Oleksandr Usyk has solidified his status as one of the elite heavyweights by delivering a unanimous decision victory against Tyson Fury. The bout, contested at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, saw Usyk successfully defend his WBA (Super), WBO, and WBC titles, leaving his opponent and the boxing world buzzing.
Usyk, who is the only fighter to have defeated Fury as a professional, added another impressive victory to his record, which now stands at 23-0. The match unfolded with Fury appearing strong early on, but Usyk's agility and superior boxing technique began to shine through as the fight progressed. Fury seemed to struggle with his physical stamina, which made him more vulnerable as the rounds went on.
All three judges scored the fight 116-112, indicating it was not as close as Fury might have hoped. After the fight, Usyk expressed his joy, stating, “I won, it’s nice. Thank God.” He also commended Fury, calling him a great boxer and reflecting on the intense rounds they shared.
Former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko praised Usyk’s achievement, remarking on the historical significance of the victory. “We are fortunate to have such an extraordinary champion. A legend. Simply exceptional in the boxing field. He just made history, and this victory is extremely important for us Ukrainians, putting Ukraine back on the map once again,” Klitschko stated on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Looking to the future, Usyk expressed his willingness to face Daniel Dubois next, indicating, “No problem, I’m ready. The next fight, no problem.” Meanwhile, questions abound for Fury, who faced potential retirement after losing to Usyk. Despite having temporarily announced his retirement after his previous fight, Fury was overheard post-fight saying, “I swear to God I thought I won by at least three rounds.”
The buzz surrounding Fury doesn’t seem to die out quickly, with promoter Eddie Hearn emphasizing the desire for Fury to face Anthony Joshua next. He suggested, “There is only one fight for Tyson Fury and it’s Anthony Joshua. Fury is still potentially at the peak of his strength, but he didn’t rise to the occasion against Usyk.” A match against Joshua at Wembley is touted as potentially high-stakes and much-anticipated.
Aside from the sporting drama, the fight also faced issues on the promotional side. DAZN encountered significant backlash for streaming problems, where many viewers reported total blackouts during the event, leading to outrage on social media. Despite paying additional fees to access the event, viewers were frustrated, prompting expectations of compensation claims.
This match will likely have long-lasting repercussions on both fighters' careers. For Usyk, it confirms his place among boxing's greats, especially as he continues to represent Ukraine positively on the global stage. For Fury, the question of his next move looms large, with many hoping for exciting matchups to come. The blend of athletic competition, cultural representation, and viewer engagement captures the essence of this pivotal moment for boxing fans worldwide.
While the boxing world awaits the next chapter of both Usyk and Fury, one thing is certain: the sport has witnessed not only a fierce competition between two remarkable athletes but also the emergence of Usyk as not just the champion of the heavyweights, but as a symbol of resilience and skill within the sport.
