Ukrainian boxer Alexander Usik defeated Briton Tyson Fury in a fight for the title of absolute world heavyweight boxing champion.
The fight lasted 12 rounds, and Usik won by a split decision: 115:112, 113:114, 114:113. In the ninth round, the Ukrainian knocked down his opponent, but Fury was able to continue the fight.
Usik became the first undisputed heavyweight world champion in 25 years. Let us remind you that Usik owns the WBA, WBO and IBF belts. Fury held the WBC champion belt before the fight with Usik. Now Usik owns titles in all four of the most prestigious versions – WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF. The 37-year-old Ukrainian boxer won all his fights in the professional ring, and for the 35-year-old Briton this is the first defeat in his career.
The match was watched by 20 thousand people, including many celebrities, at Riyadh's Kingdom Arena. The boxers' fee for the fight, according to various sources, was about $100 million between them. Fury commented on the judges' decision:
“I think I won this fight, maybe he won a few rounds, but most of them were on me. We both had a good fight. His country is at war, so people take the side of the warring country. In my opinion, I won the fight.”
After winning in the ring, the Ukrainian addressed his late father:
“Father, can you hear me? We did it! We did it! Thank you very much to my team, thank you to my God, Jesus. Great time, great day. Tyson, without you this fight would not have been possible. Immediate rematch? Yes, sure. I'm ready for revenge.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DHgTfL6IGI
Following the battle, Usik stated that his victory is important not only for himself, but also for the entire Ukrainian people, for the country and for the military who are now defending it. Alexander Usik is 37 years old. In September 2021, he became the world champion of the World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Organization (WBO), International Boxing Federation (IBF) and International Boxing Organization (IBO) heavyweight champion for the first time. In 2022, he defended the title of unified champion.
The fight, which ended on Sunday night in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh, was postponed several times. It was initially set for December 2023, but Fury then requested time to recover from another fight. The meeting was postponed to February, but the fight did not take place even then, due to Fury’s cut in training.
News has just appeared about the victory of another Ukrainian boxer – Denis Berinchyk (19-0-0, 9 KOs) became the WBO world champion. He defeated Mexican Emanuel Navarrete (38-1-1, 31 KOs) for the IBF world lightweight title. The fight lasted all 12 rounds and ended in a split decision – 115:113, 116:112, 112:116. Berinchyk won the championship belt for the first time in the professional ring and continued his victorious march – 20 victories in 20 fights.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRtT3fYMPr0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTO9oKv6zuM
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