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  • Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk ‘will happen’, insists promoter Frank Warren with fight set to take place in Saudi Arabia in October

    Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk ‘will happen’, insists promoter Frank Warren with fight set to take place in Saudi Arabia in October

    Tyson Fury‘s promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that his fighter does plan to rematch Oleksandr Usyk later this year.

    The Ukrainian defeated the Gypsy King in a blockbuster clash on Saturday night in Saudi Arabia, winning via split decision after the judges scored the bout 115-112, 113-114, 114-113.

    It meant that Usyk became the first boxer since Lennox Lewis in 1999 to unify the heavyweight division after taking the WBC title off Fury, which was added to his WBA (Super), WBO, IBF and IBO titles.

    There was an immediate rematch clause attached to the bout but there have been doubts over whether Fury will exercise it and speculation over a possible retirement.

    However, speaking on talkSPORT, Warren insisted Fury does intend to meet usyk in the ring for a second time.

    Frank Warren (right) has confirmed that Tyson Fury does plan to rematch Oleksandr Usyk
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    Frank Warren (right) has confirmed that Tyson Fury does plan to rematch Oleksandr Usyk

    ‘He’s back here, he’s recuperating and his mood is that he wants the rematch and that’s already signed for so it will happen,’ said Warren.

    He then confirmed that the fight will take place in October in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – the location of their inaugural encounter.

    It marks a clear change in tone from Warren, who had been partly to blame for the3 doubts over a rematch.

    Speaking to Seconds Out on Sunday, he said: ‘We are committed because there’s a contract signed. However, Tyson’s got to want to do it and Usyk has got to want to do it.


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    There were doubts over whether Fury would exercise his rematch clause after his defeat

    ‘If one of them says ‘I’ve had enough’ that could be the case. And that would be their choice.

    ‘They’re two guys who gave everything in that ring, both of them.’

    When pressed on whether Usyk actually has the option to pull out, with the rematch clause being in the hands of the loser, Warren replied: ‘Well he can, he’s the champion, he can say he’s retiring.

    ‘I’m not saying he would, but he has that option, doesn’t he?’

    Asked what hesitation there might be from Fury’s side, Warren continued: ‘He did immediately say [he’d take the rematch] in the ring.

    Tyson Fury ready for a rematch after losing against Usyk

    ‘But I told him he’s been away from his family since last December, two back-to-back training camps, no fight in between, it’s a long time to be away from his family.

    ‘We don’t have to make any decisions about anything. It’s contracted, and if he wants to go through with it he’ll go through with it.

    ‘But who is anybody to pressure Tyson on what he should be doing. That’s his choice. He’s the guy getting in the ring, he’s the guy who’s taking the lumps and that’s how it is.’

  • Simon Jordan and Frank Warren get into an EXPLOSIVE argument over talkSPORT’s ‘preposterous’ ban from Tyson Fury’s fights

    Simon Jordan and Frank Warren get into an EXPLOSIVE argument over talkSPORT’s ‘preposterous’ ban from Tyson Fury’s fights

    Simon Jordan tangled with Frank Warren in an explosive argument over the fighter’s blanket ban on talkSPORT from covering his fights.

    Fury issued the ban in October 2023 in the wake of comments made by Jordan that his team believe suggested the heavyweight had ducked his unification bout with Oleksandr Usyk earlier that year.

    The long-awaited undisputed fight finally took place in Riyadh on Saturday, with Fury failing to overcome the Ukrainian former cruiserweight on the biggest stage of all and Usyk winning via split decision.

    Fury’s brother Shane announced the ban stressing that: ‘talkSPORT and Simon Jordan will never have anything to do with Tyson again.’

    While Jordan was adamant at the time he remained a fan of the boxer’s, he showed no compunctions arguing against the ban with Fury’s promoter Warren, who continues to regularly appear on the broadcaster.

    Simon Jordan challenged the boxing promoter

    Frank Warren was keen protect his fighter's decision

    Simon Jordan (left) and Frank Warren (right) got into a heated clash on Tuesday morning

    Tyson Fury (centre) failed to over come Ukrainian opponent Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night
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    Tyson Fury (centre) failed to over come Ukrainian opponent Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night

    The Cat became the undisputed world heavyweight champion with his split-decision victory
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    The Cat became the undisputed world heavyweight champion with his split-decision victory

    ‘I think the way Tyson’s been engaged and the ban that’s been put on talksport is preposterous,’ Jordan said in a video clip shared on social media. ‘I have been a major advocate of his over the years.

    ‘I have had to listen to Tyson’s disposition on (me) losing money and what I am etc. And there comes a point where people are getting fed up with it.’

    Jordan was referencing the March 2023 social media fracas which saw Fury call Jordan a ‘little b****’, tease him for ‘losing £100million’, and said he was a ‘little sausage’.

    ‘You’re a big boy, you should be able to take it too,’ Warren hit back.

