Boxing

FORMER world champion Johnny Nelson fears “devastated” Tyson Fury could RETIRE from boxing following defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.Fury survived a brutal onslaught in round nine and was saved by the bell after being shaken with a left hand. Johnny Nelson fears ‘devastated’ Tyson Fury could retire from boxingCredit: PAFury showed off his battered face after defeat to UsykCredit: GettyTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK AS IT HAPPENED: RELIVE ALL THE ACTION FROM THE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE THRILLERThe heavyweight division’s first four-belt unification ultimately went down to the wire with Usyk walking away with a famous split-decision win. A rematch is contracted and eyed for October but ex-cruiserweight champ Nelson warned not to rule out Fury hanging up his gloves for good. He told Sky Sports: “I think Tyson Fury will be devastated at the result of that. “Tyson’s team will have serious conversations about motivating him after this and get his mind back.READ MORE IN BOXING”Don’t be surprised if Tyson walks away from this. What more can he do? How can he improve from that? “This defeat would have done his head in and his heart in.”Fury, 35, refused to commit to a rematch when probed in the post-fight press conference. He said: “Straight in the old truck, dog in the back, to the tip, all the same old stuff, picking up dog s*** and cleaning out nappies.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“On Monday morning when I’m home doing the school run and the kids are shouting and screaming, and the belts are not to be seen and it’s all back to normal, what will it mean then to me? “It won’t mean anything. For me, it’s just another day at the office, like sitting at the bus stop on Morecambe front and getting wet through and sand hitting you in the face, it’s just another day for me. Just another day in the ghetto.”Tyson Fury answers HOW he managed to get up from Usyk blows that seemed to have him knocked outAnthony Joshua was ringside in Saudi to watch the bout and cheered on as Usyk, 37, who twice defeated him, took home the belts.Joshua, 34, is due to return in September at Wembley and could await the verdict of Fury’s expected rematch with Usyk.Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia for the fightCredit: GettyUsyk almost stopped Fury in round nineCredit: PAFor all the love for resurgent AJ… these two are head, shoulders and fists ahead of everyone else
OLEKSANDR USYK is the deserved undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, writes Wally Downes Jr
A great biggun doesn’t always beat a great littleun, not when David has the weight of a besieged nation on his shoulders and is able to swing each compatriot into every punch.
Usyk did what Usyk does, he moved magnificently, he counter punched and he outworked his taller and heavier opponent.
He somehow manages to use every physical disadvantage to his favour.
But what the hell is Fury doing getting up in round nine?
Why is a father-of-eight with £300million in the bank, three best-selling books and a Netflix series going to the well like?
Britain is not fighting back Putin’s army, Morecambe is not occupied.
So when the 35-year-old’s senses are scrambled, when the canvas is calling him, when he is so desperate not to be felled he is willing to bounce around all the ropes like a drunk, when he eventually has to collapse into a corner, why doesn’t he just stay down?
He has earned the right to surrender as well as his millions.
The sheer courage and guts and bloody mindedness it takes to climb off that deck, with a broken nose and a crumbling ego is not comprehensible to us mortals.
Fury said he felt he won the fight but was too dignified to call robbery or corruption, no doubt his dad will taint that decency by the time you’ve read this.
The rematch will be superb.
Because for all the love we have for a resurgent Anthony Joshua – who was ringside for that iconic event – these two polar opposite men are head, shoulders, fists, hearts and brains ahead of everyone else.
There is the top two, then there is a void and then there is the rest.
Read Wally’s big fight verdict in full here… More

ANTHONY JOSHUA was hilariously asked to take a picture of a fan and Cristiano Ronaldo in what was dubbed a “violation”. Joshua sat next to the Manchester United legend, who now captains Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, for Tyson Fury’s fight against Oleksandr Usyk. Anthony Joshua taking a picture for a fan with Cristiano RonaldoCredit: TNT SportsUsing Anthony Joshua to take a pic with Cristiano Ronaldo is a violation 💀Joshua is a class act, he was holding that shirt for Ronaldo to sign, took the picture all while cheering for the man who beat him twice! Respect. pic.twitter.com/VqD0Mdhfpr— GC (@GettyCristiano) May 19, 2024

And TNT Sports footage captured the moment the result was read out to confirm Usyk’s historic victory over Fury. But just before the split-decision was announced, Ronaldo and Joshua were seen chatting. And Ronaldo signed an Al-Nassr jersey for a fan, who then took a selfie with the Portuguese legend.Who took the photo? Two-time heavyweight world champion Joshua – leaving fans stunned. READ MORE ON RONALDOOne said: “Using Anthony Joshua to take a pic with Cristiano Ronaldo is a violation. “Joshua is a class act, he was holding that shirt for Ronaldo to sign, took the picture all while cheering for the man who beat him twice! Respect.” One hailed: “Top guy AJ. class act.”But another argued: “Not a violation at all. In a room full of the biggest stars in the world it’s Cristiano who is by far the biggest.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFusy vs Usyk: Round by round verdict
HERE’S how SunSport’s Chisanga Malata saw the fight as Oleksandr Usyk was crowned undisputed king of the world against Tyson Fury.
