat at heavyweight.
A rematch seems likely, with both fighters expressing interest. Usyk stated, “Yes, of course. Rematch. I am ready!” Fury, while acknowledging the decision, is ready to run it back in October: “We go back, have a little rest up, spend some time with our families, and get it back on in October.”
The Fight
The early rounds belonged to Fury, who peppered Usyk with powerful right hands to the body. However, the tide turned in round nine when Usyk landed a stunning overhand left that sent Fury reeling into the ropes. A series of follow-up shots, capped off by another left, sent the bigger Fury staggering. Referee Mark Nelson ruled it a knockdown, a decision that may have been pivotal. Fury recovered, but Usyk, the smaller yet determined fighter, began dictating the pace. He pushed the giant Fury in the 10th and 11th rounds, winning them on two of the scorecards. While Fury won the final round on all three cards, it wasn’t enough. Usyk, the 2012 Olympic gold medalist, now reigns supreme in the heavyweight division.
Other Results
Cruiserweight: Jai Opetaia (25-0, 19 KOs) defeated Mairis Briedis (28-3, 20 KOs) by unanimous decision (117-111 and 116-112 twice) to capture the IBF Cruiserweight World Title and retain his Ring Magazine Cruiserweight Title.
Junior Lightweight: Anthony Cacace (22-1, 8 KOs) triumphed over Joe Cordina (17-1, 9 KOs) by TKO in the 8th round (:39) to claim the IBF World Title.
Heavyweight: Agit Kabayel (25-0, 17 KOs) scored a knockout victory over Frank Sanchez (24-1, 17 KOs) at 2:33 in the 7th round in a WBC Title Eliminator bout.
Moses Itauma (9-0, 7 KOs) dominated Ilja Mezencev (25-4, 21 KOs) with a TKO win in just :50 seconds of the 2nd round to capture the WBO Intercontinental Title.
Lightweight: Mark Chamberlain (16-0, 12 KOs) secured the vacant WBC Silver Title with a TKO victory over Joshua Oluwaseun Wahab (23-2, 16 KOs) in the 1st round (2:42).
Cruiserweight: Robin Sirwan Safar (17-0, 12 KOs) outpointed boxing legend Sergey Kovalev (35-5-1, 29 KOs) by scores of 99-90, 97-92 and 95-94.
Light Heavyweight: Daniel Lapin (10-0, 4 KOs) earned a quick knockout victory (1:47) over Octavio Pudivitr (9-2, 4 KOs) in the 1st round.
Featherweight: Isaac Lowe (25-2-3, 8 KOs) won a points victory (97-92) over Hasibullah Ahmadi (16-2, 5 KOs).
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