    When Jordan agreed with this, and Warren’s comment that ‘you can’t dish it out if you can’t take it’, before the promoter added: ‘You’re not in a position, nor is it going to happen, that he wants to build any bridges with you.’

    When Jordan said that he ‘couldn’t care less’, the Queensberry chief sniped: ‘But I’m not bringing it up, you’re bringing it up.

    ‘I find it very simplistic. If he is continuously getting stick, he doesn’t have to speak to you. He is under no obligation to speak to you, and some fighters don’t even talk to the press.’

    After the fight Fury appeared to imply that sympathy for Ukraine had played a role in judging
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    After the fight Fury appeared to imply that sympathy for Ukraine had played a role in judging

    TalkSPORT was banned from covering Fury's fights ahead of his clash with Francis Ngannou
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    TalkSPORT was banned from covering Fury’s fights ahead of his clash with Francis Ngannou

    ‘You guys take all the compliments and none of the criticism and I expected better,’ Jordan added.

    ‘So did I from you, because what you’ve not done any time is mention he’s got bipolar,’ Warren responded, which prompted Jordan to reply: ‘If I’d written a column about Tyson Fury’s medical condition, you’d have been all over me like a rash.’

    Earlier in the conversation, Warren had brought up Fury’s diagnosis, suggesting that the fighter’s mental health condition had played a role in his remarks after Saturday’s fight.

    Fury was criticised in the aftermath for implying that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine had played a role in the fight’s adjudication and outcome.

    ‘Tyson is bipolar,’ Warren had said. ‘If you go on the NHS site and look at what the symptoms are of bipolar, some of the things is saying exactly what is on your mind.

    ‘If it’s in your mind, you say it. That is one of the symptoms, unfortunately.

    ‘With Tyson, he’s said in the past, “I’ve retired”. And a couple of months later, “I’m fighting again”. That’s unfortunately one of the things that happens with people who suffer from a dreadful illness.

    ‘It was called manic depression years ago, now it’s called bipolar. It’s all well documented the problems he’s had down the years. Tyson is a warrior.’

    Fury is likely to trigger his automatic rematch clause to fight Usyk for the belts later this year
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    Fury is likely to trigger his automatic rematch clause to fight Usyk for the belts later this year

    When Warren later stressed that the pair were ‘never going to agree’ on how the media has discussed Fury’s mental health diagnosis, Jordan said it was because the promoter was incorrect.

    ‘Because you’re bloody wrong, and you’re defending Tyson because it represents a commercial interest to you,’ Jordan continued.

    Warren argued that the Jordan was in the same, only for the pundit to disagree.

    ‘No I don’t,’ Jordan hit back. ‘It’s not about commercial objectivity, it’s about calling things as they really are becase most people don’t, and you and your boy can’t take it when it’s put on your toes.’

  • Tyson Fury’s eldest son strikes a pose next to Oleksandr Usyk just hours before the Gypsy King’s undisputed heavyweight title fight in Saudi Arabia

    Tyson Fury’s eldest son strikes a pose next to Oleksandr Usyk just hours before the Gypsy King’s undisputed heavyweight title fight in Saudi Arabia

    Tyson Fury‘s eldest son was seen posing for a picture alongside Oleksandr Usyk just hours before their undisputed heavyweight title fight.

    After months of build-up, Fury and Usyk will finally settle their differences in Riyadh on Saturday night to determine the best heavyweight on the planet.

    Tensions have been running high between the two for months now and during the weigh-ins, Fury had a heated clash with his Ukrainian counter-part.

    However, Fury’s son – Prince John James – appears to have a more lenient view on the situation and was seen posing alongside Usyk just a few hours before the fight.

    In an Instagram post, Prince posed with his fist in the air while the heavyweight star stood with his hands in either pocket.

    Tyson Fury's son, Prince John James (left), strikes a pose alongside Oleksandr Usyk (middle)
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    Tyson Fury’s son, Prince John James (left), strikes a pose alongside Oleksandr Usyk (middle)

    Fury and Usyk faced off for the final time at Friday's weigh in ahead of their clash in the ring
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    Fury and Usyk faced off for the final time at Friday’s weigh in ahead of their clash in the ring

    While Usyk appeared amicable towards Fury’s son, the same can not be said for his attitude towards the Gypsy King which was exemplified at the weigh-ins.

    Tempers flared after both fighters had stepped off the scales before the heavyweights squared off and butted heads on stage.

    A fracas subsequently broke out with Fury appearing to push Usyk away from him, before the pair were pulled away by their respective teams.

    Fury then unleashed a furious tirade to a DAZN reporter, shouting: ‘I’m coming for his heart. F*** his belts, I’m coming for his f***ing heart.

    ‘I’m going to knock him spark out. F*** all his team, f*** the lot of them! They can all get it if they want to. S***houses!’

    The Gypsy King was also asked how he was feeling after the face-off, to which he replied: ‘I’m ready to rock and roll tonight, I’m going to knock this little f***er spark out.’

