Oleksander Usyk (22-0) outlasts Tyson Fury (34-1-1) to earn a split decision victory and become the first Undisputed Heavyweight Champion since 1999 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In the battle between the two undefeated heavyweights, Tyson Fury controlled most of the middle rounds. From rounds three to seven, Fury landed 87 total punches to Usyk’s 62 total punches.

Fury seemed to continue his dominance until Usyk landed a massive left hand in the 9^th round, which wobbled Fury and sent him collapsing in the corner. That punch would be the momentum shift Usyk needed as he would win majority of the remaining rounds squeak away with a spilt decision (115-112, 114-113, 113-114).

With this victory, Oleksander Usyk becomes the first heavyweight since Lennox Lewis to unify all the belts and the first to unify during the four-belt era. In 1999, Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield to become Undisputed Champion, but was stripped of the WBA title in April of 2000.

After his monumental victory, Oleksander Usyk dedicated his victory to his family and Ukraine.

“My people very happy, I think”, said Oleksander Usyk. “It’s a big win not only for me, but for my country. For soldiers who now defend my country”.

“I think my father [was] watching me and [is] very happy”, said Usyk. “Daddy, I love you. I can. You told me I can”.

Though gracious in defeat, even congratulating Oleksander Usyk on his win, Tyson Fury was adamant that he won the bout.

“I’m very happy. In my mind I did the best I could and won the fight,” said Tyson Fury. “It was what it was. I’m happy with my performance. Both [men] got paid and both [men] are going home to their wives and children”.

Many fans and viewers vocalized their displeasure with the referee after the fight as he chose to let Fury continue following his knockdown in the 9^th round. Oleksander Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, even expressed that the referee protected Fury from the finish.

“I think the referee has stolen the KO from Usyk”, said Alex Krassyuk. “He should have stopped the fight. He should of jumped in. He should have given Usyk the chance to finish”.

Though Oleksander Usyk couldn’t secure the finish, he was able to put on a performance worthy enough of becoming a two-time undisputed champion. In 2018, Usyk defeated Murat Gassiev to unify the belts at cruiserweight.

Oleksander Usyk is now the 3^rd male boxer ever to become undisputed champion in two division during the four-belt era.