Jon Jones was one in all the million who tuned in to observe the primary undisputed heavyweight boxing champion in 25 years be crowned last night.
Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury in a razor-close split decision that saw him drop the undefeated Brit in a shocking come-from-behind victory. But many felt he could have warranted a stoppage together with his performance, particularly as his rival appeared on shaky legs following a thudding knockdown.
Skilled fighters from across the disciplines tuned in to the large pay-per-view event, which took place within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. And while many were divided, the final consensus was that Usyk had just done enough to warrant his historic victory.
Oleksandr Usyk defeats Tyson Fury in undisputed heavyweight title fight
After years of build-up between the 2 parties, Fury and Usyk finally met in Riyadh last night with their WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF, IBO and Ring Magazine belts on the road. The Kingdom had even put together their very own ‘undisputed’ belt, with the winner becoming the primary to carry that title since Lennox Lewis in 2000.
Fury completely outclassed Usyk early, together with his massive 40lb size advantage seeming the deciding factor as he overpowered his rival. But it surely all modified within the ninth when the Ukrainian landed a large overhand that sent his rival on to shaky legs and eventually scored a knockdown.
The Brit managed to get better well and made the next three rounds very competitive, however it wasn’t enough on the night. Usyk is now an historic undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight champion, and stays undefeated as an expert.
Jon Jones questions ninth round refereeing decision as Oleksandr Usyk defeats Tyson Fury
Legendary UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones was one in all the numerous MMA fighters making their opinions known concerning the fight throughout. The American appeared to consider that Fury was winning until the eighth, which saw the momentum swing in favour of Usyk.
And while he didn’t proceed live tweeting after the tenth, Jones did query whether or not referee Mark Nelson made the precise call to permit Fury to get back to his corner. Usyk had wobbled him in a significant way, and there was an argument to be made that Nelson could have stepped in and called the fight.
After tweeting “Wow, what an enormous round eight for Usyk,” Jones then asked his followers “Should which were stopped?” He then added: “Wow, if Fury can come back from that round nine!?”
Jones has previously entertained a crossover fight with Fury, although his predecessor Francis Ngannou ended up actually getting the project last October. His heated rival and interim champion Tom Aspinall is an in depth friend and former sparring partner of the previous champion.
UFC champions and MMA stars react to Oleksandr Usyk beating Tyson Fury
Jones wasn’t the one UFC champion who was watching, with legendary ex-featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski tweeting to his followers “So good to observe! Who you bought?” He then added that the “Knock down seals the deal. Can’t wait for the rematch!”
Conor McGregor did proclaim “what a round” after the sixth, but remained quiet after the bout. Nonetheless, he did pay tribute to the event’s host; His Excellency Turki Al-Shikh, writing: “Incredible scenes coming from out of Saudi Arabia again this evening! See you guys soon @Turki_alalshikh! Incredible!”
Outside of the highest tier players in the game, Misfits Boxing champion and former Bellator star Anthony Taylor made his opinion on the non-finish clear, adding: “That’s bs the fight must have been stopped!” Meanwhile, top featherweight Arnold Allen said: “Great fight, good decision too.”
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