The much anticipated Fury vs Usyk fight was decided by split decision with the winner becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999.
Tyson Fury’s unbeaten record was shattered in the Saudi desert by Ukrainian warrior Oleksandr Usyk. Usyk outpointed Fury to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis, ending a quarter-century wait. Despite being three stones lighter and seven inches shorter than Britain’s Gypsy King, Usyk defied boxing’s oldest adage that a good big man always beats a good little man, demonstrating that heart and skill can triumph over size.
🚨🔥 Tyson Fury’nin Usyk’i sarstığı an ⚡️ #FuryUsyk pic.twitter.com/v6wXZRSWqf
— Kırmızı Köşe (@KirmiziKoseMMA) May 18, 2024
The compelling, high-class contest was evenly matched until the ninth round when Usyk landed a devastating left hook that left Fury wobbling and facing a standing count. The judges awarded Usyk a split decision victory, though it deserved to be unanimous.
Fury vs Usyk: Gipsy King handed first defeat by the Ukrainian warrior
Tyson Fury suffered his first defeat in 36 professional bouts, starting off with showboating, then gaining control, only to be nearly overwhelmed by Usyk’s extraordinary counter-attack. Fury’s WBC belt now belongs to Usyk, but the brilliance of the battle promises a highly anticipated rematch later this year.
Fury vs Usyk: How it happened
Michael Buffer set the stage for the rumble, with Fury immediately diving into showboating, bobbing his head wildly in the corner while Usyk retaliated by sticking out his tongue. Such antics might unsettle many opponents, but Usyk remained ice-cool and unflappable.
The Ukrainian landed the best punch in the opener with a powerful left hook. In the second round, Fury adopted a more business-like approach, scoring with several effective body shots, though Usyk also found success.
What a punch from Usyk 🤯 Tyson Fury's nose gets smashed to bits.#FuryUsykhttps://t.co/Yy8zsG9rtT
— Stephen R Power (@racingblogger) May 18, 2024
The theatrics returned in the fourth round as Fury lowered his guard and raised his arms, but he also landed some solid shots and settled into his rhythm to win the round. Fury began to blend flamboyance with force, combining his eccentric movements with powerful body shots.
In the sixth round, Fury connected with two vicious uppercuts that rocked Usyk. After more showboating in the corner, he leapt back into the attack. By the halfway mark, the Brit was establishing dominance.
However, Usyk demonstrated the heart of a champion in the seventh round, landing several heavy head shots that forced Fury to take notice, including an impressive one-two just before the bell.
Fury opened the eighth round with a stunning combination, but Usyk responded in kind, turning the bout into a proper slugfest. At the end of the ninth, Usyk delivered a cracking left hook that sent Fury sprawling into the ropes, followed by a right hand that left Fury’s legs wobbling.
Watch Usyk’s massive combo that nearly dropped Fury as posted on X:
O que acharam de Fury vs Usyk?https://t.co/3dK6Oga5yk
— José Louis (@concatenarsim) May 18, 2024
Soon, the Brit was taking a standing count from referee Mark Nelson. Fury was in serious trouble, clinging for dear life and unable to land the knockout blow he must have known he needed as the minutes ticked down.
