DUESSELDORF, Germany — Tyson Fury defeated Wladimir Klitschko by unanimous decision to end the Ukrainian’s 9 1/2-year reign as heavyweight champion on Saturday and take his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles.

After a bruising encounter that ended with cuts near both of Klitschko’s eyes, referee Tony Weeks went to the judges’ score cards.

Cesar Ramos and Raul Caiz Sr. scored it 115-112 each, while Ramon Cerdan had it 116-111 in favor of the undefeated Briton (25-0, 18 KO).

Fury, 12 years younger than the 39-year-old Klitschko, taunted and baited the champion at various stages, prompting jeers from fans at the 55,000-seat soccer stadium in Duesseldorf.

Klitschko (64-4, 53 KO), contesting his 28th title fight, was cautious until attempting a recovery in the final rounds, but suffered his first defeat since April 2004.

"Tonight's the start of a new era and I said I'll be the most charismatic champion since Muhammad Ali and I'll be that," Fury told Sky Sports.

"It was a tough ask coming here. He's avoided me for five years. People can say what they want about me. He landed some good shots on me and not one rocked me. He was hanging on for dear life in that fight."