Boxing

CRISTIANO RONALDO had Anthony Joshua in stitches with his ringside antics before Tyson Fury versus Oleksandr Usyk. Both sporting superstars took their seat in Riyadh ahead of Fury’s historic undisputed title fight with Usyk.Anthony Joshua with Cristiano Ronaldo ringsideJoshua was in stitches with Ronaldo’s ringside anticsJoshua could not hold his laughterAnd the two were captured having a laugh after Ronaldo began shadow boxing in front of former world champion AJ. The Manchester United legend – wearing a £3,350 Gucci jacket and short combo – took his seat next to Joshua earlier in the night. But he was awkwardly BOOED after making his way into the arena, wearing a £1.2MILLION watch. Ronaldo watched Fury, 35, controversially win a points verdict over ex-UFC champ Francis Ngannou, 37, in October.READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd fans reacted hilariously to UFC icon Conor McGregor, 35, giving him an earful from ringside.AJ has twice lost to Usyk, 37, but hopes to face Fury later down the line in a blockbuster Battle of Britain bout as he arrived ringside.Although he sided with his former rival to win the fight of the century after 24 hard-fought rounds shared.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe told talkSPORT: “Well look I’ve fought Oleksandr Usyk so I can go only speak on what I have experienced from him.Most read in Boxing”Phenomenal fighter, does everything to a tee and I would say he is going to do a really good job.”I have never fought Tyson Fury so I can’t really speak on how he will perform or what it is like to face him so only speaking on what I know I would have to say Oleksandr Usyk will be victorious.”Joshua and Ronaldo sharing a word ringsideCredit: Getty More

THE winner of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk will only be able to call themselves undisputed champion for a matter of weeks.The pair face off in the first undisputed heavyweight bout since 1999 tonight in what has been dubbed “the fight of the century”.The winner of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s bout will only keep hold of their undisputed title for a matter of weeksCredit: EPAFury is defending his WBC title, while Usyk is putting his WBA, IBF and WBO belts on the line in Riyadh.And despite all the attention and build up to the first undisputed heavyweight bout in over 25 years, the winner’s status will only last a fraction of that time.Boxing journalist Dan Rafael has reported that the winner of tonight’s bout will maintain the undisputed title for “less than two weeks”.It’s said that both Fury and Usyk’s contracts dictate that they must vacate the the IBF title ahead of overdue mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic’s bout with Daniel Dubois.READ MORE IN BOXINGHrgovic and Dubois face off on June 1, just 14 days after tonight’s fight.Hrgovic has been the mandatory challenger for some 18 months and will be competing for his first world title since turning pro.The 31-year-old is unbeaten in his 17 fights since switching to professional boxing after his Olympic bronze in 2016 as an amateur.Fury and Usyk could maintain the belt on a temporary basis, however.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHTIf the “Ring of Fire” fight lives up to expectations as an eye-catching thriller, all four belts could be held together for the rematch.Should that be the case then Hrgovic’s fight with Dubois would most likely be for an INTERIM world title.Legendary celebs arrive for Fury vs Usyk; Ronaldo, Joshua, Klitschko and moreSaudi Arabia chief Turki Alalshikh has revealed that the winner of Hrgovic vs Dubois will go on to face Anthony Joshua in September of this year.AJ has returned to form and will ultimately be eyeing an all-British bout between himself and Tyson Fury in the future too.Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois will compete for a shot at the IBF title on June 1Credit: GettyAnthony Joshua is set to fight the winner of Hrgovic vs DuboisCredit: Reuters More

