Boxing

TYSON FURY’S unbeaten record was ground to dust in the Saudi desert.Ukrainian warrior Oleksandr Usyk outpointed Fury to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the world since Lennox Lewis a quarter of a century ago.Oleksandr Usyk became the first man to beat Tyson FuryCredit: PAUsyk celebrates his famous victoryCredit: GettyFury believed he won the fightCredit: ReutersUsyk is three stones lighter and seven inches shorter than Britain’s Gypsy King but this toughest of cookies proved that a good little ‘un can defeat a good big ‘un, contrary to boxing’s oldest adage.Especially when the smaller man possesses a heart the size of Usyk’s.A compelling, high-class contest was neck-and-neck until the end of the ninth round when Usyk landed a crushing left hook which turned Fury’s legs to custard and left him facing a standing count.The judges gave it to Usyk on a split decision, yet it ought to have been unanimous.READ MORE IN boxingIt was a first defeat in 36 professional bouts for Fury – who started off showboating, then began to dominate but was finally battered into near submission by Usyk’s extraordinary counter-attack.And so Fury surrenders his WBC belt to Usyk – although this was such a brilliant battle that a scheduled rematch later this year will hold extreme intrigue.Riyadh might be the polar opposite to Las Vegas but the Saudi capital is now the undisputed fight capital of the world – and so a decent number of Brits had made it over for a dry weekend in the Middle East.The pre-match build-up was much the same as it would have been anywhere – headbutting, argy-bargy, trash-talking and God-thanking.Most read in BoxingAlthough there were also millions of tributes paid to ‘His Excellency Turki Alalshikh’, the key player in the sportswashing Saudification of elite boxing.Should such a historic fight have been held in a nation with no tradition and little interest in the sport?Probably not. The counter-argument is that without the obscene wealth the Saudis are willing to lavish on fighters, such elite unification contests might never happen.There had been widespread talk of Fury’s powers waning.Emotional Oleksandr Usyk IN TEARS as he pays tribute to his father after beating Tyson FuryA controversial win over UFC fighter Francis Ngannou late last year was followed by a serious cut sustained in a sparring session which saw this bout moved from its original February date.But Fury has been doubted far more gravely in the past, when his physical and mental health collapsed, along with a failed drug test, after he dethroned Wladimir Klitshcko back in 2015.He had never previously lacked sharpness for his most serious tests.Usyk had become a professional Brit-slayer in recent years, having seen off Tony Bellew, Derek Chisora and Daniel Dubois as well as his two victories over Anthony Joshua.Usyk lands the big left hand on FuryCredit: PAFury was left tottering backwardsCredit: GettyUsyk was on the verge of a stoppage victoryCredit: 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…

But this was always going to be the defining fight of his career. A former unified world cruiserweight champion, he was here in just his 22nd professional fight, looking to claim the undisputed king of the big-boy division.There were Saudi-based luminaries such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Steven Gerrard in attendance, as well as several legends of the fight game including Joshua, Klitschko, Lewis and Evander Holyfield, the man he had defeated to become undisputed champion in 1999.The pre-fight atmosphere was better than usual for a Saudi-based fight but not a patch on a sold-out Wembley, the lack of intoxicating liquid never helping matters.After a lengthy undercard and a rap concert, a stony-faced Usyk strode out first in traditional Ukrainian dress, complete with a feather in his fur-lined hat.Then Fury, dancing and shadow-boxing to Barry White and Bonnie Tyler in one of his lower-key ring walks.Then after Michael Buffer had readied us for the rumble, Fury was straight into showboating mode, bobbing his head manically from side to side in the corner, Usyk sticking his tongue out in retaliation.Those sort of histrionics might unsettle many opponents but Usyk is ice-cool and unflappable.The Ukrainian landed the best punch of the opener with a powerful left hook.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

In the second, Fury was more business-like, scoring with a couple of telling body shots, though Usyk was also enjoying some success.The ham-acting was back in the fourth – Fury lowering his guard, then raising his arms, but also landing some decent shots and settling into his rhythm to win the round.Fury was beginning to combine flamboyance with vehemence to good effect – that eccentric jitterbugging gait of his and those debilitating shots to the body.Twice in the sixth round, Fury connected with vicious uppercuts which rocked back the smaller man. Then after more showboating in the corner, he leapt straight back into attack.At halfway to the full distance, the Brit was establishing dominance.Yet Usyk showed the heart of a champion in the seventh, Fury forced to take a couple of thumping head shots, then an impressive one-two just before the bell.Fury began the eighth with a stunning combination of his own but the Ukrainian responded in kind in a proper slug-fest.At the end of the ninth, Usyk scored with a cracking left hook which sent Fury sprawling on to the ropes, followed swiftly by a right which left his legs wobbling.READ MORE SUN STORIESSoon the Brit was taking a standing count from ref Mark Nelson.Fury was in serious strife, clinging for dear life and could not land the knock-out blow he must have known he needed as the minutes counted down.Fury’s nose was covered in bloodCredit: ReutersBoth boxers embrace post-fightCredit: GettyA rematch is already eyed for OctoberCredit: Getty More

