Oleksandr Usyk's heart and technique were incredible, overcoming a huge size disadvantage against Tyson Fury to become the world's first undisputed heavyweight boxing champion in 24 years. Usyk defeated Fury by split decision on Sunday, taking down the hulking opponent in nine rounds and narrowly winning on two scorecards. The 37-year-old Ukrainian became the first heavyweight to hold all major title belts since Lennox Lewis. Usyk (22-0) added Fury's WBC title to his WBA, IBF and WBO belts with a spectacular late-round rally in a back-and-forth bout between two undefeated champions from a powerful era in heavyweight boxing. Ta. Two judges sided with Usyk 115-112 and 114-113, and a third judge gave Fury a 114-113 victory. Usyk is the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis held that honor for five months in 1999 and 2000. He is also currently the lineal heavyweight champion, having defeated Fury, who earned that honor by defeating Wladimir Klitschko in 2015.
Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk celebrates his victory over Britain's Tyson Fury in a match for the undisputed world heavyweight boxing championship at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Oleksandr Usyk
Photo: AP/Francisco Seco
Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk leaves the ring after defeating Britain's Tyson Fury in a match for the undisputed world heavyweight boxing championship at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury
Photo: AP/Francisco Seco
Britain's Tyson Fury (left) and Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk exchange blows in their undisputed world heavyweight boxing championship bout at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
boxing
Photo: AP/Francisco Seco
Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk (left) chases Britain's Tyson Fury during the undisputed world heavyweight boxing championship bout at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk
Photo: AP/Francisco Seco
Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk attacks England's Tyson Fury during a match for the undisputed world heavyweight boxing championship at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, May 19, 2024. ()
boxing world heavyweight championship
Photo: AP/Francisco Seco
Britain's Tyson Fury (right) and Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk trade blows during the undisputed world heavyweight boxing championship bout at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
British Tyson Fury
Photo: AP/Francisco Seco
Britain's Tyson Fury (Rear) and Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk exchange blows in the undisputed World Heavyweight Boxing Championship bout at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
boxing world heavyweight championship match
Photo: AP/Francisco Seco
Britain's Tyson Fury (left) punches Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk in a match for the undisputed world heavyweight boxing championship at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
heavyweight boxing
Photo: AP/Francisco Seco
Britain's Tyson Fury (right) punches Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk during their undisputed world heavyweight boxing championship bout at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
