Usyk Dominates 2024: Here’s Why He’s the Boxer Of The Year!

Oleksandr Usyk had the best 2024 in boxing, and here is why.
Usyk secured a second victory over Tyson Fury to retain his unified heavyweight titles. This was after he had become the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion in May, beating Fury by a split decision in the first fight. It was the first time that boxing had seen an Undisputed Heavyweight Champion since 1999 when Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield in the rematch. Usyk joined some illustrious company to become a two-weight undisputed champion, alongside Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue, the only other man to have done so in the four-belt era.
Usyk’s Achievements
He extended his undefeated record to 23-0, putting him in the conversation for one of the best fighters of all time. The manner of the victory was also historic. He weighed around 50 pounds lighter and had a six-inch reach disadvantage. And yet, Usyk could negate the physical disadvantages with his impeccable footwork and hand speed. He was able to get in and out of range to target Fury to the body and head, outworking his opponent. Fury slowed down in both parts of the fight towards the championship rounds as the pressure from Usyk was simply too much. Fury failed like Anthony Joshua in trying to overpower his man.
The victory was also historic for other reasons. Ukraine is going through a war with Russia, showing the significance of Usyk’s win for his country. He managed to do it in the first fight, as questions remained over whether he could repeat the result. Usyk also had his countryman, Wladimir Klitschko, in attendance as all eyes were on Usyk. The Ukrainian also had the boxing establishment against him. The Saudis wanted a trilogy fight with Fury, meaning The Gypsy King had to come out on top.
What’s Next For Him?
There was also a narrative that the boxing media were slightly biased towards Fury. The perception was that the first fight was much closer than it was. The same narrative played out in the rematch, with Frank Warren coming out to say that Fury should have been given the victory. Usyk is now in a position where he can decide where he goes next.
Daniel Dubois called him out for a fight. They faced off last year as Usyk knocked him out in the ninth round. But the bout was marred by controversy after Dubois’ body shot in the fifth round was declared a low blow, much to the division of the boxing community. But if Usyk walks away, then fans can forgive him for doing so. He is 37 and has completed boxing, winning an Olympic gold, World Boxing Super Series, and plenty of amateur wins.
“This win is for my mama and all the Ukrainian mums. I’m just happy that I won, that’s it. I like to motivate people, to give them the incentive to do something. For me this is my motivation,” Uysk said
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