Boxing

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

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