Boxing

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

CRISTIANO RONALDO showed off his £1.2million diamond encrusted-watch in a £3,350 Gucci outfit as he sat next to Anthony Joshua for tonight’s boxing extravaganza.Tyson Fury is battling Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight crown in Saudi Arabia.Anthony Joshua and Cristiano Ronaldo chatted ringside at the boxing in SaudiThe Portugal star was sat on the front row with AJCredit: ReutersTyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk collide in Saudi Arabia tonightCredit: EPAAJ was spotted arriving wearing a white top and matching trousers in RiyadhCredit: X @trboxingThe star had his airpods in to shut out the noise upon his arrivalCredit: Sky SportsRonaldo was wearing a Gucci outfit worth £3,350 and his £1.2m watchCredit: TNT SportsRonaldo arrived at the arena in his £400k FerrariCredit: X @boxingontntTurki Alalshikh sat alongside the two sporting superstars at ring sideJoshua, 34 and who arrived in a white top and matching trousers, has a particularly keen eye on the action with the Brit potentially facing the winner over the next 12 months.And the two-time world champion was in grand company at ringside as he enjoyed a chat with his other legendary sportsman Ronaldo, with Turki Alalshikh, the president of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, next to them.The 39-year-old Ronaldo, who scored last night to help Al-Nassr earn a 1-1 with Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal, stole the show though with his cream Gucci outfit and incredible timepiece after arriving in his a £400k Ferrari.The blingy Franck Muller watch, which is finished with 424 glistening white diamonds, sparkled on CR7’s wrist as he took in the action. READ MORE ON BOXINGHe has previously been spotted with a £100,000 Jacob and Company limited edition H24 on his wrist, which had a total diamond weight of 15.25 carats.The Manchester United and Real Madrid icon has been a regular at ringside for some of the biggest fights in Saudi, with one of those Joshua’s stunning knockout victory over Otto Wallin in December.But Ronaldo found himself going viral in amusing fashion as he looked “terrified” sat next to animated UFC icon Conor McGregor.The cameras panned to the pair just as McGregor was aiming a rant at a Saudi boxing boss about old rival Manny Pacquiao while Ronaldo sat there looking sheepish between the two.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFortunately for the Portuguese ace, he will be spared the prospect for a potential reunion as the Irishman is not expected to attend this time as he is currently training for his UFC return against Michael Chandler next month.Although he may come face-to-face with his former Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney.Anthony Joshua arrives to watch Fury vs UsykThe Red Devils’ all-time top scorer is a big fan of boxing and confirmed earlier this year that he has had talks with Misfits Boxing over potentially having a fight of his own.Tensions have been building all week in Riyadh ahead of today’s blockbuster.Fury REFUSED to even look at rival Usyk in the pre-fight press conference before aggressively squaring up to at the weigh-in. Usyk’s team continued the eventful build-up by filing a complaint that parts of the Riyadh ring canvas could be a trip hazard.But it was the WBC champion’s father John Fury who has stolen the headlines after he shockingly HEADBUTTED Stanislav Stepchuk – a member of the Usyk team – on Monday.Ronaldo has previously shown off his stunning Franck Muller watchCredit: ReutersThis was the Gucci top that Ronaldo was thought to wearing for the eventCredit: GucciThese appeared to be on the legs of the footy superstarCredit: GucciTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHTJohn, who was left with a bloodied forehead, was then screaming in the resulting melee: “We can’t be beat! We can’t be beat!”The 59-year-old then threatened to headbutt Tony Bellew after he predicted a Usyk win and then 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.Wayne Rooney and his wife Coleen have been ringside at fight nights in the pastCredit: GettyInside the Gypsy King’s royal courtTYSON FURY is one of the biggest characters in sport. More

