Oleksandr Usyk was named as Fighter of the Year 2024 by The Ring
Oleksandr Usyk, Ukraine’s beloved boxing icon, was crowned The Ring’s Fighter of the Year 2024 after a year of remarkable victories. With back-to-back wins over Tyson Fury, Usyk not only proved his dominance in the heavyweight division but also solidified his place as one of the greatest fighters of his era. Let’s take a closer look at his achievements and their impact on the boxing world.
Usyk’s Stellar Year: Two Triumphs Over Tyson Fury
Usyk’s 2024 campaign began with a high-pressure rematch against Tyson Fury on December 21. After a narrow split-decision win in their first bout, Usyk faced intense scrutiny and the challenge of silencing critics. Rising to the occasion, he defeated Fury by unanimous decision, with judges scoring it 116-112 across the board. This performance left no doubt about his superiority.
Their first clash, on May 18, was a closely contested battle. Usyk almost knocked Fury out in the ninth round, with the ropes preventing Fury from going down completely. Although the split decision sparked debate, it crowned Usyk as the first fully unified heavyweight champion of the four-belt era. These back-to-back wins against Fury earned Usyk recognition as the undisputed king of the heavyweight division.
Usyk’s Legacy: A Champion for His Nation and the Sport
At 38 years old, Usyk holds an unbeaten record of 23-0 (14 KOs) and has achieved greatness in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. His technical mastery, southpaw stance, and unparalleled ring IQ have allowed him to overcome larger, more powerful opponents, including Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
More than just a champion, Usyk carries the hopes of his war-torn homeland. His victories symbolize resilience and pride for Ukraine. While fans and analysts speculate whether he will retire at the top of his game, one thing is certain: Usyk’s accomplishments have forever etched his name in boxing history.
The Top Contenders Who Shined in 2024
Though Usyk dominated the headlines, several other fighters had standout years:
- Artur Beterbiev became the first undisputed light heavyweight champion of the four-belt era after a majority decision win over Dmitry Bivol. His technical knockout of Callum Smith earlier in the year further solidified his dominance at 175 pounds.
- Oscar Collazo, a Puerto Rican southpaw, unified the WBO and WBA minimumweight titles with a seventh-round stoppage of Thammanoon Niyomtrong. His rise to prominence highlighted his potential as a future star.
- Daniel Dubois delivered two major upsets, defeating Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua. His fifth-round knockout of Joshua at Wembley Stadium was a career-defining moment.
- Junto Nakatani, a Japanese southpaw, captured the WBC bantamweight title and delivered three knockouts in 2024, cementing his place as a serious threat in his division.
- Jesse Rodriguez, nicknamed “Bam,” scored a career-best win by stopping Mexican legend Juan Francisco Estrada with a body shot, claiming the WBC 115-pound title.
While these fighters impressed, Usyk’s back-to-back victories over Tyson Fury placed him in a league of his own, earning him boxing’s highest individual honor.
Usyk’s Unmatched Legacy and the Path Forward
Oleksandr Usyk’s 2024 victories against Tyson Fury not only showcased his technical brilliance but also reinforced his reputation as one of the greatest champions of his generation. His achievements in the heavyweight division, combined with his legacy as an undisputed cruiserweight champion, have secured his place in boxing history.
As Usyk nears the end of his career, the question remains whether he will fight again or retire at the pinnacle of the sport. Regardless of his choice, his journey serves as an inspiration to fighters and fans worldwide. The Ring’s Fighter of the Year 2024 is more than a title—it is a testament to Usyk’s enduring greatness and his impact on the world of boxing.
