Between rounds, the Ukrainian managed to recover and return to the fight.
Ukrainian boxer, absolute world champion in heavyweight, holder of WBO/WBA/IBF/IBO/WBC belts in super heavyweight Alexander Tendril (22-0, 14 KO) told the details of the confrontation with Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs).
Usyk admitted that he had difficulties after the uppercut from Fury. However, thanks to the successful work of his team during the break between rounds, the Ukrainian managed to “return” to the confrontation.”
“He wasn’t one step, two steps, or ten steps away from victory. I understand what you’re asking, it was the sixth round, an uppercut. It landed loudly, I would say. I didn’t hear the audience. Then I started moving and only then I heard my wife: “You can do it, I love you.” I thought: “Everything is fine, I’m here.”
“It was very painful. It felt like it was a normal uppercut. Do you all watch cartoons? Remember when something flies into some cartoon character’s head and birds fly? It really is true, birds fly. Some storks flew near me and left. Thank God, everyone recovered. I went to the corner, the trainer gave me some instructions.”
On the night of May 19, Usyk inflicted Fury’s first defeat in his professional career in a fight that took place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). The Ukrainian was awarded the victory by a split decision of the judges: 115-112, 113-114 and 114-113.
Usyk became the first absolute heavyweight champion in the four-belt era. In the heavyweight division, the last time the absolute title was held was by Lennox Lewis in 1999, but back then three titles were enough to win the title.
Oleksandr is the second boxer in history after Evander Holyfield, who was the absolute world champion in cruiserweight and heavyweight. Also, the Ukrainian boxer became the third (after Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue) in the era of four prestigious titles absolute champion in two weight categories.
Usyk subsequently issued a statement in which he announced that he would give the IBF belt to the winner of the British derby between his two former opponents in the ring – Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua.. Thus, Alexander lost the status of absolute world champion in heavyweight, which he had held for more than a month.
Usyk and Fury have reached an agreement for a rematch. The “Gypsy King” has officially activated the rematch option. The second fight between Alexander and Tyson will take place on December 21, 2024, in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman said he would seek the introduction of video replays in this fight.
Source: Sportarena
I’m Todderic Kirkman, a journalist and author for athletistic. I specialize in covering all news related to sports, ranging from basketball to football and everything in between. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, I have become an invaluable asset to my team. My ambition is to bring the most up-to-date information on sports topics around the world.
