Oleksandr Usyk Suspended From Boxing After Tyson Fury Fight

Oleksandr Usyk has received a temporary suspension following his thrilling victory over Tyson Fury.

In their undisputed fight, Usyk nearly knocked down Fury in the ninth round, with only the ropes keeping the Brit upright.

The referee interfered to count, and despite recovering to hear the final bell, Fury lost his first career fight by split decision in Saudi Arabia.

After the bout, Usyk was rushed to the hospital for a check-up and given the all-clear, despite Fury’s allegation that he shattered his opponent’s jaw.

Usyk has been suspended by the British Boxing Board of Control until June 2 owing to injuries sustained during his fight with Fury. Fury’s record shows no such suspension.

The punishment will have no effect on Usyk’s career, since the Ukrainian boxer is ready for a sabbatical following a nine-month training camp.

According to the Mirror, his battle with Fury was initially postponed from December to February, then to May.

“I don’t want to think about boxing now,” said Usyk, who attended the post-fight press conference with his daughter Yelizaveta’s Eeyore cuddly toy. “My camp started in September 2023 and I worked for nine months.

“I missed Happy New Year, I missed my son’s birthday, I missed my other son’s birthday, I missed my daughter’s birthday and then the birth of my daughter. I also missed family holidays. I was only focused on this fight. Now I’m happy and I want to go back home.”

Oleksandr Usyk’s reign as undisputed champion appears to be short-lived, with the IBF seeking to strip him of his title owing to contractual obligations for a rematch with Fury in October, which preclude him from facing mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli