Oleksandr Usyk (left) lands a punch on Tyson Fury during the Heavyweight Championship fight at … [+]
One of the best years in boxing continued to flow on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Oleksandr Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 2001 when he scored a split-decision victory over Tyson Fury (115-112, 114-113, 113-114).
The biggest difference in the fight was a knockdown in the ninth when a huge left hook put Fury out on his feet.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – MAY 18: Tyson Fury reacts after being punched by Oleksandr Usyk during the … [+]
Here is a look at the near knockout.
The knockdown was a huge turning point in the fight and proved to be the difference on one of the judges’ scorecards. Fury would have won the fight via split decision if not for the knockdown.
The first two rounds appeared to be all Usyk as his speed and activity posed Fury a problem. Fury’s length and body punching slowed Usyk from the third through the seventh rounds. On multiple occasions, he seemed to hurt Usyk with hard right hands to the body and uppercuts to the head.
However, the Ukrainian never went down.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – MAY 18: Oleksandr Usyk holds a Ukrainian flag as he celebrates with the … [+]
In the eighth round, Fury’s pace seemed to slow, providing an opportunity for Usyk to seize control of the fight. Usyk gained confidence as he opened a cut under Fury’s right eye, setting the stage for the momentous ninth frame.
Some believed the referee could have stopped the fight in the ninth as Fury stumbled around the ring, being held up by the ropes for several seconds before collapsing in the corner. He made it to his feet and finished the round.
In the 10th, Fury seemed to regain his footing midway through the round, but it did little to curtail Usyk’s momentum.
I scored the final two rounds for Fury, which gave me a 114-113 score in favor of the Gypsy King. However, several close rounds make the decision in Usyk’s favor fair and acceptable.
The two men have an automatic rematch clause, which would have them run it back in October. In his post-fight interview, Fury said he believed he won the fight and wants the rematch.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – MAY 18: Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk interact following the IBF, WBA, WBC, … [+]
Usyk obliged as he soaked up his moment as the undisputed champion. He has now cemented his status as one of the greatest fighters in the sport’s history, becoming the undisputed champion in two weight classes.
After the fight, admiration for Usyk’s accomplishment poured in from multiple dignitaries across the combat sports landscape.
Terence Crawford showed his respect to Usyk and considered him a legit threat as the pound-for-pound best.
As of now, Usyk reigns as the king of the heavyweight division. He will rest up and prepare for his rematch with Fury in October, which coincides with the release of the new Undisputed boxing video game.
How much better can this year get for boxing? Fight fans are here for it.
