Oleksandr Usyk, Global Hegemon
A historic victory for the great boxer from Ukraine
A temporary yet much needed equilibrium has been restored to The Universe, as there is now only one Heavyweight Champion of The World.
Oleksandr Usyk will live forever. The Ukrainian superstar has conquered the cruiserweights and the heavyweights. With this win over Tyson Fury, Usyk becomes the first Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of The World in 25 years.
It was as tactical as it was cruel. All the splendor with which the event was staged befitted what turned out to be a classic fight. Both men made clever strategic moves while suffering great physical tolls.
Initially, Usyk used his smooth feet, head movement, and feints, outwitting Fury in the duel for positioning, connecting quick, accurate shots. None of it appeared to hurt Fury, but Usyk won the first two rounds.
Then Fury got in rhythm. Though Usyk is the most skilled heavyweight, Fury outboxed him from the 3rd through the 6th. With his jab and his remarkably light feet for a huge man, he controlled the tempo and range, getting Usyk out of his preferred zone. Usyk was forced to come forward, trying to overcome Fury’s lead hand. Fury picked him off, landing damaging upper cuts. The reach advantage was crucial. With his elastic left arm extending from his 6’ 9” frame, Fury looked like Marvel Comics superhero Mr Fantastic, keeping Usyk at the end of the longest jab in boxing.
The big man had the formula, until Usyk began to penetrate The Great Wall of Fury. In the 7th, using his own jab, Usyk got into range, landing solid counters. In the next round, Usyk punched with leverage and hurt Fury. After 8 rounds, the fight was even.
In Round 9, from the southpaw stance, Usyk hit Fury with a hard counter right hook, followed by an explosive overhand left which changed the course of heavyweight history. Though he didn’t fall, Fury was gone. His giant body wobbled all over the ring while his mind was pondering the cosmos. Usyk continued the attack, unleashing a barrage of unanswered shots. If the stakes weren’t as high, if it wasn’t Tyson Fury, the referee would have stopped it. After the ropes kept him from hitting the canvas, the ref ruled it a knockdown. Blood was gushing from Fury’s nose and from a cut above his right eye as the bell rang to end the round.
It seemed like Fury was done, yet, as he’s always shown, his incredible corporal constitution persevered. He spent the 10th round recovering, avoiding exchanges with Usyk who tried to hunt him down. But in the 11th and 12th, Fury was back. They were tough, competitive rounds. Usyk was better in the 11th. Fury edged the 12th.
Usyk was declared the winner by split decision. One of the judges gave it to Fury. Some rounds were close, but it was hard to score more than 5 for Fury, plus the knockdown gave Usyk a 10–8 round. Check Hook had it 115–112 for Usyk.
Glorifications of the heart and will of both warriors are justified. Yet those who “cast a cold eye”, like Yeats, are more interested in analyzing what moves were ultimately decisive. It’s always a combination of factors. But was it more because of Usyk’s adjustments, or was it because The Gypsy King can’t dance for 12 anymore?
The final analysis won’t come till we see the rematch, which is tentatively set for October. However, after a grueling contest, the fighters may need more time to heal.
But don’t count out the Irish Traveler from Manchester. Fury is a uniquely talented man with rare physical abilities. He may win the rematch. He will be a Hall of Famer when he retires. He still has a shot to be among the all-time greats.
Usyk has secured a place in the pantheon. Where that place will be depends on the rest of his career. The 37 year old says he wants to fight till he’s 40. Defeating a few more top contenders will enhance his legacy. And despite what the nostalgists say, the heavyweight division is good right now.
As mentioned, the equilibrium Usyk restored is temporary. Becoming Undisputed is an enduring achievement, but in the immediate, the distinction will be short-lived. A rematch with Fury means Usyk won’t fight the IBF’s mandatory challenger, Hrgovic. The IBF will strip Usyk. Hrgovic vs Dubois for the IBF title is set for June. The winner will also be a heavyweight world champion. Again, the business of boxing interferes with the nobleness of the sport.
So, while you can, enjoy how refreshing the breeze feels with an Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. Apply that positivity to all aspects of your life, even the quotidian. Savor great pleasures and simple fun, even if it’s just for a moment. Because, as the Buddhist teachings emphasize, everything is ephemeral.
© 2024 Francisco Alatorre
