Usyk wins split decision to become undisputed champion

Oleksandr Usyk has been crowned as the new undisputed heavyweight champion after winning a split decision win over Tyson Fury. The Ukrainian, who was previously the unified champion in the welterweight division, now holds all the belts in the heavyweight division, making it the first time in 25 years where all belts will be in the possession of one man. Usyk’s victory also means he improves his record to 22 fights with no losses, while Fury records his first professional loss. 

The split decision verdict proves how exactly the right went, with each boxer claiming the win in different rounds. Even though Usyk won, there were clearly some rounds where Fury boxed better and put some pressure on his opponent. Before the match, some predictions would have been made that either men would knock each other out to win, but that did not happen as they stayed on their feet till the end. 

It was only in the ninth round that something close to a knockout happened when a left hook sent Fury down to the ropes. Things could have been over there if Usyk followed it up with a few blows to get Fury to the canvas and seal his fate as champion. But the referee stepped in to count Fury to 10, and the former WBC champion rose just in time to avoid being counted out. 

The remaining three rounds went in the way of Usyk, who remained steadfast, having been denied a likely knockout win. At the end of the fight, Usyk was handed the win with a  115-112, 113-114, 114-113 score. A very close match that could have swung to Fury’s side. Little wonders, the Brit believes he was robbed of his victory as he alleged he won more rounds. 

After the match, Usyk said the victory meant a lot, not just to him but his country: “My people will be very happy I think, it’s a big win, not only for me, it’s a big win for my country, for soldiers who now defend my country.” 

On the possibility of a rematch, Usyk said he was ready for that, but it was not on his mind at the moment.