In a thrilling and closely contested battle at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Oleksandr Usyk secured a razor-thin split decision victory over Tyson Fury to claim the title of undisputed heavyweight boxing world champion. Despite being dwarfed by his larger opponent, Usyk displayed remarkable skill and resilience throughout the fight, ultimately emerging victorious in a historic matchup.
The 37-year-old Ukrainian made history by becoming the first boxer to simultaneously hold all four major heavyweight belts, a feat unmatched since Lennox Lewis' reign over two decades ago. Usyk dominated the early rounds of the fight, only to face a resilient comeback from Fury in the middle rounds, showcasing his trademark showmanship and landing heavy body shots. However, Usyk's determination and power shone through as he rallied back with relentless punches, eventually forcing Fury to take a standing count in the ninth round.
As the fight progressed, Usyk continued his onslaught, wearing down the previously undefeated British fighter and securing a narrow victory on the judges' scorecards. A tearful Usyk expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, acknowledging the significance of his win for himself, his family, and his country. He also generously offered Fury an immediate rematch, displaying true sportsmanship in victory.
In the co-main events of the night, Australia's Jai Opetaia claimed the IBF cruiserweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Mairis Briedis, while Ireland's Anthony Cacace retained his IBO super-featherweight title and captured the IBF belt with a TKO win over Joe Cordina of Wales. The night was filled with high-stakes matchups and historic victories, solidifying the Kingdom Arena as the stage for unforgettable boxing moments.