Ukrainian legend Oleksandr " The Cat " Usyk has achieved the incredible feat of undisputed in two weight divisions, defeating Tyson Fury via split in Saudi Arabia.
The event dubbed Ring Of Fire was headlined by that delectable clash for undisputed at Heavyweight between the Gypsy King who hitherto held the WBC, Ring and Lineal titles and Usyk who possessed the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO straps.
After their glamorous ring walks, the bout started on a cautious note with Usyk initially putting Fury on the back foot; managing to land flush on his bigger opponent and probably taking the first two stanzas.
Fury kept to multiple jabs and occasional counter hooks and upper cuts. The English man took over heading into the middle rounds and actually opened a cut above Usyk’s right eye in the fourth.
Fury rocked Usyk a few times and seemed in firm control, brimming with confidence but perhaps did too much of grandstanding.
When almost everyone thought Fury was coasting to victory, the crafty and resolute Ukrainian worked his way back into the fight and pummelled Fury in the ninth; almost stopping him, prompting a standing count by the referee.
The standing count- a controversial one at that, actually saved Fury, now (34-1-1) from getting knocked out, as the Briton was clearly out of it at that point.
Usyk dominated from then and took a split points decision: 115-112, 113-114 for Usyk & 114-113 for Fury.
" I thought I won the fight, these are some of the sh*tty things that happen in boxing. I'll come back for a rematch ", said Fury post fight, suffering the first loss of his professional career in 36 fights.
Usyk simply relished the moment and indicated that he was ever ready for another throw down : " It’s a great time ", He said, " A great day. Yes of course, I'm ready for a rematch ", Usyk affirmed.
Usyk, is currently the undisputed heavyweight champion - the first in 25 years, having also been undisputed at cruiserweight and still undefeated in 22 bouts.
Next up?
Well, in the absence of a rematch, a third Joshua bout may not be that enticing for Usyk. He might decide to sail into the sunset; making way for a tantalising match up between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury: two men he actually bested.
For now, all hail Oleksandr Usyk!!!
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