Wladimir Klitschko was in attendance to watch Oleksandr Usyk defeat Tyson Fury and become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years.
Usyk started well and later adapted to an in-form Fury during the back and forth affair. A knockdown in round nine secured his split decision victory and all four heavyweight belts.
In newly-released footage by Top Rank, Usyk’s immediate celebrations can be relived by fans. Former heavyweight champion and Fury foe Klitschko was quick to embrace the now-undisputed champion to thank him for the victory.
“I’m proud of you. I thank you for this victory. It’s a historic victory for you. And what is more important, it’s a historic victory for us Ukrainians.”
Usyk then told his countryman and past sparring partner, “Thank you, you inspire me. You’ve always inspired me.”
The 37-year-old managed to do what Klitschko couldn’t when he bested ‘The Gypsy King.’ It was Fury who came out on top in Dusseldorf in 2015 to win Klitschko’s IBF, WBO and WBA belts. There would be no rematch as the Brit exited the sport for three years amidst a drink and drugs crisis.
Russia’s invasion of Usyk’s home country has been an unwelcome backdrop to the champion’s campaign for years now – a fight that both Wladimir and his brother Vitali, Mayor of Kyiv and also a former world heavyweight champion, have been front and centre.
Usyk was quick to dedicate the fight to the people and soldiers of Ukraine, whilst Fury said that the win may have been influence by sympathy for their plight. Like his arrangement with Klitschko, there is a rematch pencilled in, but it appears Fury is considering his options before confirming it will go ahead.