TYSON FURY was literally saved by the bell in truly dramatic fashion against Oleksandr Usyk.After a slow start, the unbeaten Gypsy King looked to be taking control of the undisputed world heavyweight title fight in Riyadh.Tyson Fury was in real trouble against Oleksandr UsykCredit: PAThe Gypsy King looked up in desperationCredit: TNT SportsHe was slumped against the ropesCredit: TNT SportsUsyk looked on course to seal a dramatic winCredit: TNT SportsThe referee jumped in to separate the pairCredit: TNT SportsFury looked completely dazed and lost in the ringCredit: TNT SportsTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK AS IT HAPPENED: RELIVE ALL THE ACTION FROM THE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE THRILLERHowever, Usyk turned the tide again in emphatic fashion in the ninth round.And the Ukrainian absolutely peppered his opponent with a flurry of massive shots.Fury was clearly struggling as he stumbled around the ring seemingly totally dazed.Then he slumped down against the ropes and looked up pretty helpless – with a knockdown officially scored.READ MORE IN BOXINGBut just as Usyk was tightening the screw and looking to close in on a historic win, the referee pulled the pair apart and gave the Brit a standing count.Then the klaxon sounded followed by the bell as Fury escaped.However, David Haye could not believe what he saw as he said: “I don’t know why the referee gave him a count.”But it was only to delay Fury’s pain.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat is because Fury lost for the first time in his career thanks to an incredible split decision – all sparked by Usyk’s sensational comeback in round nine.Confident and charismatic Fury wowed his supporters with his sensational ring walk – which featured singing along to Barry White and Bonnie Tyler.Oleksandr Usyk DETHRONES Tyson Fury with huge split decision victory at Ring of FireFor 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…

That lifted the mood inside the stadium – which was pretty flat and underwhelming during the undercard.One fan joked there was “more atmosphere in Greggs” and another quipped you could “hear a mouse fart”.There was a star-studded line-up ringside for the mega fight night – with Cristiano Ronaldo sat next to Anthony Joshua.But the iconic Portuguese footballer was sensationally booed by some members of the crowd as he made his way to the seat.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

Usyk came out of the blocks flying and immediately put his opponent under pressure in the opening stages.But in the very first round, the Gypsy King showed total confidence as he showboated to the crowd, leaning against the ropes and looking out into the crowd with his mouth wide open.READ MORE SUN STORIESFury trailed early on but then dominated for large parts of the fight before the sudden turnaround in round nine.And Usyk continued to end strongly before taking the victory with a stunning split decision – ending Fury’s unbeaten professional record.Fury showboated in the opening roundCredit: ReutersUsyk was crowned undisputed world heavyweight championCredit: ReutersThere was plenty of respect between the two after the final bellCredit: Getty More

ONE brave punter placed a huge bet on Moses Itauma, but only won enough to pay for his dinner.A boxing fan watching on from home decided to stake a whopping £800 on 19-year-old Brit sensation Itauma to win his bout on the Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk undercard.A daredevil punter staked £800 on Moses Itauma to win his fight tonightCredit: GettyItauma dominated his opponent, Ilja Mezencev, winning by knockout in the second round and earning the fan a measly £24.24Credit: PAItauma, who has been touted as the ‘British Mike Tyson’, faced Ilja Mezencev as he looked to maintain his perfect record as a pro.And given Itauma’s reputation and form, one punter risked a stunning £800 stake on the star to win by KO, TKO or disqualification at odds of just 1/33.Fortunately for the daredevil armchair fan, Itauma pummelled his opponent and won the bout by knockout in the second round as expected.With the Kent fighter huge favourite to win the fight, the brave punter won a measly £24.24 from their mammoth stake.READ MORE IN BOXINGBut the gutsy gambler didn’t seem too disappointed with their winnings as they took to social media to explain it had paid for their dinner.They wrote: “Just paid for the curry I’m about to order”.Fans couldn’t believe the crazy bet and replied in the comments with their reactions.One wrote: “Sort of respect it in some sick way.”Most read in BoxingWhile another added: “Not worth the high blood pressure.”A third joked: “Nah that ain’t worth the stress.”And a fourth commented: “Free curry is a free curry I suppose.”The lucky fan even posted a photo of his meal afterwards alongside a thank you to Itauma for winning the bout.Fans and boxing experts alike have their eyes firmly set on Itauma who looks to have a huge future ahead of him in the sport.The youngster has his own heart set on becoming the youngest world champion in history with spring 2025 as his aim to achieve the feat.He told SunSport earlier this year: “Me and my brother have talked about me breaking that record and just looking at the dates and the maths, it is very doable.”Karol told me, ‘If anyone can do it then you can.’ And I believe I can do it.”TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHT More

