Why they call him "the cat", why he has nine lives, the great Oleksandr Usyk showed once again tonight in Riyadh - in the most important fight of his career, in the match of the century, against his great rival Tyson Fury.
The phenomenal Ukrainian was badly shaken during the sixth round, but he refused to give up, turned the fight around, sent Fury to the "count" in the ninth round and was patient and smart until the end, so the judges had no other option than to declare him the winner .
Usyk is the absolute king of the heavyweight division, all belts - WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF - are traveling to Ukraine tonight.
"A big day, a big opportunity for me, my family and my country - thank you very much to my team," Usyk said.
Fury showed that he is not very big in defeat with a statement after the fight.
"We both put up a good fight, but you know - his country is at war. So people are always on the side of the country that is at war. I think I won, I have a rematch clause".
The Ukrainian answered all that...
"Of course, I'm ready for a rematch".
In addition to being the undisputed ruler of the heavyweight division, the 37-year-old Usik remains undefeated in the pro ring - 22 fights, 22 wins.
On the other hand, two years younger Fury experienced his first defeat - after 34 wins and a draw with Deontay Wilder.
The judges decided - Oleksander Usik is the best boxer today, he won 2:1 against Tyson Fury.
The great fight in Riyadh is over - during the last round, Fury managed to throw a few punches, but Usyk seems to be the winner.
Awaiting the judge's decision...
The last round begins - who will be the absolute champion?
Another round in the rhythm of Usik, who continued to "bombard" Fury with his left.
Usik won the eighth, ninth and tenth rounds, says DAZN.
Unexpectedly something calmer tenth round, Fury stabilized a bit.
Spectacle of Usika in the ninth round - The Ukrainian "destroyed" Furui, who was on the verge of a knockout, with many strong and precise punches. However, after the referee counted him, the British was saved by the bell.
What a round Usika and what a return to the match - he masterfully avoided Fury's blows several times, and then returned fiercely - the British is in his blood.
That Usik is a great champion was shown in the finish seventh round when he gave Fury a good shake with a few excellent blows.
However, the Brit still seems to be in control of things.
DAZN's expert consultant now says that Fury won the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds.
Sixth round completely belonged to Fury, who with several strong blows (two direct shots and an uppercut) gave Usik a good shake.
The fifth round is over in which Fury seems to have thrown a lot more punches, especially to Usik's body.
End of the fourth round - another three fairly even minutes, with some hard shots from both sides.
The expert consultant of DAZN, the platform that broadcasts the fight, scored the first three rounds 2:1 for Usik.
Another great round in which both fighters delivered several powerful blows.
And the second round Usik opened with two strong blows, and later Fury finally woke up and fought back - a great fight so far.
The first round is over - after Fury had a mini show with the audience, Usyk gave him a strong left hook in the finish...
The fight of the century has begun...
Holding Out for a Hero - the famous hit with which Tyson Fury entered the ring.
Who will be the hero tonight?
Bonus video:
