Usyk proclaimed Heavyweight King after taking gold

In the last bout of the evening, the dominant force at Heavyweight (91kg), Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine faced experienced Italian Clemente Russo to decide who would be proclaimed Olympic Champion.

The orthodox 2008 Beijing Olympic Games silver medallist from Italy was looking inspired in the first round, dictating proceeding against his taller opponent, feinting before throwing some good combinations, with his favourite overhead right scoring as he took the round 3:1.

The Ukrainian 24-year-old southpaw came back with a vengeance in the second, looking to make his power and reach make the difference as he threw some thunderous hooks and a huge left to readdress the balance by claiming the round 7:5. The two were now going into the third level.

A very tactical final round exploded into life midway through with both fighters throwing everything they had at each other but the poise of Usyk ensured he took the last round, triumphing 14:11 to claim the Olympic Gold medal.

"I feel absolutely great. I showed everyone what I can do, especially considering I was behind in the first round. I want to say thank you to all the spectators”, said Usyk after his victory.

On the podium to collect their bronze medals alongside the finalists were Bulgaria’s Tervel Pulev and Teymur Mammadov of Azerbaijan.

Source:  www.aiba-london2012.com/index.php/news/555-usyk-proclaimed-heavyweight-king-after-taking-gold