ROUND 1
Here we go. Both men look to establish dominance early by taking the centre of the ring.
Fury marches down the Ukrainian, who opens up with a stiff body shot.
The Gypsy King looks massive in comparison to Usyk, who is no dwarf whatsoever.
Usyk is happy to operate on the outside, although the early jab he’s eaten will have given him some food for thought.
Fury is trying to draw out attacks from Usyk, who is not putting too much into his punches.
Fury gets backed into the corner and channels his inner Muhammad Ali by doing the rope-a-dope.
Usyk lands a big overhand left just seconds before backing Fury into the corner.
Fury dodges the ensuing flurry and gestures to the crowd as if demanding them to acknowledge his head movement. USYK 10-9
ROUND 2
Usyk opens up the round with a big one-two that snaps back the head of Fury.
Fury tries to make light of it but that combo clearly stunned him.
Usyk is setting the stone and the pressure as he advances forward.
A big uppercut narrowly misses for Fury, who knows all too well that’s the shot to deploy on a shorter opponent.
Fury is throwing more punches but isn’t being as accurate as Usyk.
Usyk backs up Fury into the corner and lands a good three-punch combo.
But Fury comes roaring back with a hard body shot after circling away from danger.
Fury finally lands an uppercut, albeit to the body of the former cruiserweight king. FURY 10-9
ROUND 3
Fury is on his bike after the restart and lands a stiff straight right from range.
Usyk has decided to close the distance after eating that shot and is going to work on Fury’s trimmed-down torso.
A solid overhand left snaps back the head of Fury with just over a minute of the stanza remaining.
Fury lands a good combo with thirty seconds remaining. But he gets pushed back against the ring again and eats another flurry before the bell. USYK 10-9
Round 4
Fury goes to work to the body with two hard shots after the restart.
He’s absolutely loving this, dancing around after landing his shots.
But he’s still allowing himself to get backed up and invite the pressure from Usyk.
Fury lands a beautiful counter right as Usyk comes forward.
Usyk has his head snapped back by another hellacious uppercut.
Both men nearly land hard back hands before the bell, with Fury narrowly missing an uppercut and Usyk an overhand left. FURY 10-9
Round 5
Usyk takes the centre of the ring after the restart and looks to feint his way into range.
Fury is doing a good job of keeping the Ukrainian at bay when he looks to close the distance.
A rasping uppercut snaps back the head of Usyk.
Fury is hurting Usyk to the body with relentless hooks to the midriff. FURY 10-9
Round 6
Usyk is on the front foot straight after the restart and is looking to put Fury on the back foot again.
A hard body shot to the solar plexus gives Usyk more food for thought.
Fury almost closed the show with a huge uppercut with a minute and a half of the round remaining.
But he finds a home for it 20 seconds later and Usyk is in retreat mode.
Fury closes out the round with a bit of showboating, put his hands behind his back before resting his arms on the ropes.
A huge round for the Wythenshawe warrior. FURY 10-9
Round 7
Usyk once again closes the distance after the restart but he’s getting picked off at range.
And when he does take a step back, his body is getting blasted by nasty hooks.
Usyk finds a home for his straight left but Fury eats it like a packed lunch made by his loving wife Paris.
Another straight left snaps back the head of Fury, who circles back out of range to try to create space for a body shot
Usyk manages to close the distance with seconds remaining ad finds a home for a two-punch combo.
But Fury manages to circle away to hear the bell. FURY 10-9
Round 8
Fury is happy to operate on the back foot in the eighth and pick his shots.
But he gets his dome rattled by back-to-back straight left hands – which he brushes off before going back to feinting and trying to create space for a body shot.
Usyk briefly finds himself dealing with Fury’s weight in the clinch after landing a good straight left.
Fury is bleeding profusely from his nose. I’m not what caused the damage. Big round that for Usyk. USYK 10-9
Round 9
Fury is doing a good job of bamboozling Usyk with feints, but the Ukrainian continues to come forward.
But he’s slowly but surely allowing the gap to be closed, which leads to him eating a big left hand flush in the corner.
Fury gets hurt and is stumbling around the ring. It was a left hand that did the damage.
Fury doesn’t know where he is and is eating a barrage of crisp follow-up shots. He beats the count and the bell thankfully saves him. USYK 10-8
Round 10
Usyk – like the Big Cat he is – senses blood and isn’t giving Fury any respite.
Fury is barely throwing anything and what he is throwing is telegraphed and slow.
Usyk looks tired, but he needs to keep his foot on the gas pedal if he’s to have any chance of becoming a two-weight undisputed champion. USYK 10-9
Round 11
A desperate Usyk, spurred on by the plight of his fellow Ukrainians back home, immediately goes to work after the restart.
Fury tries to keep him at bay with the jab but is struggling to pump it out with the stiffness it had in the early rounds.
Usyk briefly traps the WBC king in the corner and lands a rasping left hand.
