- After a bout with American boxer Fury, Usyk prevailed via split decision in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Usyk then stated he didn’t want to rematch after first saying he was prepared for one.
- Usyk weighed in at a career-high of 223 pounds, while Fury weighed in at 262 pounds, over three stone more.
After a bout with American boxer Fury, Usyk, a Ukrainian, prevailed via split decision in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Citing his nation’s military effort and the people’s backing, Fury declared that he had won the conflict.
Usyk then stated he didn’t want to rematch after first saying he was prepared for one. Usyk put early pressure on Fury by taking the center of the ring and going on the attack. But following a right hook in the ninth round, Fury seemed to be having significant difficulties.
Heavyweight world champion
Usyk stood up despite the pressure and was given a standing 10-second count. Usyk emerged victorious, becoming the first boxer to ever hold all four major heavyweight titles concurrently and the first undisputed champion in 24 years, as Fury faltered over the final three rounds.
Usyk weighed in at a career-high of 223 pounds, while Fury weighed in at 262 pounds, over three stone more. Although Fury backed down at the weigh-in, where the two nearly came to blows before being removed by their entourages, he refused to look at his opponent during a news conference.
Following music by Barry White and Bonnie Tyler, Fury made his way into the ring, followed by Usyk, who was dressed like a Cossack warrior. With hopes of facing Usyk for the world title, Anthony Joshua and Cristiano Ronaldo observed from the ringside.
