Oleksandr Usyk emerged victorious over Tyson Fury after 12 intense rounds of boxing on Saturday, but his win came with a significant setback. Usyk, the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era, was taken to the hospital for treatment of a broken jaw.
Usyk’s absence from the scheduled post-fight media conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, raised concerns, later addressed by promoter Frank Warren.
He confirmed that Usyk had been rushed to the hospital following the injury, which was a surprising development given Usyk’s powerful performance, especially in Round 9 when he knocked Fury down
Usyk makes history
The historic bout, marking the first undisputed heavyweight title clash in 25 years, lived up to expectations. The early rounds were closely fought, but Fury dominated the middle rounds with precision punches that hurt Usyk.
However, Usyk turned the tables in Round 7 and took charge with a knockdown in Round 9, almost ending Fury’s unbeaten streak.
The thrilling match concluded with Usyk winning by split decision, with the judges scoring it 115-112, 113-114, and 114-113.
Following the fight, Fury announced his intention to activate the rematch clause, a challenge that Usyk is ready to accept.
While no official date for the rematch has been set, Saudi Arabia’s chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, Turki Alalshikh, has indicated that October 2024 is a potential option for Usyk vs. Fury part 2.