TYSON FURY stunned fans as he walked out to Barry White and Bonnie Tyler for his fight with Oleksandr Usyk.Ever the showman, the Gypsy King produced an upbeat ring walk for his undisputed heavyweight title showdown.Tyson Fury made a typically charismatic entranceCredit: ReutersNo expenses were spared as Fury put on a showCredit: TNT SportsFury, 35, was at his charismatic bestCredit: ReutersThe Gypsy King’s cool entrance oozed confidenceCredit: TNT SportsFury delighted the fans with his amazing entranceCredit: PAAfter Usyk made his way into the ring, the floor was all Fury’s – and he didn’t disappoint.With the Gypsy King wearing a backwards cap and a sleeveless jacket, Barry White’s “My Everything” blared out at Kingdom Arena.Fury looked as cool as a cucumber as he began to amble towards the ring.When enough of “My Everything” had played, the medley moved on to Bonnie Tyler’s “I Need a Hero”.Read More in SportFans couldn’t get enough of the Gypsy King’s typically charismatic entrance.One wrote: “Fury skanking to Barry White and Bonnie Tyler for his ringwalk was not on my bingo card. Nutter.”While a second swooned: “Omg! @Tyson_Fury rocking Barry White! You just can’t help but get a kick outta this guy!”A third commented: “Barry White into Bonnie Tyler, one has to admire @Tyson_Fury’s taste in Music.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd a fourth admitted: “Whatever your opinion of Tyson Fury, the Barry White/Bonnie Tyler medley for his ring walk was a choice.”While another added: “Barry White my everything as a walk out song is goated.”Cristiano Ronaldo booed as he arrives at Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr UsykFury’s antics were watched on by a host of high-profile celebrities.Among those sat ringside was Fury’s great rival Anthony Joshua.While next to AJ was Cristiano Ronaldo – kitted out in a £3,350 Gucci outfit and £1.2million Franck Muller watch.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHT More

TYSON FURY showboated in the very first round of his blockbuster showdown with Oleksandr Usyk.The Gypsy King was on the ropes in the opening stanza against his Ukrainian opponent.Tyson Fury was up to his usual antics inside the first roundCredit: ReutersThe Saudi crowd were loving his crazy anticsCredit: TNT SportsTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHTBut despite being under a slight bit of pressure from Usyk, Fury showed he still felt very comfortable.And to prove it, he hilariously played up to the crowd.Fury danced with his arms up on the top rope.And then he turned his face away from Usyk and opened his mouth wide while looking out into the audience inside the Kingdom Arena.Later on, he also did his usual trick of dropping his arms down by his side and behind his back before shimmying his body.Fury also lifted his arms high in the air mid-way through the fourth round as well as wagging his tongue towards the spectators.But it was his behaviour in round one that had everyone talking.One said: “Fury trynna showboat his way into winning a round lol.”Most read in BoxingAnother wrote: “He’s completely crazy.”A third added: “Fury on the showboat 😅 Not sure that will work against Usyk.”A fourth replied: “He knows how to entertain.”Confident and charismatic Fury wowed his supporters with his sensational ring walk – which featured singing along to Barry White and Bonnie Tyler. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.Fury turned around and stood open-mouthedCredit: TNT SportsHe also wagged his tongue to those watching onCredit: TNT Sports More

FURIOUS fans fumed there was “more atmosphere in Greggs” than in the Kingdom Arena ahead of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk.The two unbeaten heavyweights finally step into the ring together tonight in the biggest fight of the century.Fans slammed the lack of atmosphere ahead of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr UsykAnthony Joshua and Cristiano Ronaldo sat next to each other in the Kingdom ArenaCredit: ReutersThe two fighters put all the belts on the line aiming to become undisputed world champion.However, fans watching on at home were utterly underwhelmed by the lack of anticipation and excitement inside the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh during the undercard in the build-up to the main event.And they were not afraid to make their feelings clear on social media. One said: “Decent fights, but there’s was more atmosphere in Greggs earlier.”READ MORE ON BOXINGA second joked: “Atmosphere in saudi is f***ing w***. Could hear a mouse fart!”A third added: “More atmosphere at a wake than at the boxing!”A fourth commented: “Zero atmosphere at the boxing, might as well have this match in the car park at the local Morrisons. Let’s hope it livens up for the main event!”A fifth typed: “Isn’t it awful to see one of the biggest fights in boxing history and the atmosphere is shocking! Taking away the spectacle of boxing and what an atmosphere brings to it! Sad to see.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother wrote: “I’ve seen fights in leisure centres with better atmosphere.”And a final user replied: “You would think there was a problem with the audio the way this atmosphere is.”Cristiano Ronaldo arrives for Fury vs UsykTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHTThere was a star-studded line-up ringside for the mega fight night – with Cristiano Ronaldo sat next to Anthony Joshua.But the iconic Portuguese footballer was sensationally booed by some members of the crowd as he made his way to the seat. More

