Tyson Fury suggested that the judges’ sympathies for Ukraine influenced the decision in his fight against Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia. Usyk defeated Fury via split decision, becoming the first undisputed world heavyweight champion in 24 years. Fury claimed he won the fight and attributed the decision to Usyk’s country being at war, leading people to side with them. Despite his loss, Fury expressed confidence in his performance and mentioned the rematch clause in his contract.
The ring announcer resigned following the controversial decision in the fight between Usyk and Fury. Usyk won the fight with scores of 115-112 and 114-113 on two of the judges’ cards, while the third judge gave Fury a 114-113 victory. Usyk acknowledged the significance of his victory, expressing gratitude to his team and country. He is the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis, who held the titles briefly in 1999 and 2000.
In the fight, Usyk started strong but faced tough competition from Fury in the middle rounds. Towards the end of the fight, Usyk increased the pressure, ultimately knocking down Fury before the bell saved him. Despite the controversy surrounding the decision, Usyk remained humble in victory, thanking those who supported him and celebrating the opportunity for himself, his family, and his country.
Fury’s belief in his own victory and the implications of the judges’ decision due to the ongoing war in Ukraine added to the drama surrounding the fight. Both fighters put on an impressive performance, with Usyk ultimately coming out on top and claiming Fury’s WBC title in addition to his existing WBA, IBF, and WBO belts. The split decision and close scores reflected the competitiveness of the match, leaving fans and experts alike divided on the outcome.
The historic nature of Usyk’s victory as the first undisputed heavyweight champion in more than two decades further elevated the significance of the fight. With his title unification and claim to the WBC belt, Usyk solidified his position as one of the top boxers in the heavyweight division. Despite the controversy and differing opinions on the judging, Usyk’s achievement in defeating a formidable opponent like Fury cannot be understated.
Overall, the fight between Usyk and Fury captivated the boxing world and sparked debate over the judges’ decision and the implications of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Usyk’s victory marked a significant milestone in his career and in the history of the heavyweight division, establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in the sport. Fury’s resilience and confidence in his performance set the stage for a potential rematch, ensuring that the rivalry between these two talented fighters is far from over.