ANTHONY JOSHUA and Cristiano Ronaldo were captured sharing a moment from ringside in Saudi Arabia. Both sporting superstars took their seat in Riyadh ahead of Tyson Fury’s historic undisputed title fight with Oleksandr Usyk. Anthony Joshua and Cristiano Ronaldo captured sharing a moment from ringsideCredit: X formerly Twitter / @SkySportsBoxingAJ and Ronaldo made it in time to watch heavyweight pair Agit Kabayel and Frank Sanchez go at it. And Kabayel pulled off a remarkable performance to win by stoppage and put himself in line for a WBC title shot. TNT Sports’ Steve Bunce joked that Ronaldo told AJ: “You know what AJ, this Agit is a bit better than I thought he was.” Kabayel, 31, became the first man to beat Cuban Sanchez, also 31, and has now put himself in line for the WBC belt. READ MORE ON RONALDOHe said: “I am very happy, we trained very hard for this opportunity.”As you see, we win. I see he had not conditioned [to the body].”I see it and I finished the fight. The Liver King is back!”Kabayel will await the winner of the night’s main event between Fury, 35, and Usyk, 37, who contest for all four belts. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut the winner faces getting stripped of the IBF belt as they will be unable to defend it against mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic. Instead, Fury and Usyk and contracted to a rematch already with Hrgovic, 31, to fight Daniel Dubois, 26, for the vacant IBF strap on June 1. And Joshua, 34, could then fight either Hrgovic or Dubois in September at Wembley. Cristiano Ronaldo arrives for Fury vs Usyk More

CRISTIANO RONALDO was BOOED as he rocked up to Kingdom Arena for Tyson Fury’s fight with Oleksandr Usyk.The former Manchester United star, 39, was in the house as boxing’s biggest fight in over 20 years came to his backyard.Cristiano Ronaldo rocked up in a £400k FerrariCredit: x / @boxingontntRonaldo, 39, made his way to the venue alongside son Cristiano Jr, 13Credit: x / @boxingontntThe veteran forward was booed by some fans as he entered the arenaCredit: x / @boxingontntRonaldo has been in Saudi Arabia since December 2022, having left Old Trafford the previous month.The veteran forward attended Fury’s victory over Francis Ngannou last October.And he took his place ringside for the Gypsy King’s latest bout tonight.Ronaldo arrived in a stunning £400,000 Ferrari Purosangue alongside his son Cristiano Jr, 13.READ MORE ON RONALDOHe then strolled into the VIP entrance, grinning as he did so.Asked for a prediction, he said: “I don’t know… 50-50.”As he entered the gangway leading to the ring, Ronaldo was spotted by frenzied fans.Some even booed the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has been jeered at several Saudi Pro League matches this season.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRonaldo asked Anthony Joshua ‘how are you, big man?’, as his £1.2m watch glistenedCredit: x / @boxingontntThe duo exchanged pleasantries while sat ringsideCredit: x / @boxingontntRonaldo hugs Saudi boxing chief Turki AlalshikhCredit: x / @boxingontntOften fans have directed “Messi” chants at the forward, in a nod to Ronaldo’s great rival.Other boxing ticket holders screamed his name tonight, while one even yelled his “Siu” catchphrase,Legendary celebs arrive for Fury vs Usyk; Ronaldo, Joshua, Klitschko and moreRonaldo rocked up in a cream jacket and shorts Gucci combo.The ensemble will have set CR7 back a cool £3,350.He completed his look with a dazzling £1.2million diamond encrusted-watch.The blingy Franck Muller watch, which is finished with 424 glistening white diamonds, sparkled on Ronaldo’s wrist as he took in the action. As he found his seat, Ronaldo shook hands with former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.He then exchanged pleasantries with Turki Alalshikh, the man behind bringing the recent glut of mega-fights to Saudi Arabia.Ronaldo then took his seat between Joshua and Turki, asking the former: “How are you big man?”The former Real Madrid superstar was also booed while attending Fury vs Ngannou last year.Telly coverage at the time showed his awkward reaction to the boos, with Laura Woods joking: “The director is going to get fired.”Ronaldo watched AJ fight Otto Wallin in Riyadh back in December.READ MORE SUN STORIESAt the time he sat ringside next to Conor McGregor.The Irishman, 35, was particularly animated while spotted with Ronaldo, as fans joked that the footballer looked “terrified”.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHT More

