Oleksandr Usyk was rushed to hospital in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night, with Tyson Fury claiming he broke the Ukrainian’s jaw.
The Ukrainian earned a split decision victory to hand the Gypsy King the first defeat of his career, and he nearly knocked out the former WBC heavyweight champion with a brutal ninth-round attack.
However, it was the Brit who seemingly inflicted the most damage as Usyk was forced to miss the post-fight press conference to have his injuries treated.
Speaking after the fight, Fury said: “We just fought. Have you seen my face? He’s pretty wrecked and he just went to the hospital with a broken jaw and he’s busted as well. We fought for 12 rounds there.
“So we’ll go home, eat a little, drink a few beers, spend time with family, walk my dog, go to the dump and Frank and I will talk about what happens in the future.”
Tyson Fury claimed Oleksandr Usyk didn’t attend post-fight press conference because he broke his jaw
Usyk was seen spitting out his mouthguard at the end of the rounds, and Fury believes he inflicted significant damage to his opponent’s jaw.
Usyk also took some heavy shots to the body, but still managed to win a split decision
Usyk was hurt by a big shot from Fury in the sixth round, but it’s unclear where the damage to his jaw was done.
Fury has a legally binding rematch – as his promoter Frank Warren sharply reminded everyone after the fight – and the 35-year-old suggested that would be his next move after the defeat.
Usyk’s alleged broken jaw will certainly complicate matters. Turki Alalshikh previously said he wanted to see the rematch before the end of 2024 so that Anthony Joshua could face the winner in the first quarter of 2025.
By the time the rematch happens, Usyk might not even be the undisputed champion.
The IBF is expected to release a mandatory challenger for the belts. If Usyk chooses not to face them – it’s widely expected to be Daniel Dubois and Filip Hrgovic – he will vacate that belt.