Usyk doubles up with two left hands that briefly back Fury against the ropes.
The round ends with yet another big overhand left from Usyk. USYK 10-9
Round 12
The fans in attendance at the Kingdom Arena cheer both warriors on after the final restart of the fight.
Fury is playing matador as Usyk looks to step into range to land his left hand.
And he finds a home for it with a minute and a half of the stanza remaining.
A chopping right hand sends Fury backwards, but he returns fire with a booking shot of his own that backs up the southpaw.
Fury puts his hands behind his back in a bid to goad Usyk to making a sloppy mistake in the closing seconds.
But he stays sharp as he looks to close the distance, which Fury times to initiate a clinch. FURY 10-9
TOTAL Fury 113 Usyk 114

One said: “CR7 is a celeb among celebs, he is the most-known man on the planet. A class act from AJ who is good friends with CR7…” Joshua watched on as Usyk – who twice beat him on points – almost stopped Fury in round nine before earning the decision. And a rematch looks to be eyed for October while AJ is set to return in September against the June 1 winner between Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubos. Promoter Eddie Hearn told iFL TV: “We want to regain the world heavyweight title, so whoever has got it has got it.”But the rematch is a big fight. That looks like that’ll be set for October, if both guys take it and we have to work on our plans, whether that’s Wembley, we’ll see what happens on June 1.”Joshua and Ronaldo chat from ringsideCredit: GettyOleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury on pointsCredit: PA More

TYSON FURY fell to his first-ever defeat at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk – but was he doomed from the start?Fury was beaten over 12 thrilling rounds and came within a whisker of being stopped in the ninth before heroically battling back. Tyson Fury lost for the first time against Oleksandr UsykCredit: GettyBut the writing could have been on the wall for Fury before he even entered the ring.He seemingly fell victim to the Drake curse, was missing beloved wife Paris as well as many other factors that went against him.Here, SunSport dives into where it went wrong for the dethroned Gypsy King. Premature brag Fury is known as a maverick and one of the most eccentric fighters in recent years. READ MORE IN boxingSo it was no surprise he already had “victory cigar” ready to go which he showed off just hours before the fight. But after it backfired, fans were quick to let Fury know as one said: “This aged well.” Another added: “Don’t think he’ll be sparking that anytime soon.”Fury revealed his ‘victory cigar’ moments before the fightCredit: Instagram @queensberrypromotionsParis misses fight Fury’s childhood sweetheart has been a staple ringside at his fights but she revealed her regret at missing this one. She emotionally posted on Instagram: “Will never not be at your side for a fight again. Even though I couldn’t be there, I wished I was.”Most read in BoxingParis Fury was not at husband Tyson’s fight in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Instagram/parisfury1Drake curse Rapper Drake has gained an unwanted “curse” in recent years for betting on fighters who go onto lose. It was no different on this occasion after he lost a $1MILLION bet after lumping on Fury to beat Usyk. Drake lost $1m betting on Fury to beat UsykCredit: APAnthony Joshua’s reaction to Fury vs Usyk caught on live TV as Hearn reveals how it impacts blockbuster British fightTactical error Fury suggested he was not egged on enough by his corner to put his foot on the gas in the crucial stages of the fight. He said: “If they’d said to me before the last round that I was down I would have gone and tried to finish it but everyone in the corner believed we were up.“All I had to do was just keep boxing and keep doing what I was doing and I was getting it.” Fury hit out at his corner following defeatCredit: ReutersNose job Promoter Frank Warren highlighted Usyk landing a big left hand on Fury’s nose as the turning point in the bout. He said: “I thought he was going to stop him he looked so much in control in the fight. “And then he got caught on the nose, in my opinion he lost his concentration for just a moment and then the next round obviously there was the 10-8 round.” Usyk left Fury’s nose bleeding after a big left handCredit: Getty More

DAVID HAYE slammed the referee for “giving Tyson Fury 20 seconds to recover” from Oleksandr Usyk’s brutal barrage.And he insisted it “looked really bad ringside” that the Gypsy King was allowed to carry on.Oleksandr Usyk battered Tyson Fury in a thrilling ninth roundCredit: PAThe referee scored the knock down and gave a standing countCredit: GettyDavid Haye was not happy with the referee’s decisionCredit: GettyTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK AS IT HAPPENED: RELIVE ALL THE ACTION FROM THE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE THRILLERUsyk turned the tide in their epic undisputed heavyweight world title fight in Riyadh with a thrilling ninth round. He went on a stunning attack with a flurry of huge hits that had Fury completely rocked.The Brit staggered around the ring and it looked as though Usyk was ready to wrap up a shock knock-out victory. But Fury tumbled into the ropes, looking utterly helpless, and referee Mark Nelson called a knockdown – a legitimate decision.READ MORE ON USYK VS FURYHowever, Haye was unhappy with the standing count to ten from Nelson.That is because by the time he finished the count and checked Fury’s ability to defend himself, there was no time to continue fighting before the bell went to end the round.And that prompted a furious backlash from the Hayemaker.He fumed on TNT Sports: “If Fury was doing that to Usyk it would have been stopped. The referee stopped him and his opportunity.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Then gave him 20 seconds to completely recover. “It looked really bad from ringside. Tyson Fury answers HOW he managed to get up from Usyk blows that seemed to have him knocked out”Even Fury fans said, ‘Thanks ref.'”Usyk’s manager was also convinced his man would have secured his historic victory inside the ninth round if he was allowed to have another go at his rattled opponent.Alex Krassyuk moaned: “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.”For all the love for resurgent AJ… these two are head, shoulders and fists ahead of everyone else
OLEKSANDR USYK is the deserved undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, writes Wally Downes Jr
A great biggun doesn’t always beat a great littleun, not when David has the weight of a besieged nation on his shoulders and is able to swing each compatriot into every punch.
