The British boxer suffered a painful defeat in the unified global heavyweight championship bout in Saudi Arabia, with a split decision from the three judges: two judges scored it 115-113 and 114-113 in favor of Usyk, while the remaining judge scored it 114-113 for Fury.

Fury later asserted: “I believe I won that fight. And I believe he won a few rounds, but I won most of the rounds. We both put on the best fight we could. And, you know, his country is at war. People are rallying behind the war-torn nation.”

The match marked a historic night for the heavyweight division of boxing, as Usyk was honored as the undisputed, uncontested champion of the four-belt era, the first since Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield in 1999. It was a tense bout between two heavyweight fighters, with Fury seemingly dominating in the early rounds before Usyk staged a late comeback, knocking down the British fighter in the ninth round.

After the match, both fighters showed mutual respect, with Fury draping his arm over Usyk’s shoulder in the ring. Usyk raised the Ukrainian flag high after the fight and thanked his team for their role in his success.

“Thank you very much to my team. This is a big opportunity for my family, for me, for my country. This is a great moment, a great day. Yes, of course. I am ready for the rematch.”