A SECOND boxer needed oxygen on the Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk undercard.Frank Sanchez was knocked out by Agit Kabayel in the seventh round of their heavyweight bout in Riyadh ahead of the main event.Frank Sanchez was knocked out by Agit KabayelCredit: GettyAgit Kabayel checked in on his beaten opponentCredit: TNT SportsThe German secured his win in the seventh roundCredit: TNT SportsAnd the Cuban, 31, required medical attention inside the ring immediately after being brutally stopped.That included doctors administering first aid by putting him on oxygen.German Kabayek, 31, watched on concerned as he took on water following the bout.His flurry of massive body shots proved the undoing for Sanchez as he eventually succumbed to the pressure and went down on the canvas.READ MORE ON BOXINGThe boxer was down on his hands and knees desperately trying to steady his breathing.But after the referee counted to ten, he waved it off just as Sanchez was getting back to his feet.The end of the fight, though, enabled the medics to rush into the ring and assist. The defeat was the very first loss of the Cuban Flash’s professional career, after 24 wins and a no-contest result from his 25 fights. Most read in BoxingTragically Sanchez’s medical emergency help came just minutes after Joshua Wahab also required oxygen.The Nigerian was smashed out in the first round by Mark Chamberlain.Cristiano Ronaldo arrives for Fury vs UsykTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHTThe 33-year-old’s team quickly surrounded him and hooked him up to an oxygen mask to ensure he was okay.Fortunately he was able to sit up and appeared to avoid any complications after the heavy hits.Wahab’s record has now taken a hit, as the first-round knockout was his second career loss – leaving his record at 23-2.Both Fury and Usyk are putting their unbeaten records on the line when they step into the ring for the biggest fight of the century.Sanchez was undone by a host of body shotsCredit: PAThe referee counted the Cuban Flash out before waving off the fightCredit: PAKabayel celebrates his victory with his belts inside the Kingdom ArenaCredit: Getty More

ANNA WOOLHOUSE stunned in an “absolutely smashing” outfit as she hosted coverage of Tyson Fury’s showdown with Oleksandr Usyk.The Sky Sports presenter dazzled on screen in the studio in London as she fronted the show for the biggest boxing fight of the century. Anna Woolhouse presented Sky Sports’ coverage of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr UsykCredit: Sky SportsShe looked glamorous in a white numberCredit: Sky SportsThe piece was completed with a frilly skirtCredit: Sky SportsWoolhouse rocked a flamboyant white dress with long sleeves and a frilly skirt.She completed the look with a pair of black high heels. And it did not take long for Sky Sports viewers to flood in with adoring comments for the blonde bombshell. One said: “Anna Woolhouse looking absolutely smashing.”READ MORE ON BOXINGAnother wrote: “WOW!! “Anna Woolhouse looking absolutely stunning on the boxing!”A third added: “Anna Woolhouse 🔥”A fourth commented: “Anna Woolhouse is the best host in the boxing business IMO.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSElsewhere, over on TNT Sports, Laura Woods had to be replaced for the huge live night.That is because she suffered a horror facial injury which required surgery after smashing a glass lampshade. Laura Woods pulls out Fury vs Usyk coverage as TNT Sports host forced into emergency surgery after lampshade accidentAnd that meant Becky Ives stepped into Woods’ shoes in Riyadh. The presenter rocked a wonderful green number as she was joined live in the stadium by pundits Carl Frampton, David Haye and Steve Bunce.Becky Ives looked stunning in a bold green outfit on TNT SportsCredit: InstagramWoolhouse covers the big fight nights for SkyCredit: RexShe is always a popular choice for viewersCredit: Instagram @woolyanna1 More

MOSES ITAUMA knocked his latest victim out so severely he danced Bambi-legged around the ring – leaving fans predicting big things for the future. The 19-year-old heavyweight sensation pummelled poor Ilja Mezencev in the opener, letting him survive, just about.Moses Itauma beat Ilja Mezencev in Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyItauma is being tipped for big thingsCredit: GettyBut, as soon as the second started, the Englishman slipped up a couple of gears, landed his brutal southpaw power-punch left and made Mezencev do the Hokey Cokey before the ref saved him.The fight was almost over in the final second of the opener when the Kent sensation smashed counter shots into Mezencev and shoved him down to the bottom rope.The brave underdog bounced up and managed to walk back to his corner just as the bell rang.But he had endured a horrible opener, shipping body shots and left hands.READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd he collected a WBO bauble that will edge him toward a world title shot soon.Mike Tyson famously became the youngest heavyweight champion of all time in 1986 when he knocked out Trevor Berbick aged 20. And Itauma has been dubbed Britain’s version of Iron Mike and with a trinket title to his name a shot at world glory could be close.He said: “Now I’ve got this belt, 100 per cent.”Most read in BoxingTyson vs Itauma at 19