Usyk did what Usyk does, he moved magnificently, he counter punched and he outworked his taller and heavier opponent.
He somehow manages to use every physical disadvantage to his favour.
But what the hell is Fury doing getting up in round nine?
Why is a father-of-eight with £300million in the bank, three best-selling books and a Netflix series going to the well like?
Britain is not fighting back Putin’s army, Morecambe is not occupied.
So when the 35-year-old’s senses are scrambled, when the canvas is calling him, when he is so desperate not to be felled he is willing to bounce around all the ropes like a drunk, when he eventually has to collapse into a corner, why doesn’t he just stay down?
He has earned the right to surrender as well as his millions.
The sheer courage and guts and bloody mindedness it takes to climb off that deck, with a broken nose and a crumbling ego is not comprehensible to us mortals.
Fury said he felt he won the fight but was too dignified to call robbery or corruption, no doubt his dad will taint that decency by the time you’ve read this.
The rematch will be superb.
Because for all the love we have for a resurgent Anthony Joshua – who was ringside for that iconic event – these two polar opposite men are head, shoulders, fists, hearts and brains ahead of everyone else.
There is the top two, then there is a void and then there is the rest.
Read Wally’s big fight verdict in full here…

In the end, though, Usyk got his win thanks to a split decision from the judges. The emotional champ broke down in tears after the win – but walked out of his live TV interview with TNT Sports to get a congratulatory kiss from his doting wife.READ MORE SUN STORIESFury initially insisted he would trigger the release clause in the contract.But he cast doubt over their October reunion by suggesting he would not risk brain damage to step back in the ring – or he may bypass Usyk for a mega showdown with Anthony Joshua. Fusy vs Usyk: Round by round verdict
HERE’S how SunSport’s Chisanga Malata saw the fight as Oleksandr Usyk was crowned undisputed king of the world against Tyson Fury.
ROUND 1
Here we go. Both men look to establish dominance early by taking the centre of the ring.
Fury marches down the Ukrainian, who opens up with a stiff body shot.
The Gypsy King looks massive in comparison to Usyk, who is no dwarf whatsoever.
Usyk is happy to operate on the outside, although the early jab he’s eaten will have given him some food for thought.
Fury is trying to draw out attacks from Usyk, who is not putting too much into his punches.
Fury gets backed into the corner and channels his inner Muhammad Ali by doing the rope-a-dope.
Usyk lands a big overhand left just seconds before backing Fury into the corner.
Fury dodges the ensuing flurry and gestures to the crowd as if demanding them to acknowledge his head movement. USYK 10-9
ROUND 2
Usyk opens up the round with a big one-two that snaps back the head of Fury.
Fury tries to make light of it but that combo clearly stunned him.
Usyk is setting the stone and the pressure as he advances forward.
A big uppercut narrowly misses for Fury, who knows all too well that’s the shot to deploy on a shorter opponent.
Fury is throwing more punches but isn’t being as accurate as Usyk.
Usyk backs up Fury into the corner and lands a good three-punch combo.
But Fury comes roaring back with a hard body shot after circling away from danger.
Fury finally lands an uppercut, albeit to the body of the former cruiserweight king. FURY 10-9
ROUND 3
Fury is on his bike after the restart and lands a stiff straight right from range.
Usyk has decided to close the distance after eating that shot and is going to work on Fury’s trimmed-down torso.
A solid overhand left snaps back the head of Fury with just over a minute of the stanza remaining.
Fury lands a good combo with thirty seconds remaining. But he gets pushed back against the ring again and eats another flurry before the bell. USYK 10-9
Round 4
Fury goes to work to the body with two hard shots after the restart.
He’s absolutely loving this, dancing around after landing his shots.
But he’s still allowing himself to get backed up and invite the pressure from Usyk.
Fury lands a beautiful counter right as Usyk comes forward.
Usyk has his head snapped back by another hellacious uppercut.
Both men nearly land hard back hands before the bell, with Fury narrowly missing an uppercut and Usyk an overhand left. FURY 10-9
Round 5
Usyk takes the centre of the ring after the restart and looks to feint his way into range.
Fury is doing a good job of keeping the Ukrainian at bay when he looks to close the distance.
A rasping uppercut snaps back the head of Usyk.
