By Joseph Herron: Renowned ring announcer Thomas Treiber, whose career spans countless historic nights in combat sports, remembers May 17, 2024 as a night of unparalleled intensity.
That night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury squared off in a match that decided the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era. Treiber had the privilege of witnessing the action from just five feet away, behind the DAZN commentary team.
“It was amazing to see two of the greatest heavyweights of our time, so close that I could practically feel the punches from ringside,” said Treiber. “With undisputed supremacy on the line, you could feel the electricity in the air.”
As the historic event was remembered, the longtime voice of Queensberry Promotions painted a vivid picture of the action in the ring.
Fury’s devastating body shots were countered by Usyk’s grit and skill, culminating in a stunning ninth round where Usyk rocked Fury. “When Usyk hurt Fury badly in the ninth, we couldn’t believe what we were seeing,” he recalls. “It was so surreal to be a part of the event and to see heavyweight boxing history come alive before our eyes.”
The setting itself was as important as the battle. “Two undefeated all-time great heavyweight fighters going for all the marbles in boxing’s glitzy division in Riyadh was truly something to behold and an extremely humbling experience,” Treiber said, adding that he was honored to serve as the ring- announcer for the preliminary meeting. matches.
When the final bell rang, and the judges deliberated, Treiber knew the decision would be close.
“The longer it took for Michael Buffer to announce the judges’ decision, I knew it was going to be a close verdict,” he noted. “Even though Fury ended the fight gallantly, I felt Usyk would get the go ahead in a split decision. I believe the right man won.”
With the rematch scheduled for December 21, 2024, Treiber is confident fans will be treated to another masterpiece.
“I absolutely believe that the rematch will be a continuation of their May classic,” he said. “This will be a fitting end to what has proven to be a legendary year for our beloved pastime.”
As the boxing world eagerly anticipates the rematch, Treiber’s reflections on the first meeting highlight its importance not just as a sporting event, but as a historic moment for the heavyweight division.
All eyes will once again turn to Riyadh for what promises to be another memorable chapter in the rivalry between two of the greatest heavyweights of this era.
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 and the full undercard will be broadcast live on DAZN Pay-per-view in the US and Canada for as low as $39.95
