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      Ukrainian boxing champ Oleksandr Usyk slams ‘weak’ Vladimir Putin after defeating Anthony Joshua

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      CHAMP Oleksandr Usyk took aim at “weak” Vladimir Putin after defeating Anthony Joshua.The Ukrainian boxer said of the Russian president: “Everything he shows is just to show that he’s strong, but he’s not.
      Oleksandr Usyk took aim at ‘weak’ Vladimir Putin after defeating Anthony Joshua.Credit: Getty
      He said ‘everything he shows is just to show that he’s strong, but he’s not’Credit: Alamy
      “Otherwise he wouldn’t show how strong, how big he is. In reality, he is very weak.”
      Usyk, 35, wore the blue and yellow of his homeland throughout his time in Saudi Arabia for the bout and added: “I boxed for the whole country and half of the world.
      “Now the whole world knows Ukraine is defending itself from the second biggest army in the world. And we stand strong and we give Russia a lot back.”
      It comes as Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Usyk’s brilliant victory over Joshua.
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      The Ukrainian president, 44, gushed with pride over his compatriot’s amazing triumph against a game AJ.
      Hoping to inspire the people of war-torn Ukraine, Zelensky tweeted: “Difficult, but so important and necessary VICTORY @usykaa!
      “Defending the title of the world champion is a symbol of the fact that all Cossacks will not give up theirs, will fight for it and will definitely win!”
      On what’s next, Usyk added: “I’m sure that Tyson Fury is not retired yet.
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      “I’m sure, I’m convinced he wants to fight me.
      “I want to fight him and if I’m not fighting Tyson Fury, I’m not fighting at all.” More

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      Watch boxing judge confronted after controversial scorecard in Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk

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      BOXING judge Glenn Feldman was confronted after he controversially scored Anthony Joshua as the winner against Oleksandr Usyk. AJ suffered a split-decision loss in his Saudi Arabia rematch against the pound-for-pound star.
      Glenn Feldman controversially scored Anthony Joshua as a winner against Oleksandr Usyk

      England’s Steve Gray wisely went 115-113 Usyk and Ukraine’s Victor Fesechko fairly called it 116-112 to his compatriot.
      But American Feldman stuck out having seen it 115-113 to Joshua, leading to much confusion.
      Online outlet ID Boxing managed to confront the experienced judge after the bout.
      Reporter Rob Tebbutt asked: “How did you score that fight for Anthony Joshua, Glenn?”
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      Feldman responded: “Just the way I did.”
      Probed further, he then said: “I can’t, you’d have to talk to my supervisor.”
      Feldman then refused to answer any further questions and allowed his supervisor to take the wrap.
      Eddie Hearn was also asked on his opinions on the scorecards and admitted he had Usyk winning the fight.
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      Hearn told iFL TV:  I felt he lost by two rounds but when it’s 115-113, it’s the swing of one or two rounds and you can see it the other way.
      “I had AJ level or maybe up at the end of the ninth but Usyk winning the last three rounds.
      ” I thought he was incredible and it was one of the great performances.
      “The ninth, Usyk was all over the place. He was hurt badly. He looked like he could be done.
      “What he did in the 10th was unbelievable and that’s why he was pound-for-pound No1.
      “The amount of punches he threw in the 10th was incredible. I just couldn’t believe what he did in the championship rounds.”
      Anthony Joshua lost to Oleksandr Usyk for the second consecutive timeCredit: PA More

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      ‘He picked it’ – Ebanie Bridges jokes eye-popping dress worn while watching Anthony Joshua vs Usyk was chosen by Brook