    The winner of the Saudi showdown will become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999, so it proves to be a huge bout for both men.

    Prince John James is Fury's eldest son and one of seven children that the Gypsy King has
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    Prince John James is Fury’s eldest son and one of seven children that the Gypsy King has

    The two heavyweights clashed during their final face-off before the fight on Friday afternoon
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    The two heavyweights clashed during their final face-off before the fight on Friday afternoon


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    Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will compete for the undisputed heavyweight title on Saturday

    Fury and Usyk sat down at a press conference on Thursday in Saudi Arabia, with Fury refusing to face-off against Usyk, folding his arms and staring out towards the audience inside the arena as the Ukrainian stared him down.

    When asked why he didn’t face off against Usyk, Fury had told Sky Sports, ‘He’s a scary-looking dude.’

    He added: ‘I’m just here to relax now and wait until I get into the ring on Saturday night. All the talking is done, all the interviewing is done. I’m really relaxed and focused.’

    Usyk said: ‘Let’s make history. Enough.’

    The next day, there was plenty of confusion after Usyk‘s weight was incorrectly announced as 233lbs at the weigh-in on Friday.

    Usyk would have weighed in 12.6lbs heavier than his last fight against Daniel Dubois back in August 2023.

    Ring announcer Michael Buffer had reportedly misheard the weight officials had said after Usyk had taken to the scales, leading to the wrong figure being announced.

    The Gypsy King delivered a furious rant after stepping off the scales, claiming he was 'going to knock this little f***er spark out,' in reference to Usyk
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    The Gypsy King delivered a furious rant after stepping off the scales, claiming he was ‘going to knock this little f***er spark out,’ in reference to Usyk

    Oleksandr Usyk or Tyson Fury: Boxing personalities place their bet

    Video footage of the weigh in on social media revealed the officials had actually announced that Usyk had weighed in at 223lbs.

    A number of sport’s biggest stars are set to be in attendance on the night – including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Anthony Joshua and Steven Gerrard.

    Joshua is set to be an interested observer after winning his last four fights, knowing that he could potentially face the winner in the next 12 months.

    The British star will be sat next to Ronaldo, who has shown himself to be a keen boxing fan over the years.

    Fury is guaranteed £81.5million from the ‘Ring Of Fire’ clash, meanwhile Usyk is set to pocket £35million from the bout in Saudi Arabia.

    The sum will see the Gypsy King rise up the Forbes ranking of the world’s highest paid athletes.

    The 35-year-old was placed at 42nd on the business magazine’s list for 2024 ahead of his bid to hold of all the available world titles.

    Fury and Usyk are two of the greatest boxers of their generation

    The pair have also enjoyed significant success outside of the ring, racking up large fortunes in the process

    Fury (left) and Usyk (right) are set to walk away with lucrative pay days from the title fight

    Boxing fans arrive in Riyadh ahead of Fury v Usyk fight

    Saturday’s fight is Fury’s second straight contest in Saudi Arabia after his showdown with UFC star turned boxer Francis Ngannou last year, where the Gypsy King was reported to have banked £65m.

    Usyk has also returned to the Saudi Arabia, the scene of his second win over Anthony Joshua in 2022. The contest was one of four Joshua fights to have taken place in the nation.

    The Briton has benefited significantly from the wealth Saudi Arabia has poured into the sport. Joshua was estimated to have secured a staggering £39m sum when he brutally dispatched Ngannou in March.

    Fury will be the next big beneficiary, with the 35-year-old believed to have secured a 70 per cent purse split as the WBC title holder bids to take the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO belts from Usyk.

  • Two black eyes… but no broken jaw! Oleksandr Usyk shows off battle scars of his fight with Tyson Fury – after the Gypsy King falsely claimed he’d smashed his jaw – as he flies home from Saudi Arabia

    Two black eyes… but no broken jaw! Oleksandr Usyk shows off battle scars of his fight with Tyson Fury – after the Gypsy King falsely claimed he’d smashed his jaw – as he flies home from Saudi Arabia

    Oleksandr Usyk gave fans a closer look as his battle scars from his heavyweight title fight with Tyson Fury before beginning his journey home from Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

    Usyk became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world on Saturday night after a thrilling split decision victory over Fury in Riyadh.

    Two judges scored the fight in favour of the Ukrainian while the third had it for Fury.

    The victory saw Usyk claim Fury’s WBC strap to the first unified champion of the four belt era.

    It was a fight that saw both men have their moments with the victor still having to be taken to hospital afterwards, Fury claiming that he had suffered a broken jaw,

    Oleksandr Usyk gave fans a close look as his battle scars with a post on social media
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    Oleksandr Usyk gave fans a close look as his battle scars with a post on social media

    However, this has been dismissed by Usyk’s team and The Cat has taken to Instagram to show off his surface level damage, including two black eyes, bruised knuckles and a stitched eyebrow.

