Oleksandr Usyk (left) throws a punch at Tyson Fury during the Heavyweight Championship match at … [+]
One of the best years in boxing continued on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Oleksandr Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 2001 when he scored a victory over Tyson Fury (115-112, 114-113, 113-114).
The biggest difference in the fight was a knockdown in the ninth when a huge left hook put Fury on his feet.
RIGAD, SAUDI ARABIA – MAY 18: Tyson Fury reacts after being punched by Oleksandr Usyk during … [+]
Here is a look at the near knockout.
The knockdown was a huge turning point in the fight and proved to be the difference on one of the judges’ scorecards. Fury would have won the fight by split if not the knockdown.
The first two rounds appeared to be all Usyk as his speed and activity caused Fury trouble. Fury’s length and body punches slowed Usyk from the third to seventh rounds. On several occasions, he appeared to hurt Usyk with hard right hands to the body and uppercuts to the head.
However, the Ukrainian never went down.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – MAY 18: Oleksandr Usyk holds a Ukrainian flag as he celebrates with … [+]
In the eighth round, Fury’s pace seemed to slow, giving Usyk a chance to take control of the fight. Usyk gained confidence as he opened a cut under Fury’s right eye, setting the stage for the crucial ninth frame.
Some believed the referee could have stopped the fight in the ninth as Fury stumbled around the ring, holding onto the ropes for several seconds before collapsing in the corner. He got to his feet and finished the round.
In the 10th, Fury seemed to find his feet again midway through the round, but did little to curb Usyk’s momentum.
I scored the last two rounds for Fury, which gave me the score 114-113 in favor of Gypsy King. However, several close rounds make the decision in favor of Usyk fair and acceptable.
The two men have an automatic rematch clause, which will force them to execute it in October. In his post-fight interview, Fury said he believed he won the fight and wants the rematch.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – MAY 18: Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk interact after the IBF, WBA, WBC, … [+]
Usyk obliged as he enjoyed his moment as the undisputed champion. He has now cemented his status as one of the greatest fighters in the history of the sport, becoming the undisputed champion in two weight classes.
After the fight, admiration for Usyk’s achievement was poured out by many officials across the combat sports landscape.
Terence Crawford paid his respects to Usyk and considered him a legitimate threat as the best pound-for-pound.
As of now, Usyk reigns as the king of the heavyweight division. He will rest and prepare for his rematch with Fury in October, which coincides with the release of the new boxing video game Undisputed.
How much better can this year get for boxing? Fight fans are here for it.
