Usyk had looked to have been drifting in the fight as the ‘Gypsy King’ imposed his size and got to grips with the early pace his opponent set.
Many onlookers would have had Fury ahead on the scorecards until the eighth round, when Usyk shifted the momentum by busting Fury’s nose open.
The fight reached its pivotal moment in the ninth round as a ferocious barrage of punches from Usyk sent Fury flying around the ring and repeatedly staggering against the ropes.
Referee Mark Nelson intervened and forced the count, with Fury just about making it before being saved by the bell.
Fury recovered in the closing stages but it was not enough to extend a 35-fight unbeaten streak.
Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night
Nick Potts/PA Wire
Fellow judges Manuel Oliver Palomo and Mike Fitzgerald both scored the fight in favour of Usyk, however, at 115-112 and …
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