Oleksandr Usyk reflected on missing the birth of his daughter as he spent nine months preparing for Saturday's undisputed world title fight against Tyson Fury; Usyk won via split decision to become the first undisputed champ of the four-belt heavyweight era
Monday 20 May 2024 06:54, UK
Oleksandr Usyk was overcome with emotion in the immediate aftermath of his monumental victory over Tyson Fury.
The Ukrainian hero had completed a remarkable feat. Previously an undisputed champion at cruiserweight, he became the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the world in 25 years when he defeated Fury on a split decision on Saturday in Riyadh.
In the build-up to the fight he had spoken candidly about how his father, who has now passed away, instilled a unique self-belief in him that he could accomplish these feats.
Tears filled his eyes and emotion left his voice cracking when he said: "I miss my father.
"I love you."
He had to draw a deep breath before adding: "I know he's here."
Usyk was inspired on the night. Fury is a huge man, much bigger than Usyk and as they reached the halfway stage of their world heavyweight title fight, Fury seemed to be taking over. He was finding ways to hurt Usyk.
But the Ukrainian regrouped and seized command of the contest in the ninth round. The southpaw struck a left hook across Fury's jaw and proceeded to batter him from one set of ropes to another. With his limbs all loose the Englishman swayed about the ring, his legs barely able to hold him up.
Fury tipping back into the ropes again saw the referee take up a count. Usyk's promoter Alex Krassyuk believes that action denied Usyk the opportunity to find a knockout finish.
But Usyk declined to dwell on that possibility. "I don't think about it. Because we have a winner. Okay, maybe [but] I don't think about it. Because we have the win. Okay no knockout, no problem, but 12 rounds big drama," he said.
Now he can enjoy his triumph both for what it means to him and his family, and what it means to his war torn country.
"Nine months I work. I missed happy new year, I missed my son's birthday, I've missed the birthday of my [other] son too, I missed the birthday of my daughter. I missed the birth of my daughter. I missed all family holidays, all the time [I was] training. My focus was only this fight. Now I'm happy," he said.
A hint of emotion sounded in his voice too when he thought of the significance of this win. The smaller man beating the huge heavyweight to become the world's first undisputed champion in the division for such a long time and the first of the four-belt era.
"For me and my country, it's a big opportunity," he said. "I'm grateful for who prays for me because it's many people, a lot of people."
In a now familiar catchphrase he concluded: "I am feel."
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk had an epic battle for the undisputed heavyweight world titles. Book the repeats on Sky Sports Box Office now.
