World heavyweight champion according to WBO, WBA, IBO and WBC Alexander Usik received the title of best boxer of 2024 from the authoritative publication The Ring. He was also recognized as the best boxer of 2024 according to the American sports channel ESPN.. And the best boxing match of last year was the first fight of a Ukrainian athlete against ex-world champion Tyson Fury, which took place in May 2024.

After the award was announced, Usyk addressed his fans and fellow competitor.

" First of all I want to thank God, my family and my team. This year has been wonderful for me. Important for me and my country. If you can help people, give a smile, do it,” said the Ukrainian athlete.

Separately, he noted Tyson Fury, adding a touch of humor to his address.

" You are wonderful, my opponent,” said Usyk.

Meanwhile, ESPN said in a press release that Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in almost 25 years when he handed Fury the first defeat of his career last May.. At the same time, the Ukrainian athlete did it beautifully, delivering 14 unanswered blows to his opponent and knocking him down in the ninth round.

“Usyk is our clear winner in the fight for the highest honor in the Hall of Fame after the best campaign of his career,” ESPN admitted.

Let us remember that in 2024, Usik twice met with Tyson Fury, a British ex-champion who is called one of the brightest boxers of our time.. The first fight, which took place in May, ended in a split decision in favor of Usik, and in the December rematch, the Ukrainian proved his superiority with a unanimous victory. These fights not only cemented Usik’s status as the best heavyweight, but also went down in the history of world boxing as the brightest fights.