Tony Bellew vs Usyk LIVE: Bellew retires immediately, Usyk looks for heavyweight move to fight Anthony Joshua after knockout victory
Usyk beat Bellew via knockout in the eighth round. Re-live all the action plus the post-fight press conferences
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tony Bellew's quest to become the unified cruiserweight champion ended in defeat as Oleksandr Usyk inflicted a devastating knockout defeat inside the Manchester Arena to retain the WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO and The Ring titles.
Bellew previously held the WBC title after he defeated Ilunga Makabu in what he describes as the 'greatest night of his boxing career', winning the belt at the home of his beloved Everton - Goodison Park - before then vacating it after a single defence in order to fight David Haye twice at heavyweight.
In his absence, Usyk dominated the division and, early Bellew made a quick start to cause Usyk problems he hadn't faced before, the Ukranian stepped the pace up to start dominating Bellew.
By the time the sixth round finished, Bellew was starting to blow as the pace took its toll, and a momentary loss of concentration at the end of the seventh saw Usyk rock him on the bell with a left hook - a punch that Bellew would get to know much more in the next round.
With Bellew stunned, Usyk went for the kill and a cross-left was followed by a brutal left hook that sent Bellew crashing to the canvas, with the fight waved off before he could attempt to return to his feet.
Once he regained his bearings, Bellew confirmed that it will be the last time he fights in the ring, while Usyk set his sights on the heavyweight division and future bouts against Anthony Joshua, Dillian Whyte and Deontay WIlder.
Re-live all the action from the fight and from the press conferences below.
Fight preview:
When and where is the fight?
The fight takes place tonight at the Manchester Arena.
Expect the ring walks to take place around 10pm.
Where can I watch it?
The fight will be shown live on Sky Sports Box Office, which means you’re going to have to cough up if you want to watch it.
The PPV costs £19.95, or you can follow along for free with us, right here.
Who is the undercard?
- Sam Hyde vs Richard Riakporhe
- Dave Allen vs Ariel Esteban Bracamonte
- Josh Kelly vs Walter Fabian Castillo
- Ricky Burns vs Scotty Cardle
- Anthony Crolla vs Daud Yordan
Who do you think will win? Let us know in the comments below.
Bellew continues
I won a cruiserweight world title at Goodison Park - yes I went out on a loss but I lost to the greatest cruiserweight in the world. Tonight, there are no excuses. None. Tonight I lost to potentially the greatest cruiserweight to ever live. He can lay claim to that because he's done what no one else has.
Bellew honest
No one wants to tune in to see two fellas shake hands, it's a shame that boxing has become that. Anthony Joshua is as big a name as any footballer in this country, there is no one else besides him. He built himself from scratch. He is selling out stadiums on a regular basis, he's made my family financially secure for the rest of my life.
I'm very happy with what I've done. Tonight I gave it one final shot, I'm not sorry at all. I wouldn't have been able to live with myself if I didn't.
Bellew reflects
I've lived the dream. The fact of the matter is, I just got tired and I got beat up by a fantastic fighter. I hope people remember me for the night at Goodison. I really do appreciate you all. All I have to say now is I want to disappear, please leave me alone.
Bellew on post-retirement plans
I want to live a normal life, go out with my friends, go for a meal with my family. I can't wait to play football again. I'm shite. What does the future hold? In all honesty, I just want to disappear. I just want to be happy and my children to be happy.
Bellew on his career learnings
Boxing is about more than just going out and chinning someone, it's about learning to defend myself.
Bellew on family
I'm just trying to live a life my son can be proud of. I've failed tonight but very few will experience the highs that I have tonight. I'm very proud of myself. Very few believed, people would say to me 'nah, how can you think you'll be champion?' I could never ever envisioned I would sit here saying I fought for the undisputed cruiserweight belt. I've gone out against the best fighter I've ever faced.
Bellew continues
You will not ever see me in a boxing ring again - so please, just leave me be. I just want a normal life, I don't want any of this shit, this pressure.
Tony Bellew on Liverpool's talent pool
I want Callum Smith to have his time - I want him to have his fight at Anfield. As long as you guys here know, I just fucking loved to fight anyone. Thank you and please, just leave me alone.
Anthony Bellew makes a revelation
I've never been Tony Bellew. I'm Anthony Bellew. No one I know really calls me Tony Bellew. That name died tonight. From now on, I'm back to Anthony.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments