Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury by splitdecision points in Riyadh on Saturday night to become the first-ever four-belt undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight champion in boxing history.
Fury began the highly-anticipated match strongly but was given a standing 10 count and was also saved by the bell after an Usyk onslaught in the ninth round.
After the 12th round, the judges scored 115-112 and 114-113 decisions in favour of Usyk, while a third judge scored 114-113 for Fury.
It was the first loss for Fury in his 16-year career as a professional boxer but did not concede defeat and stated that there will be a rematch later in the year, as per the clause in the match contract, giving the 35-year-old the opportunity to revenge.
“I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority,” he said .
“It was one of the daftest decisions in boxing. I’ll be back.”
𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐏𝐔𝐓𝐄𝐃 🫅 Oleksandr Usyk
👑 WBA
👑 WBC
👑 WBO
👑 IBF
👑 IBO
👑 Ring MagazineWorld Heavyweight Champion!
📝 115-112 Usyk, 114-113 Fury, 114-113… Usyk wins by split decision! #FuryUsyk #RingOfFire #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/0XlT8ekUQ1
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) May 18, 2024
Usyk’s victory saw him take Fury’s WBA, WBO and IBF belt and add it to his WBC belt which he claimed from Anthony Joshua.
The 37-year-old Ukrainian remains unbeaten in his career is looking forward to the 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.
“Yes, of course. I am ready for a rematch.”
Usyk is the first boxer in almost half a century to stand as sole heavyweight world champion.
