Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury in a split decision during the highly anticipated Saturday world title fight in Riyadh. Overcome with emotion, Usyk reflected on the nine months of preparation leading up to the fight, during which he missed the birth of his daughter. Usyk's journey to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years was also fueled by his late father's belief in him, bringing tears to his eyes and cracking his voice during a heartfelt post-fight interview.
Tyson Fury Loses to Oleksandr Usyk in Undisputed Heavyweight Title Bout
In a highly anticipated Saturday world title fight in Riyadh, Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury in a split decision. The match marked a historic moment in boxing, as Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years.
Background
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk were widely considered the two best heavyweights in the world. Fury, the British-Irish Gypsy King, was undefeated and held the WBC and The Ring magazine heavyweight titles. Usyk, known as "The Cat," had won Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012 and was the reigning WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight champion.
The anticipation for the fight was immense, with fans around the world eager to witness the clash of two undefeated giants.
The Fight
The fight started tentatively, with both fighters feeling each other out in the early rounds. As the rounds progressed, Usyk began to find his rhythm, using his exceptional footwork and boxing skills to outmaneuver Fury. Fury, despite his size and power, struggled to land clean punches on Usyk.
In the latter rounds, Fury pressed forward and landed some heavy shots, but Usyk weathered the storm and maintained his composure. The judges ultimately awarded the victory to Usyk by split decision, with scores of 117-111, 116-112, and 115-113.
Usyk's Emotional Reaction
Overcome with emotion, Usyk reflected on the nine months of preparation leading up to the fight, during which he missed the birth of his daughter. He also paid tribute to his late father, who had believed in his abilities.
"It was the hardest time of my life," Usyk said through tears. "But I did it for my country, for my family, and for my father."
Future Implications
Usyk's victory has shaken up the heavyweight division. He is now the undisputed heavyweight champion, holding all four major belts. It remains to be seen who Usyk will face next, but a rematch with Fury is a distinct possibility.
Fury, meanwhile, has suffered his first professional loss. He is expected to take some time off before deciding his next move.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Who is Oleksandr Usyk?
Oleksandr Usyk is a Ukrainian boxer who is the reigning undisputed heavyweight champion. He is known for his exceptional footwork, boxing skills, and stamina.
2. Why is Tyson Fury's loss significant?
Fury's loss is significant because it is the first professional loss of his career. He was widely considered the best heavyweight in the world, and his defeat by Usyk has shaken up the division.
3. Who will Usyk face next?
Usyk is expected to face a mandatory challenger next, likely Joe Joyce or Deontay Wilder. However, a rematch with Fury is also a possibility.
4. What does Usyk's victory mean for the heavyweight division?
Usyk's victory has brought a new era to the heavyweight division. He is the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years, and his reign is expected to be a long one.
5. Will Fury fight Usyk again?
A rematch between Fury and Usyk is a possibility, but it is not guaranteed. Fury is expected to take some time off before deciding his next move.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot expressed profound sorrow and solidarity with the family of Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash along with his brother. Jota, a fan favourite known for his tireless work ethic and crucial goals, had played an instrumental role in Liverpool's Premier League title run. As tributes pour in from across the footballing world, Slot and Liverpool have vowed to keep Jota's memory alive.
The football world was left in shock and mourning after the tragic news of the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, in a car crash while on holiday in Spain. The 28-year-old forward, who also played for Portugal and various club teams, was remembered by his former teammates and colleagues, including Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, and fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo. The football community offers their condolences to the Jota family and hopes for peace for their loved ones in this difficult time.
In a devastating blow to the sporting world, Portugal and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, were killed in a car crash in Spain. Jota, who was only 28 years old, and Silva, who was 25, were involved in the accident while trying to overtake another car on a highway near the Portuguese border. The news of Jota's death has not only sent shockwaves through the football community, but also touched the hearts of athletes from other sports, such as 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal who expressed his condolences for the young player and his family.
After a thrilling match at Wimbledon, Marin Cilic emerged victorious over Jack Draper, booking his spot in the third round. The former US Open champion showed off his impressive serving skills, firing 16 aces against the Briton. In his on-court interview, Cilic expressed his emotions and credited his team for their support throughout his long and dedicated career. With this win, he also made history by becoming the third-oldest player to defeat a top-five opponent at Wimbledon, surpassing big names like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
World champion Magnus Carlsen has raised doubts about reigning champion Gukesh's performance in shorter time control formats, ahead of their first face-off since the infamous table smashing incident in Norway Chess. However, Gukesh has started strong in the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia, leading the 10-player field along with Carlsen himself. The event will see players compete in rapid and blitz formats, where Gukesh has struggled in the past. With tough competition in the field, including Gukesh's compatriot Praggnanandhaa, Carlsen will have to prove himself against Gukesh in rapid and blitz games.
Harry Brook, the white-ball captain of England, has revealed his reasons for opting out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and his desire to participate in the tournament in the future. Despite being bought by Delhi Capitals for a whopping INR 6.25 crore, Brook chose to prioritize his duties to the national team, violating BCCI's new rule. However, he remains hopeful of playing in the IPL after his two-year suspension. In the ongoing series against India, Brook impressed with 99 runs in the first test and also praised Indian player Rishabh Pant.
Shubman Gill, the captain of Team India, made an impressive performance on day 2 of the ongoing Test against England at Edgbaston, becoming the Indian captain with the highest test score by scoring 269 runs. India's new number four batsman proved to be a major problem for England's bowling attack. Meanwhile, Indian pacer Akash Deep made a comeback after giving 11 runs in the first over, picking up two wickets in two balls in the third over of England's innings, putting pressure on the opposition's top order.
In the second Test match between India and England, Indian skipper Shubman Gill dominated the field with an incredible 269 off 387 deliveries, setting the record for the highest individual score by an Indian player against England. His performance helped India reach a massive total of 587 all out. Later, India's pace attack dismantled England's top order, with Akash Deep taking two wickets in two consecutive deliveries. Gill's outstanding performance not only made him the first Asian skipper to score a double century on English soil, but also raised his average to 40 in just three innings in England.
After defeating world champion Magnus Carlsen in classical chess a few weeks back, Indian teenager Gukesh has now done it again in rapid chess at the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia 2025 in Zagreb. Carlsen, playing with white pieces and in a supposedly weaker format for Gukesh, resigned in the 49th move with a muted reaction. Gukesh, on the other hand, has been on a streak of victories against some of the strongest players in the tournament, proving his skills and causing former world champion Garry Kasparov to question Carlsen's domination.
In the second Test against England, Indian skipper Shubman Gill made history by becoming the first Asian captain to score a double century in England. His epic innings of 200 runs helped India reach a commanding position of 564/7 at tea on Day 2. Despite a flat track, England was unable to stop Gill's onslaught, as he formed a formidable partnership with Washington Sundar. Gill's remarkable achievement is a noteworthy moment in his first series as Test skipper, proving himself as a match-winner for India.