Fury is hurting Usyk to the body with relentless hooks to the midriff. FURY 10-9
Round 6
Usyk is on the front foot straight after the restart and is looking to put Fury on the back foot again.
A hard body shot to the solar plexus gives Usyk more food for thought.
Fury almost closed the show with a huge uppercut with a minute and a half of the round remaining.
But he finds a home for it 20 seconds later and Usyk is in retreat mode.
Fury closes out the round with a bit of showboating, put his hands behind his back before resting his arms on the ropes.
A huge round for the Wythenshawe warrior. FURY 10-9
Round 7
Usyk once again closes the distance after the restart but he’s getting picked off at range.
And when he does take a step back, his body is getting blasted by nasty hooks.
Usyk finds a home for his straight left but Fury eats it like a packed lunch made by his loving wife Paris.
Another straight left snaps back the head of Fury, who circles back out of range to try to create space for a body shot
Usyk manages to close the distance with seconds remaining ad finds a home for a two-punch combo.
But Fury manages to circle away to hear the bell. FURY 10-9
Round 8
Fury is happy to operate on the back foot in the eighth and pick his shots.
But he gets his dome rattled by back-to-back straight left hands – which he brushes off before going back to feinting and trying to create space for a body shot.
Usyk briefly finds himself dealing with Fury’s weight in the clinch after landing a good straight left.
Fury is bleeding profusely from his nose. I’m not what caused the damage. Big round that for Usyk. USYK 10-9
Round 9
Fury is doing a good job of bamboozling Usyk with feints, but the Ukrainian continues to come forward.
But he’s slowly but surely allowing the gap to be closed, which leads to him eating a big left hand flush in the corner.
Fury gets hurt and is stumbling around the ring. It was a left hand that did the damage.
Fury doesn’t know where he is and is eating a barrage of crisp follow-up shots. He beats the count and the bell thankfully saves him. USYK 10-8
Round 10
Usyk – like the Big Cat he is – senses blood and isn’t giving Fury any respite.
Fury is barely throwing anything and what he is throwing is telegraphed and slow.
Usyk looks tired, but he needs to keep his foot on the gas pedal if he’s to have any chance of becoming a two-weight undisputed champion. USYK 10-9
Round 11
A desperate Usyk, spurred on by the plight of his fellow Ukrainians back home, immediately goes to work after the restart.
Fury tries to keep him at bay with the jab but is struggling to pump it out with the stiffness it had in the early rounds.
Usyk briefly traps the WBC king in the corner and lands a rasping left hand.
Usyk doubles up with two left hands that briefly back Fury against the ropes.
The round ends with yet another big overhand left from Usyk. USYK 10-9
Round 12
The fans in attendance at the Kingdom Arena cheer both warriors on after the final restart of the fight.
Fury is playing matador as Usyk looks to step into range to land his left hand.
And he finds a home for it with a minute and a half of the stanza remaining.
A chopping right hand sends Fury backwards, but he returns fire with a booking shot of his own that backs up the southpaw.
Fury puts his hands behind his back in a bid to goad Usyk to making a sloppy mistake in the closing seconds.
But he stays sharp as he looks to close the distance, which Fury times to initiate a clinch. FURY 10-9
TOTAL Fury 113 Usyk 114 More

ANTHONY JOSHUA’S immediate reaction to Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk was caught on camera.Just seconds after the final bell and before the result was announced, TNT Sports focused in on AJ.Anthony Joshua had no doubt that Oleksandr Usyk wonCredit: tnt sports Usyk is now the undisputed world championCredit: Getty[embedded content]Joshua was chatting to his promoter Eddie Hearn and football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo when a Saudi Arabian local asked him to predict the winner.Without hesitation – AJ replied with Usyk’s name before being talked into admitting, “it could be a draw”.The Ukrainian’s win was sealed via a split decision and key to his victory was a fantastic ninth round that saw him land several powerful punches. It left Fury stumbling around the ring and with just the ropes holding him, an official knockdown was awarded.READ MORE IN BOXINGOn the decisive ninth round, Hearn joined in and said: “Even the ref could’ve stopped it. He was gone – out.”When the ref jumped in I thought I didn’t know if he had given it.”I think it’s Usyk’s. It could be a draw. I don’t think you can say Fury won the fight although he boxed very well.”When the result was announced, AJ and Hearn applauded as Ronaldo looked stony-faced. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd in an interview with iFL TV after the fight, Hearn added: “Joshua thought Usyk won. I come over and said, ‘what do you think?’”He went, ‘Usyk won it easy’. I had it quite close.Tyson Fury answers HOW he managed to get up from Usyk blows that seemed to have him knocked out”I thought Fury boxed fantastically well the first six rounds of the fight, I thought he was well on his way to boxing to a stoppage or a points decision.”Usyk – just incredible, I can’t believe it.”AJ has already lost to Usyk twice in his career and there has been talk of a blockbuster British clash against Fury.Asked if yesterday’s defeat impacts those plans, Hearn said: “Not really, this is their night tonight.”We want to regain the world heavyweight title, so whoever has got it has got it.”But the rematch is a big fight. That looks like that’ll be set for October, if both guys take it and we have to work on our plans, whether that’s Wembley, we’ll see what happens on June 1.”On June 1, Deontay Wilder gets in the ring with Zhilei Zhang with Joshua open to fighting the winner.For all the love for resurgent AJ… these two are head, shoulders and fists ahead of everyone else
OLEKSANDR USYK is the deserved undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, writes Wally Downes Jr
A great biggun doesn’t always beat a great littleun, not when David has the weight of a besieged nation on his shoulders and is able to swing each compatriot into every punch.