    The Ukrainian then shared a video of himself boarding an Emirates flight home with his wife on Tuesday.

    The newly-crowned champion was told to miss his post-fight press conference by his promoter, Alex Krassyuk, who was himself informed by the doctor that Usyk needed to go to hospital.

    Usyk shared a video of himself and his wife boarding a flight home on Tuesday morning
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    Usyk shared a video of himself and his wife boarding a flight home on Tuesday morning

    But the Ukrainian, insisting that fans needed to hear from him, chose to talk to the media before heading to hospital in the ambulance. No update on Usyk’s exact injury has yet been revealed.

    Usyk had been forced to battle through the early stages of fight as Fury took control in the opening rounds.

    The 37-year-old fought his way back into the contest and delivered a barrage of punches to leave Fury floundering in the ninth round.

    The Ukrainian also shared this photo of himself with some of his team and his belts
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    The Ukrainian also shared this photo of himself with some of his team and his belts

    Fury came through being rocked in the ninth to finish the contest, but Usyk emerged as the winner.

    Usyk is set to be the undisputed heavyweight champion for only a matter of the weeks.

    He is expected to be stripped of his IBF title, with the 37-year-old instead focusing on a contracted rematch with Fury, which is expected to take place around October.

  • Travis Kelce reveals his prediction for Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson – and immediately regrets his pick to win it!

    Travis Kelce reveals his prediction for Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson – and immediately regrets his pick to win it!

    Travis Kelce has revealed his prediction for the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight in July, but immediately regretted his pick as he’s unsure the bout will end in a knockout.

    Walking the red carpet at his Kelce Jam Festival in Kansas City, last Saturday, the 34-year-old, three-time Super Bowl champion gave his prognosis on boxing’s biggest fight this summer in Dallas, Texas.

    Mike Tyson or Jake Paul? Who wins that one?’ asked sports journalist ‘The Schmo’.

    ‘Man, it’s going on right now, isn’t it?’ Travis replied before he was reminded that the fight is actually taking place on July 20.

    ‘I’m taking the Cleveland kid even though Mike is… gaw-lee, I feel silly for saying that, but I’ll take Jake with the youth,’ Kelce, who’s also from C-Town, added.

    Travis Kelce went with his roots for the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight in Dallas, Texas, on July 20
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    Travis Kelce went with his roots for the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight in Dallas, Texas, on July 20

    Tyson and Paul faced off during a pre-fight press conference in Dallas, last week
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    Tyson and Paul faced off during a pre-fight press conference in Dallas, last week

    He was then asked if he thinks Paul will win by knockout.

    ‘I don’t know about a knockout…’ the Kansas City Chiefs tight end said. ‘Are they allowed to knock each other out?’

    ‘Yes, they are!’ replied ‘The Schmo’. ‘Real fight.’

    Read More

    Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul undercard bout CONFIRMED as boxing icon gears up for controversial return to the ring

    article image

    Suddenly excited by the matchup, Kelce said: ‘I don’t know about the knockout man. I’ve never seen Mike get knocked out.’

    Despite Tyson delivering countless of knockout victories throughout his career, he’s also experienced the adversity of being taken out cold.

    Over the course of his 58 fights, Tyson suffered five knockout losses, three of which occurred in title fights.

    What’s more is that last week, Tyson revealed that Paul gave him ‘an erection’ during both boxers’ pre-fight press conference.

    He also called the former Disney star ‘fat’ as he continues to train ahead of the bout in two months’ time.

  • Oleksandr Usyk’s promoter offers injury update after Ukrainian was rushed to hospital with a suspected broken jaw following undisputed world heavyweight title fight win over Tyson Fury

    Oleksandr Usyk’s promoter offers injury update after Ukrainian was rushed to hospital with a suspected broken jaw following undisputed world heavyweight title fight win over Tyson Fury

    Oleksandr Usyk has not suffered a broken jaw from his fight with Tyson Fury despite reports claiming he had.

    The Ukrainian defeated the Gypsy King in a blockbuster clash on Saturday night in Saudi Arabia, winning via split decision after the judges scored the bout 115-112, 113-114, 114-113.

    It meant that Usyk became the first boxer since Lennox Lewis in 1999 to unify the heavyweight division after taking the WBC title off Fury, which was added to his WBA (Super), WBO, IBF and IBO titles.

    Usyk was rushed to hospital after the fight for urgent medical treatment, with Fury claiming he had broken his jaw.

    However, Alex Krassyuk, who is the 37-year-old’s promoter, rubbished the speculation, revealing that Usyk was merely checked as a precaution, before adding that he should be back to full fitness in no time.

