Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk celebrates after beating Britain's Tyson Fury in their undisputed heavyweight world championship boxing fight at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Boxing: Oleksandr Usyk Beats Tyson Fury To Be Crowned Undisputed Champion - In Pics
Oleksandr Usyk’s heart and skill are enormous, and he overcame a major size disadvantage against Tyson Fury to become the world’s first undisputed heavyweight boxing champion in 24 years. Usyk defeated Fury by split decision on Sunday, knocking down his hulking opponent in the ninth round and eventually earning a narrow win on two scorecards. The 37-year-old Ukrainian is the first heavyweight to hold every major title belt since Lennox Lewis. Usyk (22-0) added Fury’s WBC title to his own WBA, IBF and WBO belts with a spectacular late-round rally in a back-and-forth matchup between two previously unbeaten champions from a strong era of heavyweight boxing. Two judges favored Usyk, 115-112 and 114-113, while the third gave it to Fury, 114-113. Usyk is the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis held the honor for five months in 1999 and 2000. He is also now the lineal heavyweight champion by beating Fury, who beat Wladimir Klitschko to earn that distinction in 2015.
Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury Photo: AP/Francisco Seco
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Oleksandr Usyk Photo: AP/Francisco Seco
Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk leaves the ring after beating Britain's Tyson Fury in their undisputed heavyweight world championship boxing fight at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury Photo: AP/Francisco Seco
Britain's Tyson Fury, left, and Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk trade blows during their undisputed heavyweight world championship boxing fight at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Boxing Photo: AP/Francisco Seco
Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk, left, pursues Britain's Tyson Fury during their undisputed heavyweight world championship boxing fight at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk Photo: AP/Francisco Seco
Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk launches an attack on Britain's Tyson Fury during their undisputed heavyweight world championship boxing fight at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, May 19, 2024. ()
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Heavyweight World Championship Boxing Photo: AP/Francisco Seco
Britain's Tyson Fury, right, and Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk trade blows during their undisputed heavyweight world championship boxing fight at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Britain's Tyson Fury Phto: AP/Francisco Seco
Britain's Tyson Fury, rear, and Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk trade blows during their undisputed heavyweight world championship boxing fight at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Heavyweight World Championship Boxing Fight Photo: AP/Francisco Seco
Britain's Tyson Fury, left, punches Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk during their undisputed heavyweight world championship boxing fight at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Heavyweight Boxing Photo: AP/Francisco Seco
Britain's Tyson Fury, right, punches Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk during their undisputed heavyweight world championship boxing fight at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
