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July 21st, 2018. Oleksandr Usyk (Олекса́ндр Олекса́ндрович У́сик) and Murat Gassiev (Мурат Георгиевич Гассиев) collided in the Final Stage of the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) Cruiserweight Tournament to crown the first Undisputed Cruiserweight World Champion in 30 years.
The inaugural Muhammad Ali Trophy as well as the following world titles were on the line;
i. IBF Cruiserweight Title (Gassiev’s 3rd defense)
ii. WBA Super Cruiserweight Title (Gassiev’s 1st defense)
iii. WBC Cruiserweight Title (Usyk’s 1st defense)
iv. WBO Cruiserweight Title (Usyk's 4th defense)
v. The Ring Magazine Cruiserweight Title (vacant)
vi. Lineal World Cruiserweight Title (vacant)
Both fighters were undefeated with an impressive combined record of 40(30)-0.
Prefight records: Usyk 14(11)-0, Gassiev 26(19)-0.
Entering the WBSS Finals, Gassiev had notable wins over Denis Lebedev, Krzysztof Wlodarczyk & Yunier Dorticos while Usyk had defeated top oppositions such as Marco Huck, Mairis Briedis, Michael Hunter, Krzysztof Glowacki & Thabiso Mchunu.
From the opening till the final bell, Usyk controlled the action and won arguably every round against the game Gassiev in tremendous fashion where he displayed incredible offense by connecting with pinpoint accuracy at a high output coupled with an impeccable defense where he evaded most of the attacks launched against him through 36 minutes of action.
After 12 rounds of Cruiserweight dominion, Usyk was crowned the Undisputed Cruiserweight World Champion via UD12 with lopsided scores of 120-108 & 119-109 (2x) to become the 1st Cruiserweight to unify all 5 major world titles as well as the 1st fighter in history to be awarded the prestigious Muhammad Ali Trophy.
On September 21st 2021, Usyk made history for the 2nd time in his career by becoming the 1st Cruiserweight in 31 years to become Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion with a resounding UD12 triumph over Anthony Joshua to garner the IBF, WBA (Super) & WBO Heavyweight Titles.
Note: Evander Holyfield was the 1st ever Undisputed Cruiserweight World Champion as well as the 1st Cruiserweight to become Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion; he defeated Carlos De León on April 9th 1988 via TKO8 and held the IBF, WBA & WBC Cruiserweight Titles with the win. On October 25th 1990, Holyfield toppled James Douglas via TKO3 to acquire the IBF, WBA & WBC Heavyweight Titles.
Enjoy this highlight of UNDISPUTED USYK's glory as the ultimate winner of the WBSS Cruiserweight Tournament where he cemented his legacy as one of the Greatest Cruiserweights of All Time!
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