Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk: A close split decision produces the first undisputed heavyweight boxing champion in 24 years

NEW DELHI: Oleksandr Usyk emerged victorious over Tyson Fury by a close split decision, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight boxing champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000.
Despite being significantly smaller than his opponent, Usyk weathered Fury's attacks in the middle rounds and mounted a stunning comeback.
The fight began with Usyk controlling the early rounds, but Fury found his rhythm in the fourth, landing powerful body shots while engaging in some showmanship.However, Usyk responded with his own impressive displays of strength, reminding Fury of his formidable power.
Soon, Usyk dominated the eighth round and nearly finished the fight in the ninth, as his relentless punches to Fury's head left the Briton on the brink of defeat. Fury managed to survive until the bell, but struggled through the final three rounds as Usyk pursued him relentlessly, ultimately securing a narrow victory on the judges' scorecards.
"Thank you so much. ... It's a big opportunity for me, for my family, for my country. ... It's a great time, it's a great day," an emotional Usyk said in his post-fight interview, pledging to grant Fury an immediate rematch.
The event also featured two notable undercard bouts. Jai Opetaia of Australia claimed the vacant IBF cruiserweight title by unanimous decision over Latvia's Mairis Briedis, while Ireland's Anthony Cacace retained his IBO super-featherweight title and captured the IBF belt with a TKO victory over Wales' Joe Cordina.
(Inputs from Reuters)