Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk has just gone down a few hours ago and what a fight the fans witnessed. Clearly the biggest boxing event of the year so far, the fight had everyone talking. That said, let’s take a look at what the pundits and boxing legends made of this one.
For the most part, there was a lot of buildup throughout the week for this fight. Seeing that it would be the crowning moment of the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999. On the night, the fight delivered as expected with both fighters showing why they are the two best heavyweights in the world.
THE PRIDE OF UKRAINE.
A DREAM COME TRUE.
👑🇺🇦 @Usykaa is UNDISPUTED. #FuryUsyk pic.twitter.com/gMvpA63BAQ
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) May 18, 2024
Whilst Tyson Fury had made a promising start, it was Oleksandr Usyk’s grit and determination that seemingly got him over the edge. That said, it was an enthralling contest from start to end and one that was widely discussed by many. In the end, it was Oleksandr Usyk who got the nod by way of a split decision against the Fury.
Boxing personalities and pundits react to Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk
For the most part, there was a lot of dispute regarding the decision and also the near stoppage suffered by Tyson Fury in Round 9. With Oleksandr Usyk bearing down on him, Fury saw his legs turn into jelly, as he flopped about the ropes. As such, many felt that if allowed to land a couple more punches, the referee would have called the fight. Instead, he stepped in and gave Fury a standing count.
That said, it anyhow resulted in a 10-8 round for Oleksandr Usyk and one which turned the scores in his favor. Following the fight, many pundits, fighters, and former legends of the sport had a lot to say about what transpired on the historical evening.
Man yall better put some respect on @usykaa man. He definitely a candidate for #1 P4P fighter in the world. I’m no hater. He beat the man that beat the man in a bigger division, giving what he’s already done. Salute brother!
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) May 18, 2024
Usyk is the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four belt era.
They are going to rematch in October, likely.
And he’ll be undisputed champion for two weeks because then the IBF title will get stripped off.
But for now … history. He did it. 🇺🇦
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 18, 2024
Never a split
Usyk magnificent
The debate is over
The best heavyweight of this generation has a name
And his name is Oleksandr Usyk #FuryUsyk— Adam Catterall (@AdamCatterall) May 18, 2024
Congratulations @usykaa on becoming the first Undisputed Heavyweight Champion in 25 years! Amazing fight from both @Tyson_Fury and @usykaa. Fights like these are worthy of a rematch. #RiyadhSeason #FuryUsyk
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) May 18, 2024
His HW journey is still being written but i don’t think ANYONE can take away from his INCREDIBLE accomplishments. Gold medal. Undisputed CW Champ and now Undisputed HW champ? Definitely puts him rare air. 👊🏾💥 https://t.co/ilW3f44k2h
— Lennox Lewis, CBE, CM (@LennoxLewis) May 19, 2024
Thus, many heaped praise on Oleksandr Usyk for his incredible achievements, now securing undisputed status in two weight classes. Although he was clearly ahead on the scorecards by the end, there were many who felt started about the decision going in Tyson Fury‘s favor. As such, some believe that it should have been a unanimous decision rather than a split decision for Usyk.
Fury vs Usyk scorecards and punching stats
Considering the amount of punishment that Oleksandr Usyk managed to dish out in Round 9, many also felt that it was impressive that Tyson Fury refused to go down or be put away. From looking like he was enjoying himself to then reeling against the ropes, it was certainly a turn for the worse from Fury. However, looking back, he only has himself to blame for squandering the lead that he had built.
Interestingly, looking at the scorecards it is again a little difficult to justify a case for Tyson Fury and the fact that he believes he won. Whilst the judges scored the contest 115-112, 113-114, and 114-113, some felt that the scores did not reflect Usyk’s brilliance. Naturally, all eyes are on Craig Metcalfe, the only judge to score the fight in Fury’s favor.
Oleksandr Usyk SD Tyson Fury official judges’ scorecards… pic.twitter.com/IACOHyuhr2
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) May 18, 2024
In addition to that, reports suggest that Tyson Fury landed 157 of 496 punches, whilst Usyk landed 170 of 407 punches. Moreover seeing that he was beaten from pillar to post in the ninth, the cards should clearly have favored Usyk more than they did. Thus, despite it not being a robbery, some fans feel that the scorekeepers have done their best to spare Fury’s blushes.