Usyk did what Usyk does, he moved magnificently, he counter punched and he outworked his taller and heavier opponent.
He somehow manages to use every physical disadvantage to his favour.
But what the hell is Fury doing getting up in round nine?
Why is a father-of-eight with £300million in the bank, three best-selling books and a Netflix series going to the well like?
Britain is not fighting back Putin’s army, Morecambe is not occupied.
So when the 35-year-old’s senses are scrambled, when the canvas is calling him, when he is so desperate not to be felled he is willing to bounce around all the ropes like a drunk, when he eventually has to collapse into a corner, why doesn’t he just stay down?
He has earned the right to surrender as well as his millions.
The sheer courage and guts and bloody mindedness it takes to climb off that deck, with a broken nose and a crumbling ego is not comprehensible to us mortals.
Fury said he felt he won the fight but was too dignified to call robbery or corruption, no doubt his dad will taint that decency by the time you’ve read this.
The rematch will be superb.
Because for all the love we have for a resurgent Anthony Joshua – who was ringside for that iconic event – these two polar opposite men are head, shoulders, fists, hearts and brains ahead of everyone else.
There is the top two, then there is a void and then there is the rest.
Read Wally’s big fight verdict in full here… More

KATE ABDO accepted Astrid Wett’s callout while at Usyk vs Fury last night.The popular presenter, 42, was on hosting duties for DAZN at the huge undisputed heavyweight title bout.Kate Abdo was quizzed over the prospect of fighting Astrid WettCredit: X @EzeTalksSportsThe popular presenter did not shut down the ideaCredit: X @EzeTalksSportsAbdo, 42, has been in boxing trainingCredit: Instagram @kateabdoAstrid Wett has a 3-0 record in Misfits BoxingCredit: instagram @ wettastridWhen she had a spare moment, Abdo stopped for a chat about her own boxing exploits.The CBS Sports star has been in boxing training, sharing a number of sparring clips online.She is dating former pro boxer Malik Scott, who has worked as head coach of Deontay Wilder.Abdo has not yet fought, but was previously called out by Misfits Boxing champion Astrid.READ MORE IN SPORTChatting to Eze Talks Sports last night, Abdo was asked about the callout.The DAZN star smiled as she responded: “She called me out? Okay nice, I like it. How good is she?”When it was put to her that Astrid is a “champion”, Abdo responded by asking: “How many fights has she got?”After hearing that Astrid has three fights under her belt, Abdo said: “Alright… three fights I can deal with.”Most read in BoxingShe was then asked if, with Malik’s help, she can be champion within a few fights.Abdo ended the tongue-in-cheek exchange by saying: “A few fights?CBS Sports presenter Kate Abdo to make Misfits debut after training with boxing coach boyfriend Malik ScottFor all the love for resurgent AJ… these two are head, shoulders and fists ahead of everyone else

OLEKSANDR USYK is the deserved undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, writes Wally Downes Jr
A great biggun doesn’t always beat a great littleun, not when David has the weight of a besieged nation on his shoulders and is able to swing each compatriot into every punch.
Usyk did what Usyk does, he moved magnificently, he counter punched and he outworked his taller and heavier opponent.
He somehow manages to use every physical disadvantage to his favour.
But what the hell is Fury doing getting up in round nine?
Why is a father-of-eight with £300million in the bank, three best-selling books and a Netflix series going to the well like?
Britain is not fighting back Putin’s army, Morecambe is not occupied.
So when the 35-year-old’s senses are scrambled, when the canvas is calling him, when he is so desperate not to be felled he is willing to bounce around all the ropes like a drunk, when he eventually has to collapse into a corner, why doesn’t he just stay down?
He has earned the right to surrender as well as his millions.
The sheer courage and guts and bloody mindedness it takes to climb off that deck, with a broken nose and a crumbling ego is not comprehensible to us mortals.
Fury said he felt he won the fight but was too dignified to call robbery or corruption, no doubt his dad will taint that decency by the time you’ve read this.
The rematch will be superb.
Because for all the love we have for a resurgent Anthony Joshua – who was ringside for that iconic event – these two polar opposite men are head, shoulders, fists, hearts and brains ahead of everyone else.
There is the top two, then there is a void and then there is the rest.