Tyson
Fights: 23
Wins: 23
Losses: 0
KOs: 21
Itauma
Fights: 9
Wins: 9
Losses: 0
KOs: 7

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd one fan reacted: “Moses Itauma looks unreal, that’s a future champion right there.”Oasis’ Liam Gallagher hailed: “Moses Itauma Jesus Christ.”His excellency Turki Alalshikh favourite boxer Mark Chamberlain with an emphatic first round stoppageAnother added: “Moses Itauma is 19 years old. He’s coming for all the belts in the next 5 years.” At Thursday’s press conference the ice-cool Chatham teen suffered a nose bleed and had to duck off of the stage to clean up.And in the Riyadh ring a glancing low blow was the only thing that troubled him as he looked into the crowd and moaned “oww”.And that’s the most damage he suffered all fight week, after he laid waste to his German plaything.Itauma had fellow-fighting brothers Karol and Samuel in Riyadh with him and they cheered on their super-sibling from the Riyadh ringside. More

LAURA WOODS’ replacement Becky Ives stunned on the TNT Sports screens after her late call-up for boxing duty tonight.The world is watching as Tyson Fury gets set to fight Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight crown in Saudi Arabia.Becky Ives looked stunning in a bold green outfit on TNT SportsCredit: InstagramCarl Frampton (second left) and Steve Bunce (right) joined her on the TNT panelCredit: TNT SPORTSLaura Woods suffered horror facial injuries after a freak accident ruled her outCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyBecky proved to be a more than able deputy for fight nightCredit: InstagramA host of stars will be ringside for the bout, with Cristiano Ronaldo set to be seated alongside Anthony Joshua on the front row.Millions of fans across the globe will also be watching from their front rooms.However, those that have purchased the fight on TNT Sports will have noticed that Laura Woods is not on hosting duties.The fan favourite host has dropped out after suffering a freak accident.READ MORE ON BOXINGWoods posted a heartfelt note on Friday evening revealing she is unable to attend the clash after a horror injury while on holiday with boyfriend Adam Collard.The fan favourite revealed she had accidentally smashed a glass lampshade above her head, causing it to shatter and cut her face and arm.It was soon announced that Becky would be stepping into the shoes of Woods on fight night.And she was certainly ready to rumble in a bold green dress in Riyadh as she got to work alongside Carl Frampton, David Haye and Steve Bunce to analyse the action.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBecky is no stranger to the sporting world having worked for Uefa, Discovery Sports and TNT and has also starred for Premier League Today and ITV during an impressive career.According to her LinkedIn page, her love of sport “stems from her teenage years, where she competed as a High Board Diver, and swimmer to a County and National standard, an avid football fan”.Laura Woods pulls out Fury vs Usyk coverage as TNT Sports host forced into emergency surgery after lampshade accidentAway from the screen, Becky has also hosted sporting events such as the United Legends dinner event for Manchester United and the ‘Road To Victory’ Awards celebration Dinner for West Ham last year.She also refers to herself as a “professional talker” while building up an impressive following on social media as well with over 25k fans on Instagram.On the social media platform, she regularly shares pictures of herself at sporting events, but also from her social life.She shows off her love of boxing in one video which sees her sparring for a workout.On the social front, she’s shared pictures from holidays to the USA and Majorca with pals and has also been snapped alongside a couple of dogs showing herself as an animal lover.And her impressive outfit choice only added to the drama after tensions have built all week ahead of today’s blockbuster.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHTFury 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, then threatened to headbutt Tony Bellew after he predicted a Usyk win.John then 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.The star has already shone with her outfit choices this weekCredit: Instagram @beckyivesofficialThe beautiful presenter has attracted a large following on social mediaCredit: Instagram / beckyivesofficialHer Instagram account is followed by nearly 27,000 peopleCredit: Instagram / beckyivesofficialBecky is regularly reporting from sport grounds across the countryCredit: InstagramBecky often wows fans with her pictures on social mediaCredit: Instagram More