Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs), who entered with the WBA, IBF and WBO belts, captured Tyson Fury’s (34-1-1, 24 KOs) WBC and lineal titles to become undisputed. The last time boxing had an undisputed heavyweight champion was in 2000 (Lennox Lewis, the Three Belt Era).
In a fight in the ninth round, when Usyk nearly ended the bout and scored a knockdown, two judges scored the fight 115-112 and 114-113 for Usyk, while the third scored it 114-113 for Fury.
Both fighters opened the fight with a powerful jab, but it was Usyk who dictated the pace and had the most important shots in the first two rounds, catching Fury with a curling left hook late in the first round and starting the second with a powerful two-punch combination. .
Usyk continued to press forward in the third round, but Fury began to find his rhythm, landing more combinations and landing good body shots despite fighting on the back foot. He stayed busy behind the jab and landed a powerful right uppercut early in the fourth round, drilling in with a powerful right hand to the body that sent Usyk reeling.
A big right stunned Usyk in the sixth round, visibly hurting him and causing him to momentarily cover up. Fury appeared to be getting into a groove, jumping to his feet and taunting Usyk while landing sharp shots.
Fury connected with another powerful right uppercut that put Usyk down in the seventh round, but Usyk kept coming, popping Fury with a straight right hand and ending the round with a combination.
Usyk showed his heart and responded in the eighth minute, scoring with a three-punch combination and forcing Fury back to the ropes after a big uppercut. Another big combination of punches connected for Usyk, and he stunned Fury with a right hand in the final seconds of the round, as swelling began to develop under Fury’s right eye.
Usyk appeared to be re-energized to open the ninth round, which was pivotal for the Ukrainian. He came back to pressure Fury and connected Flush with a big left hand with Fury against the ropes. A huge left hand got Fury into trouble, and Usyk felt like Fury was hurt and went all the way, connecting with several tough combinations. Fury was visibly injured as he staggered against the ropes, and the referee ruled a knockout when the bell rang to end the round.
Usyk backed Fury into the corner as the 10th round opened. Fury still appeared to be dazed by the punishment he received in the previous round, but Usyk remained patient instead of launching his attack.
Usyk started strong in the 11th round and continued to press forward. Fury caught another powerful left hand to his chin, and closed the round with a big right hand.
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