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      EBANIE BRIDGES joked the outfit she wore to watch Anthony Joshua’s loss to Oleksandr Usyk was picked out by Kell Brook.Bantamweight world champion Bridges, 35, went to Boxpark Croydon with retired welterweight Brook, 36, for the huge heavyweight clash on Saturday night.
      Kell Brook and Ebanie Bridges watched the big fight at Boxpark Croydon
      They shared several snaps of them together before the fightCredit: Instagram
      Bridges claimed Brook chose her outfit for the big fight nightCredit: Instagram
      On Sunday, Bridges then shared an image of herself with the ex-world champ and claimed he had selected her outfit for the evening.
      Speaking on social media, she said: “He picked this outfit… #ThanksKell.”
      Prior to AJ’s split decision defeat to Usyk, Bridges posted a picture of her and Brook.
      And she added a flirty caption which read: “Imagine the kids 👀 #JustSaying”.
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      Bridges boasts a professional record of eight wins and one loss – with her only defeat coming to Shannon Courtenay.
      In her last outing in March, she beat Maria Cecilia Roman to claim the IBF bantamweight crown.
      Meanwhile, Brook hung up his gloves earlier this year after a long-awaited clash with rival Amir Khan.
      The Sheffield-born fighter stopped Khan in six rounds with a sensational performance.
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      But, with fights against the likes of Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn rumoured to be in the works, Brook decided to retire.
      He told The Telegraph: “I’ve had a long chat with my family and my parents, and it’s over for me. I’ll never box again.
      “It’s a little emotional to be actually saying this out loud. My man is relieved. I think everyone around me is pleased.
      “[The] truth is, boxing is a very, very tough, dangerous sport, one in which you can be legally killed In the ring.
      “And I’ve finished with all my faculties intact.”
      Bridges won the IBF bantamweight world title in MarchCredit: Reuters
      Bridges has built up a substantial following on social media
      She has attracted a lot of attention for her attire at pre-fight weigh-insCredit: PA More

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      Conor McGregor leaps to Anthony Joshua’s defence over ‘great speech’ and thanks him for ‘shout out’ after Usyk defeat

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      CONOR McGREGOR leapt to Anthony Joshua’s defence over his “great speech” following defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. And the Irishman thinks he heard a secret “shout out” in Joshua’s rambling stream of consciousness.
      Anthony Joshua confused onlookers with a bizarre speech after losing to Oleksandr UsykCredit: PA
      Conor McGregor leapt to Anthony Joshua’s defence over his ‘great speech’Credit: Instagram @thenotoriousmma
      AJ was beaten on points for the second time in the space of a year to Ukrainian great Usyk.
      But following a repeat result in their Saudi Arabia rematch, Joshua, 32, raised eyebrows with his bizarre post-fight speech.
      AJ talked about his late start in boxing after avoiding jail, how he is heavier than legends of the past and Ukraine’s series of wars.
      Sky Sports pundit Carl Froch, 45, and even Joshua’s training partner Frazer Clarke, 31, slammed the incident.
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      But UFC legend McGregor, 34, tweeted: “You are all going on ridiculous over this. That is a great speech right there.
      “Fair play to him he made it yet he is still in there keeping that cog going.
      “If they wanted the mic they could’ve tried get it back. Then he gives me a shout out. Great fight, thank you!”
      AJ did not mention McGregor at any point but hailed Usyk, 35, as the “champ champ” – a phrase the Irishman made famous.
      Joshua said: “This guy is a phenomenal talent, we’re going to cheer for him three times.
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      “How many belts you got now bro, five? Hooray. I was studying Ukraine and their champions from your amazing country.
      “I’ve never been there, but at the same time, what’s happening there, I don’t know what’s happening.
      “It’s not nice, I’ve seen it in Lomachenko’s second fight. There were issues, civil war. Vitali Klitschko against Danny Williams, civil unrest.
      “Usyk, as a champion, please raise your hand, under those circumstances you became a champion. Champ, champ.”
      Anthony Joshua was beaten by Oleksandr Usyk in their rematchCredit: PA More

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      ‘I was mentally in a dark place’ – Anthony Joshua claims he ‘let himself down’ after Oleksandr Usyk defeat and ring rant

