In a nail-biting showdown, Oleksandr Usyk clinched victory in a hard-fought battle against Tyson Fury, edging out with a close split decision. The match reached fever pitch when Usyk nearly floored Fury in the ninth round, with only the ropes saving the latter from a knockout blow. Despite a valiant effort to rally, Fury faced his first professional defeat.
However, Usyk didn’t emerge from the clash unscathed. Following the rigorous encounter, he underwent a medical evaluation at the hospital. Fortunately, he received a clean bill of health, dispelling Fury’s claim of a fractured jaw. Nonetheless, the British Boxing Board of Control imposed a temporary suspension on Usyk until June 2nd to ensure adequate recovery time from his fight-related injuries.
Despite the hiatus, Usyk’s career trajectory remains largely unaffected. Already planning a break post-fight after enduring a gruelling nine-month training camp, he now has the opportunity to recuperate fully before gearing up for his next ring challenge.
“I don’t want to think about boxing now,” Usyk expressed, attending the post-fight press conference with his daughter’s cuddly toy. “My camp started in September 2023, and I worked for nine months,” he continued, reflecting on the sacrifices made for the match. “Now I’m happy and I want to go back home.”
However, Usyk’s reign as the undisputed champion may face a hurdle soon. The IBF mandates champions to face specific challengers, with Filip Hrgovic next in line for Usyk. Yet, a rematch contract with Fury in October complicates matters, potentially leading to the forfeiture of his IBF title if he doesn’t adhere to the regulations.
