(Riyadh) Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk beat Briton Tyson Fury on Sunday in Riyadh by a split decision from the judges, becoming the first undisputed champion of the heavyweight category in 25 years.
Usyk, who attacked first, gradually took control of the proceedings despite a few gasps from his opponent mid-fight.
At 9e round, the big mustachioed Ukrainian almost turned off the lights, sending the “Gypsy King” staggering into a corner of the ring after a devastating sequence. The referee started the count, but Fury was saved by the bell.
Usyk, now undisputed champion of the premier category, joins boxing legends to have achieved this feat, such as Mohamed Ali, Joe Louis and “Iron Mike” Tyson.
“The Ukrainians are hitting hard! » greeted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Telegram, sending his “congratulations to the champion”.
Before Usyk, the last to unify the heavyweight belts was Lennox Lewis in 1999, following his victory against Evander Holyfield. But at that time there were only three belts.
Oleksandr Usyk is therefore the first heavyweight to bring together all four.