Fury vs Usyk LIVE: Fight reaction and undercard results after split decision decides heavyweight thriller
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk produced an undisputed heavyweight classic in Saudi Arabia which split the judges after 12 gripping rounds
Oleksandr Usyk has defeated Tyson Fury by split decision to become the first undisputed heavyweight boxing champion in 24 years.
Usyk (22-0) added Fury‘s WBC title to his own WBA, IBF and IBO belts with a spectacular late rally highlighted by a ninth-round knockdown in a back-and-forth bout between two previously unbeaten heavyweight champs. Two judges favored Usyk, 115-112 and 114-113, while the third gave it to Fury, 114-113.
Usyk started quickly, but then had to survive while the confident, charismatic Fury dominated the middle rounds. Usyk rallied in the final rounds, just as the Ukrainian Olympic gold medalist has done so many times in his career, taking control with a dominant eighth round and nearly stopping Fury in the ninth.
Usyk hurt Fury (34-1-1) with a left hand and eventually sent him sprawling into a corner in the final seconds of the round, getting credit for a knockdown right before Fury was saved by the bell. Fury made it to the 10th, but he struggled to mount a consistent attack after nearly getting stopped.
Fury kissed Usyk on the head after the final bell. The fighters are likely to have a rematch in Saudi Arabia in the fall.
Usyk is the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis held the honor for five months in 1999 and 2000. He is also now the lineal heavyweight champion by beating Fury, who beat Wladimir Klitschko to earn that distinction in 2015.
Relive Fury vs Usyk, the undercard results and all the reaction below.
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Fury vs Usyk LIVE: Agit Kabayel vs Frank Sanchez
Fury is backstage, in a waistcoat, and looks extremely calm. Not a lot of noise and from the camera angle we’ve got, minimal team members around him for now.
Kabayel now asserting himself on Sanchez, that jab is heavy, thudding off those blue gloves shimmering from the overhead lights above the ring and the sweat pouring off the Cuban’s forehead.
The German may have broken through too, Sanchez’s legs stiffened, could he go soon?
Fury vs Usyk LIVE: Agit Kabayel vs Frank Sanchez
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk have arrived at the Kingdom Arena.
Fury looks relaxed, singing to himself, the tension and excitement only builds from here.
This is a decent scrap, Sanchez looks a classy operator when he leans back and explodes forward with the right uppercut. Kabayel targets the body, though, this one is competitive and intriguing through four rounds.
Fury vs Usyk LIVE: Agit Kabayel vs Frank Sanchez
Kabayel starts fast, on the front foot.
Sanchez throwing and countering while dancing around the ring.
Also watch out for the strapping around Sanchez’s right knee, could that prove a nuisance as the fight develops?
Fury vs Usyk LIVE: Agit Kabayel vs Frank Sanchez
Agit Kabayel and Frank Sanchez go to battle in another fascinating heavyweight contest.
The winner will be in line for a shot at the winner of the undisputed title fight later on, because this is a WBC eliminator.
In reality they’ll need to wait, but at least they’ll be at the front of the queue, and Fury and Usyk are unlikely to drop that specific belt, meaning the fight should eventually happen, even if very few fans would like to see it.
Maybe an emphatic display from either man can convince fans?
Fury vs Usyk LIVE: Frank Warren reveals plan for Moses Itauma
Promoter Frank Warren: “He’s a teenager. It’s his ninth fight and he’s got a title.
“He’s got a belt that gets him a top 10 ranking, which I don’t particularly want, we want to take our time. The problem is finding people who want to take that power.
“If I had a fighter, I’d want him to fight him now, because if he gets stronger, with more ring craft.
“He’s the best young prospect heavyweight I’ve seen for a number of years, he’s looking sensational.”
Fury vs Usyk LIVE: Moses Itauma tipped to become world champion
"I'm over the moon to hear that praise, I always listen," says Itauma after Haye's praise.
Haye: “He’s got a great coach and team to help guide you. Live healthy, live clean, focus on the fights, and you’ll have that world title. It’s possible, believe me.”
Promoter Francis Warren: “I saw composure. But every time he fights, he looks a bit more chilled, he’s learning and executing. Not rushing. Very professional and precise. He’s a pleasure to work with.”
Fury vs Usyk LIVE: David Haye reacts to Moses Itauma knockout
David Haye on Moses Itauma: “I saw a future world champion, he showed all the attributes you need.
“At 19 to be in that position, physically, not taking unnecessary shots. It’s what you want to see in a future champion.”
Fury vs Usyk LIVE: Moses Itauma eyes Mike Tyson record after thumping knockout
“Nobody wants to challenge me! Now I’ve got this belt, 100 percent [I can beat Mike Tyson’s record to be the youngest-ever heavyweight world champion.”
“Really pleased, an extremely rare skillset,” says Ben Davison. “You have to take it step-by-step. It’s fantastic when you get the knockout, but nothing beats experience and getting the rounds.”
Fury vs Usyk LIVE: Moses Itauma TKO2 Ilja Mezencev
What a shot! Itauma with a thudding shot and DOWN GOES MEZENCEV!
A second-round stoppage, electric speed, Itauma is going to be a problem in the heavyweight division.
It was messy footwork from Mezencev and the ruthless Itauma capitalises. He pivots and then turns into a right hook that floors Mezencev.
Fury vs Usyk LIVE: Moses Itauma vs Ilja Mezencev
Here we go, British heavyweight supertalent Moses Itauma in action.
Don’t blink or you’ll miss it. Ilja Mezencev, you have been warned.
Itauma marries speed with power. Lead right uppercut, straight left down the pipe. A classy combination.
Some nice counter punches too and head movement coming in. A mistake from Mezencev and in a flash, Itauma lands a flurry of shots to end the round. A stoppage was not far away.
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