    Oleksandr Usyk has not suffered a broken jaw from his fight with Tyson Fury despite reports
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    Oleksandr Usyk has not suffered a broken jaw from his fight with Tyson Fury despite reports

    The Ukrainian (back left) was rushed to hospital in Saudi Arabia after Saturday night's fight
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    The Ukrainian (back left) was rushed to hospital in Saudi Arabia after Saturday night’s fight

    However, Usyk's promoter Alex Krassyuk revealed he was only sent to undergo tests on his jaw
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    However, Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk revealed he was only sent to undergo tests on his jaw

    ‘Nothing major (is wrong with him),’ Krassyuk told Boxing King Media. ‘So he went to the hospital after the press conference.

    ‘And they made the exams and it’s something like a one-week recovery. No broken jaw and thank God he is safe and sound.’

    Krassyuk had informed reporters on Saturday night that Usyk would not be conducting his press conference due to the potential injury, before the Ukrainian ended up turning up anyway.

    And the promoter opened up on what happened in the immediate aftermath of the fight.

    ‘When we went to the locker room, the local doctor came up to inspect,’ he added.

    ‘And Usyk felt some discomfort in his upper jaw and the doctor said anything could happen and this is a very sensitive area so you need to be inspected as fast as possible.

    ‘The doctor insisted it has to happen very fast and I came up to Usyk and said, “listen, we need to skip press conference because the doctor is pushing us hard and we need to go as soon as possible, the ambulance is prepared for the drive”.

    ‘But Usyk said “guys, listen we need to comply with our obligations, we have the press conference, let’s go to the hospital after the press conference”.

    Usyk still appeared at his post-fight press conference, despite Krassyuk having told reporters he wouldn't, which came after a doctor insisted he went to hospital as soon as possible
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    Usyk still appeared at his post-fight press conference, despite Krassyuk having told reporters he wouldn’t, which came after a doctor insisted he went to hospital as soon as possible


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    Usyk’s recovery time is expected to only be about one week, according to Krassyuk’s interview

    The victory over Fury meant Usyk became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world
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    The victory over Fury meant Usyk became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world

    ‘Then, again after more discussions with the doctor, (it was decided) we can’t go to the press conference because the doctor is pushing.’

    He continued: ‘So I was the one who went to the press conference and I apologised for Usyk not showing up.

    ‘And I was walking back because I wanted to get the car to the hospital to join him. And suddenly I see Usyk walking and my impression was they were walking to car to go to the hospital and then our security guy goes “no, no it’s a press conference”.

    ‘(So I thought) OK welcome back. Probably the narrative about his broken jaw was brought by Tyson (Fury) and Frank (Warren) at the press conference.’

  • New footage emerges of Tyson Fury being rocked by Oleksandr Usyk in round nine of heavyweight showdown as the Ukrainian’s team post video of the Gypsy King’s desperation

    New footage emerges of Tyson Fury being rocked by Oleksandr Usyk in round nine of heavyweight showdown as the Ukrainian’s team post video of the Gypsy King’s desperation

    New footage has emerged showing the true extent of Tyson Fury‘s condition after he was almost knocked out by Oleksandr Usyk in round nine of their heavyweight unification bout.

    Usyk knocked the Brit down during the ninth round of their undisputed heavyweight bout on Saturday night, before going on to claim a split-decision victory over the British fighter.

    Two judges scored the fight 115-113 and 114-113 in Usyk’s favour, while the final judge gave the fight to Fury 114-113.

    The Ukrainian fighter was subsequently crowned the undisputed heavyweight champion champion of the world for the first time in the four-belt era – and became the first fighter to hold all the belts in the division since Lennox Lewis in 1999.

    While Fury appeared to control the pace of the fight in the opening rounds, Usyk would rally late on, notably causing blood to pour from Fury’s nose after striking him on the face several times.

    New footage has emerged showing the true extent of Tyson Fury 's condition after he was almost knocked out by Oleksandr Usyk
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    New footage has emerged showing the true extent of Tyson Fury ‘s condition after he was almost knocked out by Oleksandr Usyk

    A video posted by Usyk's camp shows Fury being rocked following a huge left hook
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    A video posted by Usyk’s camp shows Fury being rocked following a huge left hook

    During the ninth round, the Ukrainian unloaded a flurry of punches on the British boxer, unsteadying him while forcing him onto the ropes. Fury appeared to stagger and fell onto the ropes to support himself, with Usyk being given the knockdown.

    The newly-crowned undisputed champion has now shared ringside footage from that exchange that shows Fury was seriously struggling to stay on his feet.

    The Ukrainian initially rocked Fury with a left hook that landed plum on the chin to send the Gypsy King dancing across the ring.

    Fury sinks into the corner of the ring as a standing count begins following the exchange
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    Fury sinks into the corner of the ring as a standing count begins following the exchange

    Usyk went on to win the fight and be crowned unified heavyweight champion of the world
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    Usyk went on to win the fight and be crowned unified heavyweight champion of the world

    Tearful Oleksander Usyk misses father after ‘historical’ win

    A dazed Fury is then unable to properly defend himself and is subsequently hit in the face with a series of heavy shots that force him to jog around the ring while attempting to keep his balance.

