1) We have a number one
Oleksandr Usyk has proven to be the world’s best heavyweight after his bout with Fury in Riyadh. This is the most significant takeaway from their match, despite having a list of 10 other points. It took a considerable amount of time and 12 rounds to reach this conclusion, but our patience has finally paid off.
2) The undisputed belt is rubbish
The belt awarded to Oleksandr Usyk after his win over Fury was arguably the most unattractive seen in a boxing ring in quite some time. This is saying a lot, considering the history of unappealing belts. Instead of adding to the significance of the event, the red “undisputed” belt only served to diminish Usyk’s accomplishment and make the whole occasion feel somewhat insincere and inexpensive. Furthermore, the news that the IBF might strip Usyk of his title in the near future makes the idea of an “undisputed” belt even more absurd.
3) There will be a rematch
After the fight, both fighters appeared determined to have a rematch, with Fury dropping hints about a possible date in October. It might be too early considering any potential injuries, but the first fight had enough contentious moments, especially the events in round nine, to justify a return match. Fury strongly believes, whether valid or not, that he deserved to be the victor.
Anger following the bout (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
4) Fury was hurt
Tyson Fury had experienced being dropped seven times in his career before Saturday night. However, the impact of Oleksandr Usyk’s powerful left hand in round nine was unlike anything we had seen before. Fury was visibly hurt, barely standing on his feet. If it weren’t for the ropes supporting him and the referee, Mark Nelson, determined to see him through the last 30 seconds of the round and into the tenth, Fury would have been on the canvas.
5) Usyk kept the faith
Saturday night was not smooth sailing for Usyk, that’s certain. During the middle portion of the fight, he struggled to land hits on Fury and, as a result, Fury’s confidence and self-belief only grew stronger. This caused some challenging rounds for Usyk. However, in the later stages of the seventh round and especially in the eighth, Usyk regrouped and added another unexpected element to an already captivating match.
A left punch is successfully landed by Usyk.
6) The decision was correct
The only criticism of the split decision given to Oleksandr Usyk after 12 rounds with Tyson Fury, if any, was simply that it was split. Although some rounds were closely contested, overall, the fight did not appear to be difficult to score, and many individuals not associated with Fury’s team did not believe he had done enough to secure a victory.
7) Fury stopped having fun
Tyson Fury’s initial showboating and clowning, whether fueled by nervous energy or a self-motivation tool, ultimately highlighted the stark contrast to his later downfall, which became increasingly evident and concerning. As he found himself hurt and in survival mode, Fury’s playful antics in the early rounds ceased. The smiles and tongue-poking in response to Usyk’s shots disappeared, and the enjoyment seemed to vanish.
The image shows Fury concealing itself (FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images).
8) Everybody wants a piece of them
It is not uncommon to witness a ring filled with spectators after a fight ends. However, what made the scene following Usyk vs. Fury both amusing and unsettling was the overwhelming number of individuals eager to bask in the limelight. What was even more peculiar was the abundance of people yearning to partake in the ring-walks and become part of a narrative that ultimately revolved around only two main figures: Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
9) John Fury talks too much
Fury’s downfall had various factors contributing to it, not just the information he received between rounds. However, the presence of his father, John, giving instructions in the corner at different times did little to boost confidence. It became even more peculiar when you realized that Andy Lee, a former world middleweight champion, chose to remain silent out of respect for Fury’s main coach Sugar Hill, who had been with Fury throughout the entire training camp. Overall, it was a confusing situation. John Fury began the week by instigating a conflict with a young Ukrainian and ended the week attempting to advise his son on how to defeat arguably the world’s best boxer.
10 It delivered
No matter your stance or how you judged the fight, there is no denying that the Usyk vs Fury match delivered when it truly mattered. Although it took a long time and the involvement of wealthy individuals from the Middle East to make it happen, it was slightly disappointing. However, once the fight finally occurred, it exceeded all expectations and lived up to the immense hype and anticipation. Ultimately, it served as a reminder that when heavyweight boxing is executed correctly, no other division can produce such captivating action, drama, and chaotic excitement.
