Yahoo News Who won the boxing? Fury vs Usyk scorecards revealed after high-profile fight in Saudi Arabia
Oleksandr Usyk found a second wind to be crowned the heavyweight world champion in his fight against Tyson Fury.
Usyk emerged as the first undisputed heavyweight world champion in a quarter of a century, clinching a split decision victory over Fury in their high-profile clash. Despite Fury taking an early lead, Usyk rallied and punished the Brit's showboating by nearly flooring him in the ninth round.
The fight was scored 115-112, 113-114 and 114-113 in Usyk's favour at the final bell, allowing him to add Fury's WBC belt to his haul and celebrate with all four major world titles in the ring. Judges Manuel Oliver Palermo and Mike Fitzgerald both had Fury ahead at the halfway stage, but Usyk's resurgence saw the same two judges ultimately award him the win.
Craig Metcalf was the sole judge who scored the fight for Fury, giving Usyk just five rounds of the undisputed bout. Fury contested the decision in the ring, stating: "I believe I won that fight, I think he won a few if those rounds but I won the majority of them. His country is at war, so people are siding with the country at war. Make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion. I've had a split decision loss with a little man. Good luck, God bless you."
Usyk lauded Fury and dedicated his victory to those suffering in his homeland, reports the Mirror.
"It's not for my win, it's win for my God and a lot of people who support me and my country Ukraine," he said.
"Ukrainian soldiers, mothers, fathers and children. I want to go to my bed because I want to rest, I want to pray, I want to kiss my wife."
Usyk will have to square off against Fury once more as their bout included a two-way rematch clause, with the anticipated second clash slated for October.
Speaking about the upcoming rematch, Usyk declared: "Of course, I'm ready. One more time we will do a good fight."
Despite leaving the ring swiftly after the match, Fury did express his openness to a second bout with Usyk after some recovery time. "We'll go back, have a rest up then get back to it in October. As I said, I believe I won the fight," he remarked.
