Oleksandr Usyk Admits Being Hurt by Tyson Fury: “If You Stop, He’ll Kill You”
In a fight that captivated boxing fans worldwide, Oleksandr Usyk’s path to becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion on May 18 was fraught with challenges. After protracted contract negotiations with Tyson Fury, which saw fans’ hopes wavering, it took the diplomatic prowess of His Excellency Turki Alalshikh to finalize the deal. When the “Cat” finally faced the “Gypsy King” in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, he had to summon every ounce of his resilience and determination to emerge victorious.
The Turning Point in the Sixth Round
The fight between Usyk and Fury remained evenly matched until the ninth round when Usyk began to dominate. However, the sixth round presented a moment of intense adversity for Usyk. Fury’s brutal uppercut rocked the Ukrainian champion, pushing him to the brink. Usyk later revealed in an interview with 3 Knockdown Rule that this punch was a defining moment in the bout. “When I get the uppercut it was very painful. I felt it for maybe ten seconds and said, ‘Hey God, thank you, help me.’ I told myself, ‘Move. Move because if you stop he’ll kill you,'” Usyk recounted.
Usyk’s Spiritual Resilience
![Oleksandr Usyk](https://combatscoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Untitled-design-2024-05-22T161122.520.jpg)
Usyk’s faith played a crucial role in his recovery from that devastating blow. As a devout Christian, he turned to his spirituality to regain composure. This inner strength allowed him to weather the storm and continue fighting. Despite the intense pain, Usyk managed to keep moving, avoiding further devastating blows from Fury.
“When I get the uppercut it was very pain. I feel for maybe ten seconds and say, ‘Hey God, thank you, help me.’ I say to myself, ‘Move. Move because if you stop he’ll kill you.” he said.
Speculations of a Broken Jaw
In the immediate aftermath of the fight, there was rampant speculation about the extent of Usyk’s injuries. Fury’s uppercut had left him feeling as though his jaw might be broken. Addressing the rumors, Usyk said, “I felt something in my jaw, but I told myself, ‘Hey, maybe there’s a problem, but keep going.'” Fortunately, medical examinations revealed no significant injuries. Usyk’s promoter, Alexander Krassyuk, confirmed, “The exams showed it was a one-week recovery. No broken jaw, and thank God he is safe and sound.”
He said, “jaw yeah yeah but uh I like feel, but I think what’s going on you know like it’s… I say hey listen maybe I have problem.”
The Battle’s Climax
From the eighth round onwards, Usyk seized control of the fight. His relentless sequence of punches and a looping right hand caused Fury’s right eye to swell. By the ninth round, Usyk’s flurry of shots had Fury reeling, resulting in a crucial knockdown. Although Fury managed to recover in the tenth round, the damage was done. The fight continued to the final bell, with Usyk securing a split decision victory and cementing his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion.
“The rematch between the Undisputed Champion Oleksandr Usyk and the Champion Tyson Fury is now scheduled on the 21 of December 2024 during Riyadh Season…The world will watch another historical fight again…Our commitment to boxing fans continues…We hope you enjoy it…” HE tweeted on X.
Fury Calls for a Rematch
As expected, Tyson Fury has activated the rematch clause in their contract, signaling his intent to reclaim the title. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh announced the rematch date on social media: “The rematch between the Undisputed Champion Oleksandr Usyk and the Champion Tyson Fury is now scheduled on the 21st of December 2024 during Riyadh Season…The world will watch another historical fight again…Our commitment to boxing fans continues…We hope you enjoy it…”
However, there’s a looming issue regarding Usyk’s IBF mandatory obligations. If Usyk decides to forgo this mandatory fight, he risks being stripped of his title, potentially making the rematch for the unified heavyweight titles instead of the undisputed championship.
“And they made the exams and it’s something like a one-week recovery. No broken jaw and thank God he is safe and sound,” he told Boxing King Media.
Editor’s Note
The rivalry between Usyk and Fury has brought new excitement to the heavyweight division. Their first encounter showcased not only their physical prowess but also their mental fortitude. As the boxing world eagerly anticipates their rematch, it remains to be seen how both fighters will adjust their strategies. Usyk’s ability to overcome adversity with faith and resilience has inspired many, while Fury’s determination to reclaim his title underscores his competitive spirit. December 21, 2024, promises to be another historic date in boxing.