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has admitted he let himself down with his rant after losing to Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night.The Brit, 32, was defeated by split decision in Saudi Arabia as the Ukrainian champion emerged victorious for the second time in 11 months.
      Usyk beat AJ by split decision to retain his world heavyweight beltsCredit: AFP
      Joshua has reflected on the fight and his speech after the contestCredit: AFP
      After the bout, an angry Joshua threw Usyk’s belts out of the ring and stormed away but then returned and took the microphone before launching into a two-minute speech.
      Now he has reflected on the entire night as a whole, admitting he made some mistakes.
      Speaking on social media, he said: “I wish @usykaa continued success in your quest for greatness. You are a class act champ.
      “Yesterday I had to mentally take myself into a dark place to compete for the championship belts!
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      “I had two fights, one with Usyk and one with my emotions and both got the better of me.
      He then went on to add: “I’ll be the first to admit, I let myself down.
      “I acted out of pure passion and emotion and when not controlled it ain’t great.
      “I love this sport so, so much and I’ll be better from this point on. Respect.”
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      Joshua’s loss to Usyk was his third in the professional ranks as he failed to inflict a first defeat on the former undisputed cruiserweight champion.
      It was AJ’s 12th successive world title fight – a run which stretches back to when he claimed the IBF strap against Charles Martin in 2016.
      Now he is preparing to continue his career as a challenger seeking another shot at the belts.
      Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn claimed in the post-fight press conference that the plan is for AJ to return before the end of the year.
      He has fought just twice since December 2020 – both of which have come against Usyk.
      Meanwhile, Usyk has his eyes set firmly on an undisputed clash with WBC champion Fury.
      The 35-year-old insisted in his post-fight interview that he will not return to the ring unless it is against The Gypsy King.
      And Fury, who has previously claimed he is retired, responded with a video in which he said: “I’ve just seen Joshua lose for the second time to Usyk – out of his depth.
      “However, England has been relieved of its belts. Yet again, as usual.
      “There is a remedy and a solution that I can suggest. If you want those belts back then send in the Gypsy barbarian of England. Come on!
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      “Send me in. I will relieve the Ukrainian dosser of his belts like I did the last Ukrainian dosser
      “But its not gonna be cheap. If you want the best you’ve got to pay, it’s gonna be very expensive.
      “So get your f***ing cheque book out and I will relieve that Ukrainian dosser.” More

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      Tyson Fury’s cousin Rico Burton’s final hours revealed as he watched Anthony Joshua fight before fatal stabbing

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      TYSON Fury’s cousin spent his final hours watching the clash between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk before he was tragically stabbed to death, the Sun Online can reveal. Rico Burton, 31 – a former junior boxer himself – had been enjoying a night out in Manchester with friends when he was fatally in the neck just three hours after the Ukrainian’s victory.
      Rico Burton bought drinks for friends as he watched the Usky v Joshua bout last night before he was fatally stabbed
      Tyson Fury paid tribute to his cousin today – calling for action against knife crimeCredit: Getty
      The 31-year-old spent his last hours watched the Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk fightCredit: AFP
      Paramedics and cops rushed to Altrincham after Rico and a 17-year-old boy were attacked.
      Despite their efforts, Rico couldn’t be saved. The teen remains in hospital with serious injuries from what cops called a “senseless attack.”
      Police have now arrested two men, aged 21 and 20, on suspicion of murder and causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent.
      Pals said today that Rico, who trained with Fury in his younger years, had been watching the big fight at the Church Inn in Flixton before heading into town.
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      Jim Flanagan, 75, who has known the Burton family for more than 30 years, said Rico gave him a huge “bear-hug” and bought him a pint last night.
      He told The Sun: “I’ve known the whole family for 30 years or more.
      “Rico was my friend, he was just a lovely man. He used to walk up and down the lane with his phone and we would always have a chat.
      “When I went out last night, and we came up here they were all here, they had all come out to watch the fight.
      “As soon as I walked over Rico walked up to me, and gave me the biggest hug, and then bought me a pint.
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      “We just had a bit of a chat and then the fight came on and people were just watching that.”
      He called Rico a “lovely lad”.
      “Last night in the pub before they all went to town, he was full of it, he was laughing and joking and buying drinks for people,” Jim said.
      “He was just full of life. That’s why it hurt so much when I got the news this morning.
      “He was a larger-than-life character, and to hear that he’s gone, it’s heartbreaking.”
      Boxing legend Fury shared the tragic news of Rico’s death in a shock Instagram post this morning – saying his cousin had been stabbed in the neck.
      Superintendent Ben Ewart of Greater Manchester Police said that the two suspects remained in custody and that the families of both victims were receiving support.
      He described the attack as “senseless”, adding: “Everything suggests at this stage that [Mr Burton] was enjoying an evening out with friends, and this has taken place spontaneously and unplanned – it’s a very tragic ending to what should have been a good night out with friends.”
      He added that the 17-year-old injured in the attack was in a “serious but not life-threatening” condition is hospital.
      He could not confirm whether any weapons had been recovered or if the victims were known to the attackers.
      He was also unable to confirm where exactly the attack occurred, but did say that it was at a venue in Goose Green and that the two men had been stabbed outside the pub.
      ‘FULL OF LIFE’
      It comes after Tyson Fury called for more to be done to end the scourge of knife crime in the UK.
      Posting on Instagram, the boxing champ said: “This is becoming ridiculous – idiots carry knives. This needs to stop.”
      The 34-year-old called on the Government to “bring back higher sentencing for knife crime”, adding: “It’s a pandemic.
      “You don’t know how hard it is until it’s one of your own.
      “Life is very precious and it can be taken away very quick. Enjoy every moment.
      “RIP Rico Burton – may the lord God grant you a good place in heaven, see you soon.”
      Rico had won two national titles fighting as a junior, and boxed competitively until he was 19. He left the gym to look for a career in roofing and building work.
      Steve Egan, Rico and Fury’s former coach, told The Sun he’s “devastated”.
      “He was a fantastic fella, I used to call him our Billy Joe Saunders because he was such a good fighter,” he said.
      He was a larger-than-life character, and to hear that he’s gone… it’s heartbreakingJim Flanagan
      “His mam is going to be devastated, it’s going to finish her off.
      “He was always smiling, he knows his boxing is bang on. He loves his mum and his brother and his cousin.”
      Steve said Rico “had always admired” Fury.
      “Tyson was a hero to him and he wanted to be like him,” he said.
      “He was close with Tyson and they would spar together and were best of mates.”
      There was a 10 per cent spike in knife crime in England and Wales to March 2022 when compared with the previous year.
      In that timeframe, police recorded 49,027 knife offences – the largest percentage increase since 2019.
      Knife crime has also surged by almost 50 per cent when compared to the year to March 2012.
      Fury, who was born in Manchester, comes from a big family. He and his wife Paris, 31, have six children of their own. They live in Lancashire, although the boxer also owns a home in Vegas.
      USYK v JOSHUA
      The fight that Rico had been watching with mates saw Anthony Joshua beaten by Oleksandr Usyk again – this time by split decision.
      The crowd looked on in disbelief when the British boxing icon threw Usyk’s heavyweight belts out of the ring before hijacking the microphone to deliver a bizarre speech after his loss to the Ukrainian.
      After the result was announced, Joshua hurled Usyk’s belts out of the ring before appearing to storm off.
      He then decided to return to the squared circle to shake hands with his opponent.
      But as they talked in the ring, AJ said: “I don’t care about strong, I have to have skill.
      “Being strong doesn’t win boxing. Skills win boxing.”
      His passionate speech continued and Joshua even got the crowd to awkwardly cheer Usyk who appeared baffled
      Later AJ broke down in tears during his press conference and was comforted by promotor Eddie Hearn.
      Usyk, 35, also said he was determined to fight Tyson Fury next – before the star posted about his cousin’s tragedy this morning.
      When the winner finally got his hands on the mic last night, he had said: “I’m sure that Tyson Fury is not retired yet.
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      “I’m sure, I’m convinced he wants to fight me.
      “I want to fight him and if I’m not fighting Tyson Fury, I’m not fighting at all.”
      Fury announced the news in a moving Instagram post this morningCredit: tysonfury/Instagram
      Cops and paramedics dashed to Altrincham, but Rico couldn’t be saved. A 17-year-old boy was also seriously hurtCredit: ASP
      The ace has urged the Government to do more to tackle knife crimeCredit: ASP
      In the hours before learning of Rico’s death, Fury had shared his thoughts on last night’s match and suggested he could come out of retirement to battle UsykCredit: Getty More