Read Wally’s big fight verdict in full here…

“Well if I’m going to fight a champion in my first fight, why not in my first fight?”Astrid won her first two bouts against Keeley Colbran and AJ Bunker.Last time out she triumphed over Alexia Grace via majority decision.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK AS IT HAPPENED: RELIVE ALL THE ACTION FROM THE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE THRILLERAbdo was joined by pundits Joseph Parker and Lennox Lewis on last night’s coverage.Fans loved that she was on presenting duties, with one writing: “Kate Abdo. Wow!”While a second gushed: “shoutout @kate_abdo.”And another added: “I love you @kate_abdo.”Abdo was on presenting duty alongside Joseph Parker and Lennox Lewis More

STEVE BUNCE was gutted as the TNT Sport cameras cut away from Oleksandr Usyk as he was speaking to Tyson Fury.The feed was capturing an intimate moment between the heavyweight greats after their bruising bout.Oleksandr Usyk won a thrilling heavyweight showdownCredit: AFPTyson Fury thought he had won the fightCredit: GettyUsyk, 37, won via a split decision to be crowned a two-weight undisputed champion.Bunce was listening in as the Ukrainian great spoke to the Gypsy King, 35, before the result was announced.The commentator said: “’Tyson no matter what the decision.’ “He was about to say something and we lost it – that would go down in history.”read more in boxingFury appeared to claim that he lost his showdown with Usyk because the judges sided with his rival over the war in Ukraine.”I believe I won that fight,” he said. “I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority of them, and I believe it was one of those what-can-you-do, one of them … decisions in boxing. “We both put on a good fight, best we can do.”You know, his country is at war, so people are siding with a country at war.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFury was quizzed about his suggestion later.He said: “It was what it was. It’s not up to the fighters.Anthony Joshua’s reaction to Fury vs Usyk caught on live TV as Hearn reveals how it impacts blockbuster British fight“One of the judges had me winning, two of them didn’t. It was what it was.”Despite saying in the ring immediately after the fight “I am ready for a rematch”, Fury then appeared to backpedal on another shot at Usyk, who was taken to hospital with a suspected broken jaw.He said: “You can see my face, it’s pretty busted up and he’s busted too.“We punched f**** out of each other for 12 rounds.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK AS IT HAPPENED: RELIVE ALL THE ACTION FROM THE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE THRILLER“I’m going to go home, drink some food, drink some beers, have some family time, walk the dog, go to the tip and me and Frank Warren will discuss the future.“If there’s going to be another fight, I think they’re talking about October, then we’ll rock and roll.“I’m not boxing because I’ve got no money, I’m boxing because I love it.For all the love for resurgent AJ… these two are head, shoulders and fists ahead of everyone else
OLEKSANDR USYK is the deserved undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, writes Wally Downes Jr
A great biggun doesn’t always beat a great littleun, not when David has the weight of a besieged nation on his shoulders and is able to swing each compatriot into every punch.
Usyk did what Usyk does, he moved magnificently, he counter punched and he outworked his taller and heavier opponent.
He somehow manages to use every physical disadvantage to his favour.
But what the hell is Fury doing getting up in round nine?
Why is a father-of-eight with £300million in the bank, three best-selling books and a Netflix series going to the well like?
Britain is not fighting back Putin’s army, Morecambe is not occupied.
So when the 35-year-old’s senses are scrambled, when the canvas is calling him, when he is so desperate not to be felled he is willing to bounce around all the ropes like a drunk, when he eventually has to collapse into a corner, why doesn’t he just stay down?
He has earned the right to surrender as well as his millions.
The sheer courage and guts and bloody mindedness it takes to climb off that deck, with a broken nose and a crumbling ego is not comprehensible to us mortals.
Fury said he felt he won the fight but was too dignified to call robbery or corruption, no doubt his dad will taint that decency by the time you’ve read this.
The rematch will be superb.
Because for all the love we have for a resurgent Anthony Joshua – who was ringside for that iconic event – these two polar opposite men are head, shoulders, fists, hearts and brains ahead of everyone else.
There is the top two, then there is a void and then there is the rest.
Read Wally’s big fight verdict in full here…

“I’m 36 in a few months, I’ve been boxing since I was a child. Where does it all end?“You have 100 fights and you have brain damage and are in a wheelchair?READ MORE SUN STORIES“For as long as I’m loving the game, I’ll continue to do it, and when I don’t, I’ll pack it up.”Fusy vs Usyk: Round by round verdict
HERE’S how SunSport’s Chisanga Malata saw the fight as Oleksandr Usyk was crowned undisputed king of the world against Tyson Fury.
ROUND 1
Here we go. Both men look to establish dominance early by taking the centre of the ring.
Fury marches down the Ukrainian, who opens up with a stiff body shot.
The Gypsy King looks massive in comparison to Usyk, who is no dwarf whatsoever.
Usyk is happy to operate on the outside, although the early jab he’s eaten will have given him some food for thought.
Fury is trying to draw out attacks from Usyk, who is not putting too much into his punches.
Fury gets backed into the corner and channels his inner Muhammad Ali by doing the rope-a-dope.
Usyk lands a big overhand left just seconds before backing Fury into the corner.
