Oleksandr Usyk, the new undisputed heavyweight champion, has revealed he suffered a broken jaw during his split-decision victory over Tyson Fury in Riyadh. The Ukrainian was taken to a local hospital for an MRI scan, which cleared him of serious injury, but he later confirmed the fracture. Usyk needed four stitches to close a cut above his eye and spoke freely without apparent pain.
In the aftermath of the fight, Usyk broke down in tears as he dedicated his victory to his family, his country, and Ukrainian soldiers. 'Since 2008 I was planning for this. It's not for me. It's for my God, my supporters, my country,' he said. He added that he now wants to return home, rest, and spend time with his wife.
Fury, who initially claimed he was robbed by the judges, later rowed back on those comments. 'It was a close fight. I thought I did enough, but I'm not a judge,' he said at the press conference. His promoter Frank Warren stressed that Fury's earlier remarks were made in the heat of the moment.
Both fighters expressed a desire to focus on their families before considering a rematch. Fury is likely to activate his rematch clause, possibly in October, but shrugged when asked about his plans. Usyk, however, confirmed his readiness for a second bout: 'Yes, of course. I am ready for a rematch.'
