CNN —Oleksandr Usyk scored a razor-thin split decision over Tyson Fury to become undisputed heavyweight boxing world champion in a thrilling contest at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh in the early hours of Sunday morning. The 37-year-old Ukrainian is the first boxer to hold all four major heavyweight belts at the same time and the first undisputed champ since the end of Lennox Lewis’ reign in April 2000. Oleksandr Usyk holds a Ukrainian flag as he celebrates with the Undisputed Heavyweight title belt following his victory over Tyson Fury on May 18, 2024. The previously undefeated Briton managed to hang on until the bell but he struggled through the final three rounds of the fight as Usyk chased him down to edge him out on the judges’ scorecards. … It’s a great time, it’s a great day,” a tearful Usyk said in a post-fight interview in the ring, adding that he would grant Fury an immediate rematch.

---

Persons: Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, Usyk, Fury, Lennox Lewis ’, Richard Pelham, Briton, It’s, it’s, ”, Australia’s Jai Opetaia, Ireland’s Anthony Cacace, Joe Cordina Organizations: CNN, Getty, Briedis, IBF, IBO Locations: Riyadh, Ukrainian, Latvia, Wales