Oleksandr Usyk (left) delivers a punch to Tyson Fury in the course of the heavyweight championship fight … [+]
One of boxing’s best years continued Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Oleksandr Usyk became the primary undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 2001 when he scored a split decision victory over Tyson Fury (115-112, 114-113, 113-114).
The biggest difference within the fight was a knockdown within the ninth round when an enormous left hook brought Fury to his feet.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – MAY 18: Tyson Fury reacts after being punched by Oleksandr Usyk in the course of the … [+]
Here’s a take a look at it the near-knockout.
The knockdown was a vital turning point within the fight and made the difference on a judges’ scorecard. Without the knockdown, Fury would have won the fight via a split decision.
The first two rounds appeared to be all Usyk, as his speed and activity posed an issue for Fury. Fury’s length and body punch slowed Usyk from the third to the seventh round. On several occasions he appeared to harm Usyk with hard right hands to the body and uppercuts to the top.
However, the Ukrainian never went down.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – MAY 18: Oleksandr Usyk holds a Ukrainian flag while celebrating with the … [+]
In the eighth round, Fury’s pace appeared to slow, giving Usyk the chance to take control of the fight. Usyk gained confidence when he caused a cut under Fury’s right eye, setting the stage for the momentous ninth frame.
Some believed the referee could have stopped the fight within the ninth round when Fury stumbled across the ring and was pinned by the ropes for several seconds before collapsing within the corner. He got back to his feet and finished the round.
In the tenth round, Fury appeared to regain his footing midway through the round, but that did little to slow Usyk’s momentum.
I scored the ultimate two rounds for Fury, giving me a rating of 114-113 in favor of the Gypsy King. However, several close rounds make the choice in favor of Usyk fair and acceptable.
The two men have an automatic rematch clause that will see them fight again in October. In his post-fight interview, Fury said he believed he won the fight and wanted the rematch.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – MAY 18: Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk interact after the IBF, WBA, WBC, … [+]
Usyk complied with this wish and enjoyed the moment as undisputed champion. He has now cemented his status as one in every of the best fighters within the history of the game and has turn into the undisputed champion in two weight classes.
After the fight, several dignitaries from across the martial arts community expressed admiration for Usyk’s achievement.
Terence Crawford showed his respect to Usyk and viewed him as an actual threat because the pound-for-pound best.
As of now, Usyk is the king of the heavyweight division. He will rest and prepare for his rematch with Fury in October, coinciding with the discharge of the brand new boxing video game Undisputed.
How a lot better can this 12 months be for boxing? That’s what fight fans are for.
