By Joseph Herron: Famend ring announcer Thomas Treiber, whose profession has spanned numerous historic nights in fight sports activities, recollects Might 17, 2024, as an evening of unparalleled depth.
That night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury squared off in a bout that determined the primary undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt period. Treiber had the privilege of witnessing the motion from simply 5 ft away, seated behind the DAZN commentary crew.
“It was unimaginable seeing two of the best heavyweights of our time, so shut that I may just about really feel the punches from ringside,” Treiber stated. “With undisputed supremacy on the road, you would really feel the electrical energy within the air.”
Whereas remembering that historic occasion, the longtime voice of Queensberry Promotions painted a vivid image of the motion within the ring.
Fury’s devastating physique pictures have been countered by Usyk’s grit and ability, culminating in a surprising ninth spherical the place Usyk rocked Fury. “When Usyk badly harm Fury within the ninth, we couldn’t imagine what we have been seeing,” he recalled. “It was so surreal being part of the occasion and witnessing heavyweight boxing historical past stay earlier than our very eyes.”
The setting itself was as important because the battle. “Two undefeated all-time nice heavyweight combatants squaring off for all of the marbles in boxing’s glamour division in Riyadh was actually one thing to behold and a particularly humbling expertise,” Treiber stated, including that he was honored to function the ring announcer for the preliminary contests.
When the ultimate bell rang, and the judges deliberated, Treiber knew the choice could be shut.
“The longer it took for Michael Buffer to announce the judges’ resolution, I knew it will be an in depth verdict,” he famous. “Regardless that Fury ended the battle gallantly, I felt Usyk would get the nod in a break up resolution verdict. I imagine the correct man acquired the victory.”
With the rematch scheduled for December 21, 2024, Treiber is assured followers will likely be handled to a different masterpiece.
“I completely imagine the rematch will likely be a continuation of their Might basic,” he stated. “This will likely be a becoming finish to what has confirmed to be a legendary 12 months for our beloved pastime.”
Because the boxing world eagerly anticipates the rematch, Treiber’s reflections on the primary encounter underscore its significance not solely as a sporting occasion however as a historic second for the heavyweight division.
All eyes will as soon as once more flip to Riyadh for what guarantees to be one other unforgettable chapter within the rivalry between two of the best heavyweights of this period.
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 and the complete undercard will likely be broadcast stay on DAZN Pay-Per-View within the US and Canada for as little as $39.95
