In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has disclosed he fought through a broken jaw during his historic victory over Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia.
The Hidden Battle Behind the Championship Glory
The Ukrainian boxing maestro, who emerged victorious via split decision in their May epic, confirmed the serious injury occurred during the fierce ninth round of their Riyadh showdown. Despite the significant damage, Usyk displayed incredible resilience to secure the win and claim all four major heavyweight titles.
"My jaw is broken," Usyk revealed to the media. "I have a fracture. It happened in the ninth round."
Medical Intervention and Recovery Timeline
The champion's camp has confirmed that Usyk underwent immediate medical treatment following the gruelling contest. Doctors have now inserted a special splint to stabilise the injury, with the recovery process expected to take considerable time.
This development raises serious questions about the scheduled December 21 rematch, which was set to be another blockbuster event in the Middle East. Boxing authorities and fans alike are now anxiously awaiting updates on whether the champion will be fit to defend his newly unified titles.
What This Means for the Heavyweight Division
The injury revelation adds another dramatic layer to what was already being hailed as one of the most significant heavyweight contests in recent memory. Usyk's ability to overcome both Fury and a broken jaw demonstrates the incredible toughness required at boxing's elite level.
As the boxing community processes this news, attention turns to the potential rescheduling of the rematch and the implications for the entire heavyweight landscape. Both fighters' camps are expected to make formal statements in the coming days regarding their plans.