    Usyk relentlessly pursues the Brit and eventually forces him into the corner where Fury is ruled to have been knocked down and a standing count begins.

    The new footage shows Fury looking shaken as he contemplates whether to return to the fight or surrender in defeat.

    He eventually readies himself on the eight count, walking towards the referee who allows Fury to resume battle as the round ends seconds later.

  • 20 MILLION people illegally streamed Oleksandr Usyk’s historic undisputed heavyweight win over Tyson Fury costing rights holders £95m – with 18 per cent from the UK

    20 MILLION people illegally streamed Oleksandr Usyk’s historic undisputed heavyweight win over Tyson Fury costing rights holders £95m – with 18 per cent from the UK

    Oleksandr Usyk‘s historic world heavyweight championship victory over Tyson Fury last weekend was watched by at least 20 million using illegal streams costing TV rights holders around £95m in lost revenue.

    Analysis conducted by online intelligence company Yield Sec for Mail Sport has uncovered evidence of over 2000 different streaming locations broadcasting the fight from Riyadh, with 18 per cent of those watching illegally doing so from the UK.

    Sky Sports, TNT Sport and DAZN all bought the rights to broadcast the first undisputed world heavyweight clash for 25 on their pay-per-view channels, but millions of boxing fans chose to avoid paying the 25pound fee and instead watched the fight illegally.

    Almost four million people viewed an illegal stream of Usyk’s split points decision victory on Saturday in the UK.

    Yield Sec’s analysis shows that 45 per cent of the illegal streaming took place in Europe, with 25 per cent in north America and 16 per cent in Asia.

    Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999
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    Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999


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    Usyk won the fight by split decision after an entertaining clash between the two heavyweights that saw both enjoy periods of dominance in the ring

    Many of the illegal streams are funded by advertisements for gambling and/or crypto schemes, while some charge a small fee averaging less than £1.

    The number of people watching the fight illegally is likely to have been far higher than 20 million, as Yield Sec’s analysis is based on the assumption that only one person is watching each stream.

    The company define one illegal stream view as more than 90 seconds spent watching the fight.

    The figures for illegal viewing of Usyk v Fury are among the highest ever recorded for any sporting event, with 36 times more people watching than for the Anthony Joshua v Ngannou heavyweight clash in March.

    A DAZN spokesman told Mail Sport: ‘Sports piracy is theft. DAZN invests a significant amount in combatting it, using technology to monitor the activity of users, and educating fans about the risks.

    ‘It may seem a victimless crime, but most illegal feeds are provided by criminal networks or carry the risk of phishing and identity theft. Our advice is don’t risk the sport you care about, or your own data, by using illegal feeds.’

  • Oleksandr Usyk DEFEATS Tyson Fury via split decision to be crowned undisputed heavyweight champion of the world – after stunning comeback from the Ukrainian in Saudi Arabia

    Oleksandr Usyk DEFEATS Tyson Fury via split decision to be crowned undisputed heavyweight champion of the world – after stunning comeback from the Ukrainian in Saudi Arabia

    Oleksandr Usyk produced a stunning performance to beat Tyson Fury on Saturday night and become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four belt era.

    The judges on the night scored the bout 115-112 Usyk, 114-113 Fury and 114-113 Usyk to see the Ukrainian win via split-decision.

    It was a tale of two halves at the Kingdom Arena, after Fury dominated the opening rounds before Usyk came back to control the fight with a flurry of punches in the ninth round leaving the Gypsy King floundering.

    After the final round, there was mutual respect between the two fighters who exchanged kisses and hugs as they awaited the result.

    However, Fury’s mood soured when Usyk was named the victor with the British fighter telling an interviewer that ‘people are siding with Usyk because of the Ukraine war’.

    Oleksandr Usyk (left) produced a stunning comeback to beat Tyson Fury (right) on Saturday
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    Oleksandr Usyk (left) produced a stunning comeback to beat Tyson Fury (right) on Saturday

    The Ukrainian had Fury troubled in the ninth round and nearly knocked out the Gypsy King
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    The Ukrainian had Fury troubled in the ninth round and nearly knocked out the Gypsy King

    The victory sees Usyk become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in this century
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    The victory sees Usyk become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in this century

    Fury started the fight well however began to fade as the heavyweight title bout went on
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    Fury started the fight well however began to fade as the heavyweight title bout went on

    Tearful Oleksander Usyk misses father after ‘historical’ win

    Both men came flying out of the blocks in the opening round, as Fury looked to keep Usyk at distance before targeting the body with some heavy shots.

    Usyk however, using his diligent footwork, looked to negate Fury’s reach and get inside by operating on different levels – which eventually paid dividends.

    However, in the opening round, Fury was clearly enjoying himself and gestured to the crowd before being caught by the Ukrainian while on the ropes.

    The Gypsy King looked for the uppercut in the second round, missing twice before catching Usyk with 10 seconds left on the clock. The Ukrainian wore it well but certainly felt Fury’s power.

