Fury suffers first defeat as Usyk crowned undisputed champion

Tyson Fury's quest to become undisputed world heavyweight champion ended in defeat by split decision to Oleksandr Usyk in an enthralling night in Riyadh.

Fury appeared to have taken control midway through the fight but Usyk came on strong and swung the contest in his favour with a powerful ninth round in which the Briton was saved by the bell.

Landing with hard left hands - his most effective shot - he had Fury in serious trouble and once a 10 count had finished, the three minutes was up to spare the pre-fight favourite any further damage.

Fury recovered but it was a critical round that swung the contest in Usyk's favour, winning 115-112 and 114-113 on two scorecards while the third judge saw it as 114-113 against him.

After the fight, Usyk was taken to hospital for a scan on an injury that his promoter Alex Krassyuk refused to disclose

"I believe I won that fight. I think he won a few of those rounds but I won the majority of them," Fury said.

"His country as at war, so people are siding with the country at war. Make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion.

"I want to thank God. We fought a good fight for the fans.

"I want to thank Oleksandr for the good fight. It was a close fight. I thought I'd done enough, but I'm not a judge. I can't judge a fight while I'm boxing in it."

An immediate rematch clause means the rivals are set to meet again in October with the winner then going on to fight Anthony Joshua. Fury insisted he would take the opportunity to avenge the loss of his WBC title.

Usyk is now the first ruler of the heavyweight division since Lennox Lewis in 2000 and his stunning victory against a man almost three stones heavier and six inches taller was watched by his illustrious predecessor.

"I feel good. A lot of people prayed for me. I love you. I'm very happy," Usyk said before he had gone to hospital.

"My people will be very happy. It's a big win, not only for me but it's a big win for my country and for the soldiers who now defend my country.

"Thank you so much to my team. It's a big opportunity for my family, for me, for my country. It's a great time, it's a great day."

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