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Topics: Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, Boxing, Heavyweight Boxing
John McDougall
Topics: Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, Boxing, Heavyweight Boxing
Oleksandr Usyk made history by becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the world in some 25 years by beating Tyson Fury - and one moment has been noticed as helping to swing the fight in his favour.
The 37-year-old became the first man since Lennox Lewis to hold all the belts in the heavyweight division when he beat Fury last night in Saudi Arabia on a split points decision.
Two judges scored the bout 115-112 and 114-113 in Usyk's favour as he claimed victory, while another scored 114-113 to Fury in Riyadh.
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It proved to be Fury's first ever professional defeat, with a rematch tentatively in place for October, though that is far from certain, based upon post-fight comments from Fury and his promoter Frank Warren.
Speaking in the ring after the fight, Fury disagreed with the end result and felt sympathy had been shown towards Usyk due to him being Ukrainian and his country having been invaded by Russia.
He said: "I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority.
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"His country is at war, so people are siding with the country at war. Make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion.
"It was one of the daftest decisions in boxing. I'll be back."
Usyk responded: "Thank you so much to my team. It's a big opportunity for my family, for me, for my country. It's a great time, it's a great day.
"I am ready for a rematch."
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One moment at the end of the seventh round after the halfway point in the fight has been highlighted as one which helped to swing the bout in Usyk's favour.
When in the corner with his trainer, Usyk was asked if he wanted a crucifix, to which he replied 'yes'.
Usyk's trainer then duly presented a crucifix to the fighter, which he then kissed before the start of the eighth round.
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The Ukrainian is an Orthodox Christian and has previously spoken of the importance of his faith to him.
After defeating Anthony Joshua in 2021, Usyk said: "The only thing I wanted to do with this fight is to give praise to my Lord Jesus Christ and to say that all comes from him."
Judging by the end result, the short moment did not harm Usyk's chances of victory.