    Usyk then landed a right-left combination in the second before wincing from a powerful body shot from Fury.

    However, the Ukrainian did end the round by getting Fury in the corner and landing a flurry of punches before complaining about his counter-punch landing on the back of the head.

    Then, a clash of heads in the fourth concerned fans that Fury’s cut would open up however Fury didn’t appear to be worried – summoning Usyk on before doing a few Muhammed Ali shuffles.

    Fury appeared to be getting the better of his opponent, as Usyk complained of two low blows in the fifth round before being caught to the body twice. Fury also managed to cut Usyk above his right eye.

    The Gypsy King got the fans excited in the sixth, landing an uppercut that wobbled the Ukrainian before finishing the round with his hands behind his back.

    However, Usyk survived and began to mount an impressive comeback, as he continued to operate on different levels in the eighth to try and close the distance.

    Usyk had seemed troubled at times however overcame the adversity to eventually win the bout
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    Usyk had seemed troubled at times however overcame the adversity to eventually win the bout

    The Gypsy King taunted Usyk throughout the fight despite being second-best on the night
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    The Gypsy King taunted Usyk throughout the fight despite being second-best on the night

    The Ukrainian scored a knockdown in the ninth as Fury found himself held up by the ropes
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    The Ukrainian scored a knockdown in the ninth as Fury found himself held up by the ropes

    Tyson Fury enters the ring ahead of fight against Usyk

    Then, the tables turned in the ninth round. Fury was saved by the bell, or perhaps the referee, after going down following a relentless attack from Usyk.

    The Ukrainian drew upon energy that Fury did not think remained, after dominating earlier, and stunned the British heavyweight with some powerful combinations.

    Usyk then continued the charge in the 10th and asserted his dominance over the British star as he continued to set the pace and keep Fury on the back-foot.

    Following the tenth, both men showed signs of fatigue after putting everything they had into what can only be described as an excellent fight.

    It was an all out war for the final round, with the judges scoring it 115-112 Usyk, 114-113 Fury and 114-113 Usyk.

    After the fight, Fury claimed ‘people are siding with Usyk because of the Ukraine war’ following his split-decision defeat.

    ‘I believe I won that fight,’ he said on TNT Sports Box Office’s live broadcast of the fight. 

    Usyk and his team stand with his four heavyweight belts after the triumphant victory
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    Usyk and his team stand with his four heavyweight belts after the triumphant victory

    Meanwhile, Fury made the stunning claim that 'people are siding with the country at war'
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    Meanwhile, Fury made the stunning claim that ‘people are siding with the country at war’

    Tyson Fury ready for a rematch after losing against Usyk

    ‘And I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority of them. I believe we both put on a good fight – best we could do.

    ‘And, you know, his country is at war. People are siding with the country at war. Make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion.’

    Usyk’s trainer, Alexander Krassyuk, evidently did not agree with Fury’s claims as he insisted that the Ukrainian was robbed of a knockout in the ninth round.

    Krassyuk said: ‘I’m exhausted, I was backing Usyk all fight. No disrespect to the referee but I think he stopped a KO in the ninth but anyway it was a tremendous performance.

    ‘It was unbelievable and I hope to see more in the rematch.’

    Shortly after the decision, fans gave their support to the Brit on social media, with some claiming he was wronged on the scorecards.

    ‘Tyson Fury got robbed,’ one fan posted on X in reaction to the bout. ‘Showed a heart of a lion.’

    Another wrote: ‘Fury 115 Usyk 144 – Fury robbed but Usyk brilliant!’

    Cristiano Ronaldo (middle) was situated on the front row, sat next to Anthony Joshua (left)
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    Cristiano Ronaldo (middle) was situated on the front row, sat next to Anthony Joshua (left)

    Klitschko and Shevchenko laud ‘historical’ win for Ukrainian Usyk

    A number of sport’s biggest stars were seen in attendance on the night – with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Anthony Joshua and Neymar all watching on.

    Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, has been a regular at big fights in Saudi Arabia and continued that trend on Saturday.

    Sat alongside Joshua for the big fight, the footballer was a large focus of attention as the build to the main event continued inside the Kingdom Arena.

    Before the main event got underway, the 39-year-old was approached by former rival and fellow football superstar Neymar, and the two engaged in a brief conversation before embracing.

    In an exclusive interview with Mail Sport in the build-up to the fight, Usyk said that he wants to give back to those who have suffered from the war in his home country.

    Oleksandr Usyk ready to go home after victory against Tyson Fury

    Usyk previously said that he wants to give back to those who have suffered from the war
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    Usyk previously said that he wants to give back to those who have suffered from the war

    His charity, the Usyk foundation, have launched a major fundraising campaign to raise 1million EUR to purchase 50 ambulances to save Ukrainian lives amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

    Speaking on the conflict he said: ‘My everyday routine begins with picking up the phone and reading the news about how many rockets have landed in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other cities today.

