Usyk and Fury first locked horns in May 2024. The fight ended with Usyk winning by split decision. The ninth round turned out to be the game-changer when Usyk landed a big shot that sent Fury reeling. Fury took a 10 count, which likely swayed the judges' decision.
The two heavyweights met again in December 2024. This time, Usyk left no room for doubt. He won by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the bout 116-112 in his favor. Usyk showed his prowess by pushing forward with front foot pressure and landing more clean shots throughout the fight.
Usyk's victory marks a significant moment in boxing history. He's now the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999. It's another feather in the cap for the former gold medalist, who was also the undisputed cruiserweight champion in 2018.
After the fight, Fury wasn't ready to give Usyk the title of the best boxer he's ever faced. When asked about it at the post-fight press conference, Fury simply answered, "Not really."
Despite the loss, Fury's career isn't over. He's got options, including a potential showdown with Anthony Joshua. This British clash could be a huge legacy fight for both boxers.
As for Usyk, he's got a few paths to choose from. He could rematch Daniel Dubois, the current IBF world champion whom he knocked out earlier. This fight would give Usyk a chance to regain his undisputed champion status. Alternatively, he might consider returning to the cruiserweight division to reclaim his old titles.
Usyk's victories over Fury have solidified his place in boxing history. He's now the only man to have beaten Tyson Fury in the ring, adding to his impressive list of achievements. As the dust settles on these epic battles, the boxing world waits to see what's next for both these heavyweight titans.