Would Joseph Heron: The famous ring announcer Thomas Treiber, whose career spanned countless historic nights in combat sports, recalls May 17, 2024 as a night of incomparable intensity.
That night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury faced 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, sitting behind the DAZN commentary team.
“It was amazing to see two of the greatest heavyweights of our time, so close I could practically feel the punches from the ring,” Treiber said. “With undisputed supremacy on the line, you could feel the electricity in the air.”
Recalling that historic event, the long-time voice of Queensberry Promotions gave a vivid picture of the action in the ring.
Fury’s devastating body shots were countered by Usyk’s courage and skill, culminating in a stunning ninth round in which Usyk rocked Fury. “When Usyk hurt Fury badly in the ninth, we couldn’t believe what we were seeing,” he recalled. “It was so surreal to be a part of the event and witness the history of heavyweight boxing live before our eyes.
The setting itself was as significant as the fight. “Two undefeated heavyweight heavyweights of all time fighting for all the balls in boxing’s glamor division in Riyadh was truly something to behold and an extremely humbling experience,” Treiber said, adding that he was honored to serve as the announcer for the preliminary match. competitions.
When the final bell rang, and the judges were deciding, Treiber knew the decision would be close.
“The longer it took Michael Buffer to announce the judges’ decision, I knew it was going to be a close decision,” he noted. “Even though Fury finished the fight gallantly, I felt Usyk would get the nod in the split decision.” I believe the right man won.”
With the rematch set for December 21, 2024, Treiber is confident fans will be treated to another masterpiece.
“I absolutely believe the rematch will be a continuation of their May classic,” he said. “This will be a fitting end to what has proved to be a legendary year for our beloved entertainment.”
As the boxing world eagerly awaits the rematch, Treiber’s thoughts on the first meeting underscore its importance not only as a sporting event but also as a historic moment for the heavyweight division.
All eyes will once again turn to Riyad for what promises to be another memorable chapter in the rivalry between the two greatest heavyweights of this era.
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 and the entire undercard will be broadcast live on DAZN Pay-Per-View in the US and Canada for only $39.95