Oleksandr Usyk fought valiantly to a points win over Tyson Fury this weekend in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with scores of 115-112 and 114-113 in his favour versus one card that was 114-113 for the Brit.
The split decision victory announced him as the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years and, most believe, cemented his place as an all-time great of the sport.
An enthralling round nine in which the Ukrainian scored a prolonged knockdown was the fight’s most notable moment and one that, given the 10-8 score, would win him the fight.
There were certainly no cries of robbery, but Fury’s side, including promoter Frank Warren, were quick to say that they believe he fought well enough to win.
Another man watching from ringside who gave the nod to ‘The Gypsy King’ was one Kell Brook. The former welterweight world champion, now retired, told Boxing News he scored it by as many as three rounds to Fury.
“Very technical fight, but I had Tyson Fury nicking it. I thought he was using his jab more, working. The start of the fight he was grabbing the rounds. He got caught with that shot later on and was hurt, but I think he did enough to win. I had him three rounds up, in my opinion. Two, three rounds up. We have to see it again I think.”
Fans were quick to disagree, with a large majority calling the 38-year-old’s verdict wrong. ‘Delusional’ one wrote, whilst others questioned what fight Brook was watching.
A social media user pointed out that it was a ‘myth’ that Fury won the early rounds – a point backed up on the three official scorecards.
Plans now turn to the contracted rematch clause, but Fury’s side are yet to definitively confirm that it will be the route they take.
