On May 19, 2024, the boxing world witnessed history as Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. With this monumental victory, Usyk cemented his legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion in over two decades and the first Ukrainian fighter to achieve this feat.

His triumph was not just about boxing—it was a beacon of hope and resilience for his war-torn homeland, Ukraine. In a time of hardship, Usyk’s victory became a source of national pride, uniting his country and showcasing the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people.

Let’s take a deep dive into this historic fight, Usyk’s remarkable career, and what lies ahead for the undisputed heavyweight king.

The Fight of the Century: Usyk vs. Fury

The matchup between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury was one of the most anticipated fights in boxing history. On one side stood Usyk, the former undisputed cruiserweight champion turned heavyweight elite, and on the other, Fury, the larger-than-life WBC heavyweight champion known for his size, power, and unorthodox movement.

This fight was about more than just titles—it was about determining the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999.

Round-by-Round Breakdown

Round 1-3: A Tactical Start
The fight opened with Usyk showcasing his signature footwork and precision punching. He landed a clean left hook in the first round, setting the tone. While Fury, standing at 6’9” with an 85-inch reach, tried to use his size advantage, Usyk’s speed and head movement allowed him to land sharp counterpunches and evade Fury’s jabs.

Round 4-6: Fury Gains Momentum
As the fight progressed, Fury began finding his rhythm, using his trademark feints and uppercuts to pressure Usyk. The fourth and fifth rounds saw Fury land heavy body shots, momentarily slowing Usyk’s movement. The sixth round was one of Fury’s best, as he connected with a series of uppercuts that pushed Usyk back. At this point, it looked like the tide was turning in Fury’s favor.

Round 7-9: Usyk’s Dominance
Just when it seemed like Fury was in control, Usyk turned the fight around in the eighth round. A perfectly timed right hand rocked Fury, causing him to stumble. Usyk then unleashed a barrage of 14 unanswered punches in the ninth round, nearly forcing the referee to stop the fight.

Fury was visibly hurt, staggering against the ropes, and the referee administered a standing eight count—a rare moment of vulnerability for the “Gypsy King.” Many analysts argued that the fight could have been stopped right then, but Fury barely survived the round.

Round 10-12: Sealing the Victory
Usyk, now fully in control, continued outboxing Fury in the championship rounds. His relentless pressure, precision, and superior conditioning allowed him to land the cleaner shots while avoiding Fury’s desperate swings. Fury tried to mount a comeback in the final round, but Usyk’s dominance was undeniable.

The Official Decision

The judges’ scorecards read:

115–112 for Usyk (Manuel Oliver Palermo)
114–113 for Fury (Craig Metcalfe)
114–113 for Usyk (Mike Fitzgerald)

With a split decision victory, Oleksandr Usyk became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. He now held all four major world titles (WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO), along with the Ring Magazine belt.

Usyk’s Unmatched Achievements

Undisputed Champion in Two Weight Classes

Usyk made history as one of the few fighters to become undisputed in two different weight divisions. He previously dominated the cruiserweight division, winning all four belts before moving up to heavyweight, where he replicated this incredible feat.

Olympic Gold Medalist

Before turning professional, Usyk won a gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 2012 London Olympics, showcasing his elite boxing skills on the world stage.

Undefeated Professional Record

Usyk remains undefeated in his professional career, an astonishing achievement considering he has fought some of the best fighters in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions.

A Victory Beyond Boxing: Usyk as a National Hero

For Ukraine, Usyk’s triumph was more than a sporting achievement—it was a moment of national pride and hope. With the country facing ongoing struggles, Usyk’s resilience in the ring mirrored the strength of his people.

His victory speech was emotional, as he dedicated his win to his country, family, and team. His humility and patriotism have made him a beloved figure, not just in Ukraine but worldwide.

What’s Next for Usyk?

With the undisputed title secured, the boxing world now speculates on Usyk’s next move.

Possible Rematch with Fury

Given the competitive nature of their fight, Fury might push for an immediate rematch. However, Usyk’s dominance in the later rounds could make a second fight even more one-sided.

Fighting Against Other Heavyweight Contenders

Potential matchups include:

Anthony Joshua: Usyk has already defeated Joshua twice, but a third fight could still generate interest.
Deontay Wilder: The hard-hitting American would provide an exciting clash of styles.
Filip Hrgović or Joe Joyce: Rising contenders looking for a title shot.

Retirement?

At 37 years old, Usyk has already achieved what very few boxers ever do. Some speculate that he might retire as an undefeated, undisputed champion, leaving behind a perfect legacy. However, Usyk has yet to confirm his future plans.

How Usyk Ranks Among Boxing Legends

Usyk’s achievements put him in the conversation with some of the greatest heavyweights of all time, including:

Muhammad Ali is known for his speed, footwork, and legendary victories.
Lennox Lewis: The last undisputed heavyweight champion before Usyk.
Evander Holyfield: Another fighter who conquered both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions.

Many analysts believe Usyk’s technical brilliance, discipline, and ability to beat bigger opponents make him one of the top five heavyweights in history.

Final Thoughts: Usyk’s Legacy is Set in Stone

Oleksandr Usyk’s victory over Tyson Fury solidifies his place among boxing’s all-time greats. From his Olympic gold medal to his undisputed reign in two divisions, Usyk has overcome every challenge in his path.

But more than the belts and accolades, Usyk’s humility, warrior spirit, and dedication to his country make him a champion in every sense of the word. His triumph is a testament to hard work, resilience, and unwavering belief in oneself.

Whether he chooses to defend his titles or retire at the peak of his career, Usyk’s name will be remembered as one of the greatest fighters to ever step into the ring.