Fury dodges the ensuing flurry and gestures to the crowd as if demanding them to acknowledge his head movement. USYK 10-9
ROUND 2
Usyk opens up the round with a big one-two that snaps back the head of Fury.
Fury tries to make light of it but that combo clearly stunned him.
Usyk is setting the stone and the pressure as he advances forward.
A big uppercut narrowly misses for Fury, who knows all too well that’s the shot to deploy on a shorter opponent.
Fury is throwing more punches but isn’t being as accurate as Usyk.
Usyk backs up Fury into the corner and lands a good three-punch combo.
But Fury comes roaring back with a hard body shot after circling away from danger.
Fury finally lands an uppercut, albeit to the body of the former cruiserweight king. FURY 10-9
ROUND 3
Fury is on his bike after the restart and lands a stiff straight right from range.
Usyk has decided to close the distance after eating that shot and is going to work on Fury’s trimmed-down torso.
A solid overhand left snaps back the head of Fury with just over a minute of the stanza remaining.
Fury lands a good combo with thirty seconds remaining. But he gets pushed back against the ring again and eats another flurry before the bell. USYK 10-9
Round 4
Fury goes to work to the body with two hard shots after the restart.
He’s absolutely loving this, dancing around after landing his shots.
But he’s still allowing himself to get backed up and invite the pressure from Usyk.
Fury lands a beautiful counter right as Usyk comes forward.
Usyk has his head snapped back by another hellacious uppercut.
Both men nearly land hard back hands before the bell, with Fury narrowly missing an uppercut and Usyk an overhand left. FURY 10-9
Round 5
Usyk takes the centre of the ring after the restart and looks to feint his way into range.
Fury is doing a good job of keeping the Ukrainian at bay when he looks to close the distance.
A rasping uppercut snaps back the head of Usyk.
Fury is hurting Usyk to the body with relentless hooks to the midriff. FURY 10-9
Round 6
Usyk is on the front foot straight after the restart and is looking to put Fury on the back foot again.
A hard body shot to the solar plexus gives Usyk more food for thought.
Fury almost closed the show with a huge uppercut with a minute and a half of the round remaining.
But he finds a home for it 20 seconds later and Usyk is in retreat mode.
Fury closes out the round with a bit of showboating, put his hands behind his back before resting his arms on the ropes.
A huge round for the Wythenshawe warrior. FURY 10-9
Round 7
Usyk once again closes the distance after the restart but he’s getting picked off at range.
And when he does take a step back, his body is getting blasted by nasty hooks.
Usyk finds a home for his straight left but Fury eats it like a packed lunch made by his loving wife Paris.
Another straight left snaps back the head of Fury, who circles back out of range to try to create space for a body shot
Usyk manages to close the distance with seconds remaining ad finds a home for a two-punch combo.
But Fury manages to circle away to hear the bell. FURY 10-9
Round 8
Fury is happy to operate on the back foot in the eighth and pick his shots.
But he gets his dome rattled by back-to-back straight left hands – which he brushes off before going back to feinting and trying to create space for a body shot.
Usyk briefly finds himself dealing with Fury’s weight in the clinch after landing a good straight left.
Fury is bleeding profusely from his nose. I’m not what caused the damage. Big round that for Usyk. USYK 10-9
Round 9
Fury is doing a good job of bamboozling Usyk with feints, but the Ukrainian continues to come forward.
But he’s slowly but surely allowing the gap to be closed, which leads to him eating a big left hand flush in the corner.
Fury gets hurt and is stumbling around the ring. It was a left hand that did the damage.
Fury doesn’t know where he is and is eating a barrage of crisp follow-up shots. He beats the count and the bell thankfully saves him. USYK 10-8
Round 10
Usyk – like the Big Cat he is – senses blood and isn’t giving Fury any respite.
Fury is barely throwing anything and what he is throwing is telegraphed and slow.
Usyk looks tired, but he needs to keep his foot on the gas pedal if he’s to have any chance of becoming a two-weight undisputed champion. USYK 10-9
Round 11
A desperate Usyk, spurred on by the plight of his fellow Ukrainians back home, immediately goes to work after the restart.
Fury tries to keep him at bay with the jab but is struggling to pump it out with the stiffness it had in the early rounds.
Usyk briefly traps the WBC king in the corner and lands a rasping left hand.
Usyk doubles up with two left hands that briefly back Fury against the ropes.
The round ends with yet another big overhand left from Usyk. USYK 10-9
Round 12
The fans in attendance at the Kingdom Arena cheer both warriors on after the final restart of the fight.
Fury is playing matador as Usyk looks to step into range to land his left hand.
And he finds a home for it with a minute and a half of the stanza remaining.
A chopping right hand sends Fury backwards, but he returns fire with a booking shot of his own that backs up the southpaw.
Fury puts his hands behind his back in a bid to goad Usyk to making a sloppy mistake in the closing seconds.
But he stays sharp as he looks to close the distance, which Fury times to initiate a clinch. FURY 10-9
TOTAL Fury 113 Usyk 114 More