Featured Image Credit: Richard Pelham/Getty
Topics: Tyson Fury, Sport, Boxing
Britt Jones
The fight of a lifetime left fans with a wholesome moment between the Ukrainian heavyweight and the Gypsy King when a promise was made.
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s battle for the heavyweight world title last night was one for the ages, and fans had been gearing up to see the pair fight it out for months.
But when Usyk became the first undisputed champion of the four-belt era due to a split decision, it was all love between the duo.
With scores of 115-112, 113-114, and 114-113, it was a close call in the ring.
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It was one of the finest heavyweight fights and sporting spectacles of the 21st century, with fans experiencing it all, with the scales being tipped numerous times and Fury coming back from the brink of defeat to fight to the end.
The result takes the Ukrainian's boxing record to 22-0-0 with 14 wins by KO, following up on a win against Derek Chisora, back-to back wins against Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois in consecutive bouts.
However, there was one thing that was promised after the winner was announced, which shows exactly how humble and honourable the two men are.
Before Usyk was crowned the victor, Fury pulled him in for a bear hug and kissed him on the head.
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Then, just moments after the winner was announced, he told his opponent: “Good work Oleksandr. You're a strong man and a very good boxer. Very good, my brother. In Christ.”
Usyk replied with how long he’d been preparing for this moment: “Listen, I started preparing for you when you were boxing in 2008, European champion.”
To which Fury said: “Thank you my brother, you're a very good boxer. I love it, I love it, good moves.”
That’s when the Gypsy King made a promise like no other to the new undisputed heavyweight champion.
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He said: “I'd like to come to Ukraine with my family and have a holiday with your family and you can come to my house and have a holiday with me.”
Usyk quickly agreed and replied: "No problem, my friend."
There was then a thank you to Prince Turki bin Salman Al Saud, the brother of crown prince Mohammed bin Salman as he did the impossible to bring the fight together.
He said: "Turki, thank you my brother for putting this on. Look how many people couldn't put us together, but you made this happen for the world. We gave them a precious fight."
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But it might not be over!
Prince Turki went on to talk about the possibility of more fights in Saudi Arabia and Fury quickly agreed.
The fighter said: "Yeah, we'll have it again. Show me the money baby! Show Oleksandr the money!"