FANS are demanding that Oleksandr Usyk should be “given the belts already” after spotting what he was carrying upon arrival for his date with destiny.The planet is tuning in to watch Tyson Fury and the Ukrainian fight for the undisputed heavyweight crown in Saudi Arabia TONIGHT.Oleksandr Usyk had his secret weapon with him as he arrived at the arenaCredit: X / SkySportsBoxingThe star was carrying a cuddly toy donkey in his armsCredit: XA host of stars will be ringside for the bout, with Cristiano Ronaldo seated alongside Anthony Joshua on the front row.However, Usyk looked completely relaxed as he arrived at the arena in Riyadh carrying a CUDDLY TOY.The unbeaten star revealed previously that the Disney donkey Eeyore is his secret weapon as he uses it for inspiration while carrying it with him for all his fights.The star received it from his 12-year-old girl Yelizaveta to give her dad some protection – although he has admitted that Yelizaveta has renamed the Disney donkey Liolia.READ MORE ON BOXINGHe said: “It’s my daughter’s. She gave it to me to be my talisman and said, ‘This needs to be right next to you.’ It is always close to me.”It has proven to be a lucky omen for him so far after he was seen carrying it for his last Anthony Joshua fight.And after seeing him with it in his arms again tonight as he rocked up for the rumble, viewers were delighted.“Nothing like the love a father has for his daughter,” commented one.Most read in SportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother wrote: “Something very likeable about this fella.”“Another reason Usyk should win tonight,” said a third while a fourth added: “What a guy. Just give him the belts already.”Legendary celebs arrive for Fury vs Usyk; Ronaldo, Joshua, Klitschko and moreThe mind games started between the fighters when Fury REFUSED to even look at rival Usyk in the pre-fight press conference.Usyk’s team continued the eventful build-up by filing a complaint that parts of the Riyadh ring canvas could be a trip hazard.However, it was the WBC champion’s father John Fury who had stolen the headlines after he shockingly HEADBUTTED Stanislav Stepchuk – a member of the Usyk team – on Monday.The 59-year-old John, who was left with a bloodied forehead. He then threatened to headbutt Tony Bellew after he predicted a Usyk win.Usyk has revealed the heartwarming reason he carries a stuffed toy donkey for all his fightsCredit: Instagram/@usykaaUsyk’s daughter Yelizaveta gave her dad Eeyore for protectionCredit: InstagramThat was before he launched a bitter attack on “traitor” British fans who believe that his undefeated 6ft 9in boy will be beaten this weekend.Tonight’s fight will see one man crowned the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world for the first time since Lennox Lewis held the mantle in 1999.READ MORE SUN STORIESUsyk holds the WBA, WBO and IBF belts, while Fury is the WBC and lineal heavyweight champion.Both men also have unbeaten records – but someone’s ‘O’ has got to go tonight.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHTSaudi 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

DAVID HAYE has backed Oleksandr Usyk to beat Tyson Fury – but without getting the judges’ decision.The two undefeated champions collide in the heavyweight division’s first four-belt unification bout in Saudi Arabia. Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk face off for the final time before fightingCredit: PADavid Haye gave his thoughts on the historic boutOpinions have been divided on whether it will be Fury’s size and power or Usyk’s slick skills which will prevail Former two-division champ Haye – who has been trolled online for getting predictions woefully wrong in the past – had a very specific prediction. He believes Usyk, 37, will do enough over the 12 rounds to get the win in his eyes but not officially on the cards. Haye, 43, said: “I feel this fight is going to be very technical and I think both fighters are supreme boxers and it will come down to skills. READ MORE IN BOXING”I’m not sure if Tyson Fury can implement his physicality over the smaller man as he would like to as Usyk has very, very good feet.”Good lateral movement, he’s a great counter puncher and this makes it very difficult for the big man, who is slower to get to grips of Usyk. “I think it will be a points decision but I feel the judges will see it as even. “I think Usyk on my scorecard will win but the judges will go with a draw, majority will go with a draw.” Most read in BoxingTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFury, 35, was dropped in his last fight in October by ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, 37, but escaped with a controversial split-decision. And Haye added: “I saw Ngannou winning that fight when he fought Tyson Fury but the judges saw otherwise. I think it will be a similar case.”Despite Haye’s detailed verdict, fans were not so convinced amid his poor track record in the past. One said: “No offence David but if you’re expecting controversy then I’m expecting a conclusive winner.”Another added: “Thanks for always confirming for us what will not happen.”But, another argued: “Draw, agreed.”Cristiano Ronaldo arrives for Fury vs Usyk More