JAI OPETAIA held off a Maris Briedis fight back to reclaim the IBF cruiserweight world title and settle their bloody two-fight rivalry.The 2022 original went to Opetaia on points but the Aussie southpaw suffered a double-fractured jaw.Jai Opetaia is a two-time world cruiserweight championCredit: GettyThe Aussie busted his rival’s nose open during the boutCredit: GettyBriedis was left a bloody mess after his crushing defeatCredit: ReutersHowever it was Briedis who spent the last two years out recovering before making his return on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk.The 39-year-old Latvian three-time boxing champ jumped straight back into the action with the rematch and made a slow start.But he busted the 28-year-old Australian up late on and seemed hard done by when the scores were called: 117-111, 116-112 and 116-112.The southpaw powerhouse threw long spearing jabs at the Latvian veteran’s head and body from the off.READ MORE ON BOXINGWhen they didn’t land he took his foot off the gas and bounced around the ring on the prowl.The action dried up quickly but Briedis did tag his designer stubble back with a short right hand his fans enjoyed.There were two wild firefights in the second session, one at the very beginning and one around the midway point.Without too much jabbing or trap setting, the pair bounced into opposite corners and slugged it out.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt seemed certain one of the 14st 4lbs tough men would drop but they beat gravity as well as each other.The third chapter was more mellow, apart from Briedis’ dirty habit of slamming fists illegally into the softer, back section of Opetaia’s head.Fury fans are in full voice with renditions of ‘Sweet Caroline’ and ‘Fury’s on Fire’ ahead of undisputed clash with Oleksandr UsykOpetaia dominated the middle rounds but with industry and determination rather than eye-catching punches or damage inflicted on tough-as-old-boots Briedis.There was a drastic dip in quality and action until the end of round ten when Opetaia landed a massive right hand that spread blood all over Briedis’ face.Opetaia’s peak was short lived, Briedis landed a handful of uppercuts even with his face swelling and blood mixing with his sweat and soaking him.And the dogged veteran chased his supposed heir all around the ring throwing shots and busting his nose with a right hand, before ref Howard Foster sent it to the judges’ cards.Opetaia said after his win: “Shout out to my family. Briedis, I’m honoured to share a ring with him.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHT“He’s a tough dude. He wanted it, I could hear it. I could hear the pain in his punches. Take my hat off to him.“We knew we were in for a tough fight, we were ready for 12 rounds of war and that’s what we got. I knew he would come home strong.“It rocked me when he headbutted my nose. I broke his nose and he broke mine.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I want the WBO next, I want the winner of Billam-Smith and Riakporhe.“I’m not that happy with my performance, I can do better. We’ll go back and we’ll improve.”Saudi Arabia is no place for Fury vs Usyk… the blockbuster undisputed fight will sound desertedBy Dave Kidd
IT is the single greatest individual sporting title on the planet — the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world.
It is the crown worn by Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Rocky Marciano and Jack Dempsey.
And it is an honour which has not been bestowed for a quarter of a century.
Yet when Tyson Fury steps into the ring to face Oleksandr Usyk for the ultimate accolade in prize-fighting, he will do so in the dead of an Arabian night, in front of a largely disinterested crowd, one with little atmosphere or sense of occasion.
What ought to have been The Greatest Show on Earth will feel like a ding-dong held in a vortex.
The Saudification of elite sport is reaching crisis point — from the civil war in golf, to the march of football’s filthy-rich Saudi Pro League, to the awarding of the 2034 World Cup.
But this event, at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena, in the early hours of Sunday morning local time, is a true crown jewel, allowing the Sheikhs to bask in its reflected glory, to marvel at their own wealth and power.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr met Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami at the same venue earlier this year but that was an exhibition match, this is the real deal.
The tragedy for British boxing is that it currently holds the balance of power in the heavyweight  division — thanks to Fury, Anthony Joshua and several other decent contenders.
To read more from Dave Kidd, click here. More