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.
Now that's a special guest.
The legendary Tommy Hearns is at the Manchester Arena this evening for tonight's boxing.
Is this all make believe? Can Bellew *actually* do the unthinkable?
He's making people believe.
Ricky Burns wins via stoppage!
Scotty Cardle gets hit by a clean and straight right and his legs go to jelly. He attempts to get back to his feet but the referee waves it off.
A good knockout in the third.
Ricky Burns takes his record to 43 wins, seven defeats and one draw with a great knockout blow.
Ricky Burns after his victory
I felt good out there tonight. I treat every fight the same, I felt like I was getting my shots off. Hopefully a big fight after the new year. I'm always running, I always keep myself ticking. There's a couple who've been calling me out on social media.
Earlier tonight, Dillian Whyte-managed Riakporhe stopped Sam Hyde and just take a look at that injury.
In case you didn't know it, this is a bit of a brutal sport.
We're edging closer and closer to the main event tonight.
Up next is Anthony Crolla vs Daud Yordan, the winner of which will become mandatory to... Vasyl Lomachenko and his WBA lightweight title.
Pretty big stakes.
Both men are in the ring and the bell has rung.
The co-main event between Crolla and Yordan is underway.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments