Fast Reactions: Usyk beats Fury and puts himself with the all-time greats

Fast Reactions: Usyk beats Fury and puts himself with the all-time greats

In case any doubts lingered about the Hall of Fame credentials of Oleksandr Usyk, they were extinguished with his victory over Tyson Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. Usyk, at 33, showcased his exceptional prowess once again, solidifying his claim to being the top pound-for-pound boxer today alongside Naoya Inoue and Terence Crawford. His impressive list of accomplishments, from World Amateur champion to Olympic gold medalist to undisputed cruiserweight world champion, now extends to include the undisputed heavyweight world champion title, marking him as a truly exceptional talent.

Despite his defeat, Tyson Fury’s loss to Usyk emphasized the skill of the “little” guy triumphing over the great big guy. While the fight was closely contested, with one judge favoring Fury, the possibility of a rematch presents an intriguing prospect. A potential bout with an “improved” Anthony Joshua seems less appealing, considering Usyk’s clear victories over Joshua in their previous encounters. A second match between Usyk and Fury promises plenty of narrative intrigue, as Fury seeks redemption while Usyk aims to prove his victory was no fluke.

The fight itself was a gripping display of professional boxing, with both fighters showcasing their tactical prowess, creating momentum shifts, and delivering stellar performances. Such high-caliber matchups are rare in the heavyweight division, making Usyk’s victory even more remarkable.

In other fights on the card, Jai Opetaia emerged as the standout cruiserweight, securing a victory over Mairis Briedis. Anthony Cacace claimed the IBF super featherweight title in an upset win against Joe Cordina, setting the stage for a potential rematch. Agit Kabayel’s impressive performance against Frank Sanchez highlighted his rise in the heavyweight division, while Robin Safar’s win over Sergey Kovalev, albeit against a faded opponent, hinted at potential future challenges. David Nyika’s victory over Michael Seitz showcased his potential as a cruiserweight prospect, while Mark Chamberlain and Moses Itauma secured early victories in their respective weight classes, signaling their development in the sport.

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