Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk has beaten Britain’s Tyson Fury by split decision in Saudi Arabia to win the world’s first undisputed heavyweight championship in 25 years.
Fury was the early aggressor, but Usyk gradually took charge and the “Gypsy King” was saved by the bell in the ninth round with the count heading to ten.
Ukraine’s Usyk, who remains undefeated, joins the likes of Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis and Mike Tyson as the undisputed heavyweight champion, the first since boxing recognised four major belts in the 2000s.
With the win, the former undisputed cruiserweight champion can legitimately claim to be the best of this heavyweight era, although a rematch expected in October could provide another twist.
“It is a big opportunity for me, for my family, for my country,” said Usyk, 37, who briefly served as a soldier after the Russian attack on Ukraine.