    ‘Every morning I check to see if all of my friends and loved ones are alive and pray for their safety. And this is how millions of Ukrainians start their day.

    ‘Before the undisputed fight, I received many words of support from all over the world. Those words inspire and motivate me.’

  • Tyson Fury sensationally claims Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk was awarded split decision in world heavyweight title fight ‘because his country is at war’ as Gypsy King insists HE won the fight

    Tyson Fury sensationally claims Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk was awarded split decision in world heavyweight title fight ‘because his country is at war’ as Gypsy King insists HE won the fight

    Tyson Fury has sensationally claimed that Oleksandr Usyk was awarded split-decision victory in their world heavyweight title fight ‘because his country is at war’.

    Usyk, who hails from Ukraine, was crowned the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world after a gruelling battle in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night. Two judges scored the bout 115-113 and 114-113 in Usyk’s favour while the final judge gave it to Fury 114-113.

    It was an explosive battle between the heavyweight giants with Fury seeming to take an advantage during the opening rounds, before Usyk fought back late on, dealing a flurry of punches to the Brit in the ninth round, leaving the referee no other option but to deliver a standing count. After the bout, Fury insisted he had won the fight, claiming that Usyk had only won a few rounds.

    ‘I believe I won that fight,’ he said to DAZN. ‘And I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority of them.’

    He added: ‘I believe we both put on a good fight – best we could do. And, you know, his country is at war. People are siding with the country at war.

    Tyson Fury suggested that Oleksandr Usyk was awarded a victory after their heavyweight title fight 'because his country is at war'
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    Tyson Fury suggested that Oleksandr Usyk was awarded a victory after their heavyweight title fight ‘because his country is at war’

    The Gypsy King made the comments after he had suffered a split-decision defeat by the Ukrainian

    The Gypsy King made the comments after he had suffered a split-decision defeat by the Ukrainian

    Tyson Fury ready for a rematch after losing against Usyk

    ‘Make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion.’

    It was a historic night for the heavyweight division, with Usyk being crowned the first undisputed champion of the four-belt era, and the first since Lennox Lewis beat Evander Holyfield in 1999.

    After the slugfest in Saudi, both fighters showed respect to each other with Fury seen putting his arms around Usyk’s shoulders inside the ring.

    Usyk, who held up a Ukraine flag after the fight, thanked his team for helping him succeed, before stating he was ready for the rematch.

    ‘Thank you so much to my team,’ the new undisputed heavyweight champion said. ‘It’s a big opportunity for my family, for me, for my country. It’s a great time, it’s a great day.

    Tearful Oleksander Usyk misses father after ‘historical’ win

    Klitschko and Shevchenko laud ‘historical’ win for Ukrainian Usyk

    Usyk (right) came back late in the fight to seal victory against Fury, knocking the British fighter down in the ninth round
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    Usyk (right) came back late in the fight to seal victory against Fury, knocking the British fighter down in the ninth round

    Both fighters landed some brutal blows on each other, with Fury setting the pace early on
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    Both fighters landed some brutal blows on each other, with Fury setting the pace early on

    He added: ‘Yes, of course. I am ready for a rematch.’

    The pair are already scheduled to fight again in October, with Fury adding that he would return to spend some time with his family before their next meeting.

    ‘We’ll go back to our families and I’ll see him again in October. We’ll go back, rest up,’ Fury said.

    ‘I believe I won the fight but I’m not going to sit and cry and make excuses. We’ll run it again in October.’

    In an exclusive interview with Mail Sport, Usyk had said that he wants to give back to those who have suffered from the war in his home country.

    Oleksandr Usyk ready to go home after victory against Tyson Fury

    The fighters showed respect to each other after the bout, with Fury embracing Usyk after a gruelling fight
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    The fighters showed respect to each other after the bout, with Fury embracing Usyk after a gruelling fight

    After being crowned the new undisputed champion, Usyk stood on the ropes and held up a Ukraine flag
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    After being crowned the new undisputed champion, Usyk stood on the ropes and held up a Ukraine flag

    Usyk has previously spoken about the conflict in his country stating that he 'checks his phone to see how many rockets have landed' when he wakes up in the morning
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    Usyk has previously spoken about the conflict in his country stating that he ‘checks his phone to see how many rockets have landed’ when he wakes up in the morning

    Usyk RANKS the greatest heavyweight boxers of ALL-TIME

    His charity, the Usyk Foundation, have launched a major fundraising campaign to raise 1million EUR to purchase 50 ambulances to save Ukrainian lives amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

    Speaking on the conflict he said: ‘My everyday routine begins with picking up the phone and reading the news about how many rockets have landed in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other cities today.

    ‘Every morning I check to see if all of my friends and loved ones are alive and pray for their safety. And this is how millions of Ukrainians start their day.

    ‘Before the undisputed fight, I received many words of support from all over the world. Those words inspire and motivate me.’