Oleksandr Usyky triumphed over Tyson Fury by split decision on Sunday, securing the title of the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years, a landmark in the sport’s four-belt era.

Initially, Fury, a Briton, dominated the fight, but Usyk steadily took control. The “Gypsy King” narrowly avoided a knockout in the ninth round before ultimately facing his first career defeat.

Usyk, an undefeated Ukrainian, now stands alongside legends like Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, and Mike Tyson as an undisputed heavyweight champion, a title last unified under the current four-belt system established in the 2000s.

This win allows the former undisputed cruiserweight champion to stake his claim as the leading heavyweight of his era.

However, with a rematch expected in October, the rivalry may yet see another dramatic development.

Usyk, 37, who briefly served as a soldier following the Russian invasion said “It is a big opportunity for me, for my family, for my country. It’s a great time, a great day.” further expressing readiness for a rematch.

Fury called it a “fantastic fight with Oleksandr.”

He said “I believe I won that fight, I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority of them. You know his country is at war, so people are siding with the country at war but make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion and I will be back.”

Britain’s Lennox Lewis was the last man to unify the heavyweight belts—three at the time—after defeating Evander Holyfield in 1999.

In  significant development, Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi will depart the Premier League club by mutual agreement after their last match of the season against Manchester United on Sunday.

De Zerbi, who assumed the managerial role at the Amex Stadium in September 2022, guided Brighton to their best-ever top-flight finish, securing sixth place in the 2022-23 season.

Brighton chairman Tony Bloom announced on Saturday, “We have reached a mutual decision to terminate Roberto’s contract, allowing both parties to plan for the future. This provides Roberto ample time to contemplate his next steps and future endeavors.”

Phil Foden, the 23-year-old midfielder from Manchester City, has clinched the title of the Premier League’s Player of the Season for the 2023/2024 campaign.

Earlier this month, he was also named the Footballer of the Year by the English Football Writers’ Association, marking a notable double achievement.

Foden’s exceptional performance includes scoring a career-high 17 goals in the Premier League this season.

Phil Foden took to X handle, posting, “What a week! So honored to receive these prestigious awards! Thank you to everyone who voted for me, to the City staff and coaches, my family, and of course, my teammates.”

“I’m delighted with the way I’ve played so far this season and it wouldn’t have been possible without those around me. To win this award is an achievement that I am extremely proud of.

“The Premier League is acknowledged as the greatest league in the world, and it is a pleasure to have been nominated with so many other great players who have all enjoyed special seasons for their clubs.

If Manchester City secures a victory at home against West Ham on Sunday, they will clinch a record fourth successive English title.

Foden’s said “Overall, I’ve been very happy with the way I have played this season and really pleased that I have been able to contribute with the goals and assists throughout the season,” Foden added.

“I’d like to thank all of the City staff, coaches and especially my teammates because without them this wouldn’t be possible. And I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who voted for me as the award means a lot.”