On Saturday, May 18, 2024, Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury by split decision to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in men’s boxing since 1999.
“Since 2008 I was planning for this. It’s not for my win, it’s for my God, my supporters, my country, the Ukrainian soldiers, Ukrainian mother and father, children. I want to go to my home, I want to rest, a break, I want to eat, sleep, kiss my wife,” Usyk said after being crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years.
Usyk appeared to jump out to an early lead with an effective jab, a looping left hook and a refusal to back down. However, Fury was able to gain momentum in the second quarter of the fight by leaning on Usyk to weigh him down, employing his right hand to deliver damage and throwing several sharp jabs. Just when Usyk was seemingly falling behind on the scorecards, Usyk found success with a quick combination in the eighth round that pushed Fury back. One round later, the Ukrainian fighter turned the tide with a hard left hand that hurt Fury, allowing him to follow up and eventually sending him to the canvas. In the championship rounds, he was able to finish the job with continued pressure and precision. At the end of 12 rounds, Mike Fitzgerald scored the bout 114-113 for Usyk and Manuel Oliver Palomo scored the bout 115-112 for the champion. In contrast, Craig Metcalfe scored the bout 113-114 for Fury, prompting the “Gypsy King” to advocate himself after the fight.
“I believe I won the fight, but I’m not going to sit here and cry and make excuses,” Fury said.
“I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority of them. What can you do? We both put on a good fight, the best we could do. … But make no mistake, I won that fight … and I’ll be back. We’ve got a rematch clause.”
The two are scheduled to meet again in October for a second fight. More details regarding the fight and the undercard will be shared as the fight nears.
