The words shared between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk after their historic heavyweight world title fight have been revealed.
Usyk became the first undisputed champion of the four-belt era thanks to a split decision triumph, claiming scores of 115-112, 113-114, and 114-113.
It was a fight for the ages, a marvel of power, technique, and endurance, and the two fighters showed each other great respect as soon as the final bell went.
Fury immediately pulled Usyk in for a hug and kissed him on the head as they awaited their fate.
And now their conversation after Usyk was crowned champion, which couldn’t be heard clearly on TV, has been revealed.
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Tyson Fury told Oleksandr Usyk that he wanted to visit him and his family in Ukraine – and invited him on a holiday to England after losing by split decision in Saudi Arabia on Saturday
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Usyk was crowned undisputed heavyweight champion of the world via split decision in Riyadh
Oleksandr Usyk ready to go home after victory against Tyson Fury
‘Good work Oleksandr. You’re a strong man and a very good boxer. Very good, my brother. In Christ,’ Fury began as he held Usyk’s head in his hands.
Usyk replied: ‘Listen, I started preparing for you when you were boxing in 2008, European champion,’ likely referencing Fury’s EU Junior Championship of 2007.
Fury said: ‘Thank you my brother, you’re a very good boxer. I love it, I love it, good moves.’
Usyk said: ‘I’m very proud. We’re a friendly… family. My son said: “Hey, Tyson push you…”
Some snippets of their conversation are difficult to make out due to the din of the crowd and the throng surrounding them in the ring.
The Gypsy King made a promise to the newly crowned undisputed heavyweight champion, the first since Lennox Lewis, who retired in 2004.
‘I’d like to come to Ukraine with my family and have a holiday with your family and you can come to my house and have a holiday with me,’ he said.
Usyk sounded up for it. ‘No problem, my friend.’
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Usyk told Fury he had admired him since the 2000s and Fury spoke of his admiration for him
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The Gypsy King (right) expressed his gratitude to Prince Turki and shouted: ‘Show me the money baby!’ when the prospect of a rematch against the Ukrainian fighter was mentioned
Tyson Fury ready for a rematch after losing against Usyk
And then Fury revealed a more immediate intention: ‘My brother, we’ll have a beer after this. Alcohol-free!’
The Brit also exchanged fist bumps and warm words with members of Usyk’s contingent. ‘Thank you guys, appreciate you all.’
There was a heartfelt thank-you to Prince Turki bin Salman Al Saud, brother of crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.
‘Turki, thank you my brother for putting this on. Look how many people couldn’t put us together, but you made this happen for the world. We gave them a precious fight.’
When Prince Turki mentioned more fights in Saudi, Fury’s enthusiasm was uncontainable. ‘Yeah, we’ll have it again. Show me the money baby! Show Oleksandr the money!’
Fury had demanded a rematch in his post-fight interview, with the contract stipulating that the loser can call one. He felt he should have won the fight.
Usyk is moved to tears as he talks about his supportive late dad
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Usyk (left) produced a stunning comeback to beat Fury (right) on Saturday night in Riyadh
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The Ukrainian had Fury troubled in the ninth round and nearly knocked out the Gypsy King
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The victory sees Usyk become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in this century
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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
While Usyk had the upper hand in the opening rounds, pinning a showboating Gypsy King in the corner, Fury came back in the mid-section of the fight with a series of punishing body blows and upper cuts.
However, Usyk looked fresher in the latter stages of the fight and a devastating hit in the ninth round left Fury wobbling around and almost being counted out as he tried to stay on his feet.
