Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury by split decision to become undisputed world champion
An undisputed heavyweight champion has been crowned.
Oleksandr Usyk scored a huge win over Tyson Fury to become the undisputed world heavyweight champion in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Usyk edged out Fury by split decision, with two judges scoring the bout 115-112 and 114-113 in his favour.
Overall, Usyk controlled the fight and worked the body while backing Fury to the corner on several occasions.
He also had the 'Gypsy King' badly hurt in the ninth round after landing a stinging left hand.
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Fury seemed out on his feet, but referee Mark Nelson failed to halt the contest.
Speaking in the ring after the result, Usyk said: "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."
Asked about a rematch, he replied: "Yes, of course. I am ready for a rematch."
Usyk is the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999 when Lennox Lewis toppled Evander Holyfield.
The Ukrainian improved his pro record to 22-0 and inflicted the first defeat of the Brit's pro career in the process.
An immediate rematch is written in the contract, which is tentatively scheduled for October.
But the proposed second meeting won't have the IBF title on the line as the organisation is set to strip Usyk of the belt.
Croatian star Filip Hrgovic, who's the overdue mandatory challenger, faces Daniel Dubois on June 1, with the IBF strap set to be up for grabs.
Elsewhere on the card, Jai Opetaia outpointed Mairis Briedis in a gruelling affair to capture the vacant IBF cruiserweight world title in the co-main event.
Anthony Cacace produced a stunning performance to stun Joe Cordina to claim the IBF super-featherweight title.
Agit Kabayel, who beat Arslanbek Makhmudov on the 'Day of Reckoning' card, dominated the previously unbeaten Frank Sanchez.
Budding heavyweight star Moses Itauma secured a second-round victory over Ilja Mezencev while Mark Chamberlain stopped Joshua Wahab in the very first round.
Topics: Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, Boxing
Nasir Jabbar