Wladimir Klitschko has hailed Oleksandr Usyk as the greatest boxer in “modern history” after his stunning win over Tyson Fury.
Klitschko was ringside to support his compatriot Usyk, who claimed a split decision victory over Fury in Riyadh on Saturday to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight holder, since Lennox Lewis achieved the feat in 1999 and only the second man in history to become undisputed champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight behind Evander Holyfield, with both present inside the Kingdom Arena for the historic showdown.
Klitschko, who lost his heavyweight titles to Fury in 2015, has praised his countryman and feels he should be regarded as the modern’s era’s standout fighter.
“This historic win is not just important for Oleksandr Usyk,” the 48-year-old told Sky Sports.
“Can you imagine how much pressure this man had these past weeks and here in this ring?
“Definitely, losing was not an option.
“He showed once again that he was undisputed and he was great as a cruiserweight, but even more surprisingly for a lot of people and it doesn’t matter how big, how tall, how heavy, what his reach is and how mobile Tyson Fury was.
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“Oleksandr Usyk showed that he is the best fighter in modern history.
“I’m very proud of Oleksandr Usyk and I’m very proud to be Ukrainian.”
Usyk appeared on the brink of stopping Fury in the ninth round when he staggered the Brit onto the ropes, although the 35-year-old was given a standing eight count and was subsequently saved by the bell.
The knockdown proved decisive with Usyk winning by one point on one judges’ scorecard and by two points on another, with one judge edging the contest to ‘The Gypsy King’.
Klitschko is adamant that Usyk deserved to win the bout and has given credit to his old rival Fury for surviving the torrid ninth round.
“When you’re counting the points, you cannot be 100 per cent sure in boxing and the judges ruled the way Oleksandr Usyk deserved that fight,” he added.
“Hands down, outstanding performance by both fighters.
“I’m surprised how Tyson Fury made it out of the ninth round to the end of the fight but he did. Let’s give him respect.
“Most importantly, Oleksandr stayed firm and did what he was supposed to do become undisputed heavyweight champion, Ukrainian heavyweight champion of the world.”