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      Tyson Fury trolls Anthony Joshua with meme for ‘talking absolute rubbish’ in ring after Oleksandr Usyk rematch defeat

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      TYSON FURY has trolled Anthony Joshua for “talking absolute rubbish” in the ring after losing to Oleksandr Usyk. AJ was beaten on points for the second time in the space of a year to Ukrainian great Usyk.
      Tyson Fury trolled Anthony Joshua with this meme
      Anthony Joshua grabbed the microphone for a rambling speech after his rematch loss to Oleksandr UsykCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
      But following a repeat result in their rematch in Saudi Arabia, Joshua raised eyebrows as he produced a bizarre post-fight speech.
      AJ spoke about his late start in boxing after avoiding jail, how he is heavier than legends of the past and Ukraine’s series of wars.
      Arch rival Fury, 34, took aim at Joshua, 32, by reposting a meme of himself on Instagram.
      The WBC champion is pictured on his way to the ring in his last fight, with the caption: “AJ running back to the ring to talk absolute rubbish.”
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      Joshua clearly let emotions get the best of him as he was bettered by Usyk, 35, over 12 rounds for a second time.
      He said: “If you knew my story you’d understand the passion.
      “I’m no amateur boxer from five years old, that was an elite prospect from a youth. I was going jail, I got bailed, then I trained my arse off.
      “Because if I got sentenced I wanted to be able to fight. I’m stealing this Usyk, sorry.
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      “It’s because the passion to get into this shit. This guy, to beat me, tonight maybe I could’ve done better.
      “It shows the levels of hard work he must’ve had to put in. Please give him a round of applause as our heavyweight champion of the world.
      “I’m not a 12-round fight, look at me, I’m a new breed of heavyweight.
      “Heavyweights like Mike Tyson, Sonny Liston, Jack Dempsey, ‘You don’t throw combinations like Rocky Marciano!’
      “Because I ain’t 14 stone, that’s why, I’m 18 stone, that’s why, I’m heavy.”
      Fury confirmed he would come out of retirement to fight Usyk, in what would be a first ever four-belt heavyweight unification.
      He said: “After watching that, the both of them were s***e. It was one of the worst heavyweight title fights I have ever seen.
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      “It was bulls***. Come on! I’d beat annihilate both of them on the same night. F***ing s***e.
      “Get your f***ing chequebook out because the Gypsy King is here to stay, forever.”
      Tyson Fury called out Oleksandr UsykCredit: Twitter @IFLTV More

