In a night that will go down in boxing history, Oleksandr Usyk clinched the undisputed heavyweight championship by defeating Tyson Fury via decision at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. This showdown, the richest prize in the category’s history, brought together the four major belts (WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO) in an epic contest.
For over two decades, legendary figures like Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, and Rocky Marciano have witnessed predominantly European successors in the heavyweight throne, with notable exceptions like Deontay Wilder. Recent dominance has seen the likes of the Klitschko brothers, Anthony Joshua, and now these two titans, Usyk and Fury.
Winning all four belts doesn’t automatically guarantee a place alongside Ali and his ilk, but it ensures that the victor’s name will forever be etched in pugilistic lore. The bout was finely poised: Usyk, with his precise and tactical style, against the towering Fury, whose anarchic and unorthodox boxing has proven devastating.
Both fighters entered undefeated, with notable endurance. Despite Fury’s fifteen-centimeter height and twenty-kilogram weight advantage, Usyk employed superior precision and strategy to dictate the pace. Over twelve rounds, Usyk showcased his technical prowess, landing precise blows while evading Fury’s powerful attacks.
The main event of the Ring of Fire 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, lived up to expectations. Usyk delivered a masterful performance, convincing the judges with his command of the bout. The decision in favor of Usyk cements his name in the history books as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, solidifying his legacy in the boxing world.
The night was filled with glamour, with sporting stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Anthony Joshua, Vladimir Klitschko, and Ryan Garcia joining thousands of fans to witness this historic clash. Their presence added an extra sparkle to an evening that will be remembered for generations.
Kendrick Lamar kicked off the event with three epic performances atop the ring, adding to the grandeur of the occasion.
