Usyk achieves legendary status after triumph over Fury.
Once more, a clear winner emerges in the heavyweight division: Ukrainian Usyk beats Briton Fury to clinch major world titles, creating history in the process. Professional boxer Oleksandr Usyk has accomplished the feat of becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion for the first time since Lewis 25 years ago. Usyk defeated the previously unbeaten Tyson Fury in a twelve-round unification match, solidifying his place among the greats.
In a battle that rivaled the likes of Lewis vs Holyfield in 1999, Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk triumphed over the tall and powerful Briton Tyson Fury, taking home the IBF, WBO, WBA, and WBC belts, in addition to the IBO title. This win places Usyk in the exclusive company of Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and Max Schmeling—legends who also held the coveted title of undisputed heavyweight champion.
A Fight for the Ages: The Ukrainian's Comeback
Throughout the match, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Usyk kept pace with the larger Fury, relying on his swiftness to counteract Fury's height advantage. But in the first half of the fight, the Ukrainian failed to fully utilize his agility. Fury, who earned his title against Deontay Wilder in 2018, seemingly had the fight in the bag, beating Usyk to the punch with his strong right fist. However, in the eighth round, Usyk made a stunning comeback, leaving Fury with a bloody nose due to clever combinations. Usyk's continued onslaught pushed Fury to the brink of defeat in the ninth round.
Both fighters entered the ring with unblemished records. Usyk had managed to defeat Anthony Joshua in 2021 and held onto his titles in their rematch in 2022. Fury, meanwhile, had won the WBC belt against Deontay Wilder in 2015, momentarily relinquished his titles, and took them back in 2018.
The Road to a World Championship: Agit Kabayel's Journey
Usyk's triumph came just hours after long-time contender and fellow German boxer Agit Kabayel earned his first world championship bout. Just before the Usyk-Fury match, Kabayel defeated Frank Sanchez in the World Championship eliminator, which saw the Bochum-native preparing for a showdown of his own.
This rematch was originally scheduled for various reasons, including financial disputes and Fury's injuries. Despite these setbacks, the boxing community eagerly anticipated this battle, pitching the skilled Usyk against the forceful Fury.
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In the world of professional boxing, Usyk's victory against Fury marks another significant moment in the heavyweight division, further cementing his position as a formidable contender in the sport of boxing. Following his triumph, discussions about whether Usyk should be considered among the greatest heavyweight champions of all time, such as Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and Max Schmeling, are bound to heat up in the boxing community.
Source: www.ntv.de