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      ‘I apologise on his behalf’ – Anthony Joshua’s team-mate claims someone should have ‘saved’ him from emotional rant

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA’S former team-mate Frazer Clarke apologised on his behalf for the Brit’s lengthy rant in the wake of losing to Oleksandr Usyk.AJ, 32, was beaten by Usyk for the second time in 11 months on Saturday night as the Ukrainian claimed a dominant split decision victory in Saudi Arabia.
      Anthony Joshua launched into a two-minute rant following his loss on Saturday nightCredit: Getty
      Clarke apologised on Joshua’s behalf for his speech after the defeat to Usyk
      Immediately after the result was read out, Joshua threw Usyk’s WBA and Ring magazine belts out of the ring before storming away in anger.
      He then returned to the ring moments later and grabbed the microphone, launching into a long speech about his journey into boxing, the situation in Ukraine, and Usyk’s incredible skills.
      Joshua received a backlash following the rant as some felt he had taken the limelight away from Usyk – who successfully defended his world heavyweight titles for the first time.
      And, as the coverage cut back to the studio, Clarke, who fought alongside Joshua on the GB squad when they were both amateurs, instantly took the opportunity to apologise.
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      He also questioned why nobody stopped AJ from getting on the mic just minutes after losing for a third time in the pro ranks.
      Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “As a gym friend and a friend in general, for anyone that is offended by what happened, I think I can just apologise on his behalf for the outburst.
      “He might be mad at me for saying this and the whole team might be mad at me for saying this, but I feel like he was left out to dry by the team. I feel like someone should have saved him.
      “It’s words but in the true reflection of boxing, that was Oleksandr Usyk’s time to celebrate that victory and he didn’t get to do it straight away.
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      “I just don’t think that was right but once again, Anthony is a great person, he does a lot for a lot of people, he’s done a lot for me, but I feel like he had a bit of a bad one there and it was out of character.
      “There were no excuses, that was Oleksandr Usyk’s time.
      “To the people around him, where were you? Someone should have jumped in there.
      “Someone should have stopped him and saved him from himself. It was only words, but it was the wrong time.”
      Joshua, who also dropped the F-bomb during his rather bizarre speech, explained the rant later that evening during his post-fight press conference.
      He said: “When you’re trying to do things from the heart and everyone is just not understanding. It was just from the heart. I was mad at myself. Not anyone else just myself.
      “So I thought, I’ve got to get out of here because I’m mad. Like anyone, when you’re angry, you might do stupid things.
      “I was mad and then I realised, ‘Oh s***, this is sport. Let me do the right thing and come back.’
      “I just spoke from my heart. It’s been so tough. You see AJ holding it together, yeah, and I’m a hustler so I try put things together. Try work hard and put things together and make sure my team’s good.
      “But it comes at a cost, a big cost. It’ll never break me, but it takes real strength for it not to break me. And tonight, there’s a little crack in the armour when I took a loss.
      “And I think you just saw me just upset. And with the speech, I was just speaking about where I come from. I was on the roads, really.
      “And I made a transition to boxing that really changed my life and brought me closer to God and brought me closer to meeting so many people.
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      “And I just kind of laid it all on the line with my speech. But let’s not forget the champ Oleksandr Usyk. He put on a phenomenal performance as well. So credit to him.
      “I can’t remember what I said in the ring because it was just so passionate. But I just want to say thank you to him for taking part in a great historical fight as well. It takes two to tango. I was just so upset.” More