In a stunning turn of events, Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk dethroned British heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in a historic fight held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The bout, which took place on May 18, 2024, saw Usyk win by a split decision, with judges scoring the fight 115-112, 114-113, and 114-113 in his favour. This victory marks a significant achievement for Usyk, who now holds all four major heavyweight titles: the World Boxing Organization (WBO), World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF), and World Boxing Council (WBC).
The match was a closely contested battle, with Usyk rallying in the later rounds after Fury dominated the middle rounds. The defining moment came in the ninth round when Usyk landed a perfect left hook that appeared to knock Fury out on his feet. Despite the knockdown, Fury managed to survive the round and continued to fight until the final bell.
This victory makes Usyk the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years, a title that was last held by Lennox Lewis in 1999. It also marks the first defeat in Fury’s professional career. After the fight, Fury expressed his intention to enact the rematch clause and fight Usyk again in October.
The fight was part of a packed event in Riyadh, which also saw other significant bouts including Jai Opetaia defeating Mairis Briedis to regain the cruiserweight title. The event, titled “Ring of Fire,” was held at the Kingdom Arena and was a major spectacle, drawing a crowd of 20,000 and millions watching around the world.
Usyk’s victory transcends the sport of boxing, as he becomes the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era. His calm and collected response to pressure and adversity, both in and out of the ring, were key factors in his success. Usyk’s victory is not just a win for him, but also for Ukraine, as he becomes a national hero and a symbol of resilience and determination.
