Fury vs Usyk LIVE! Boxing result, fight stream, latest updates and reaction after undisputed thriller

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk LIVE!

Oleksandr Usyk is celebrating a historic night in Saudi Arabia after beating Tyson Fury to become boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion for 25 years. The Ukrainian deservedly came out on top in a captivating main event at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena, starting extremely well and then weathering a Fury comeback in the middle rounds before almost stopping his long-time rival in the ninth and eventually taking a split decision on the judges’ scorecards.

Two had the bout 115-112 and 114-113 in favour of Usyk, the first undisputed heavyweight king since Lennox Lewis in 1999 and the very first of the four-belt era who also previously reigned as the first four-belt undisputed cruiserweight champion. Another judge controversially scored the bout 114-113 in favour of Fury, who lost his WBC belt in a first professional defeat as he plots swift revenge in a contracted rematch that is expected to take place in October.

We also saw Joe Cordina stunned by Anthony Cacace on Saturday night to lose his IBF super-featherweight title in a first career loss of his own, while Jai Opetaia outlasted Mairis Briedis to regain the IBF cruiserweight belt. Moses Itauma and Mark Chamberlain both recorded vicious early knockouts, while Agit Kabayel stopped the previously unbeaten Frank Sanchez and Sergey Kovalev's return ended in disappointing defeat by Robin Safar. Follow Fury vs Usyk reaction live below!

Fury vs Usyk latest news

• Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury via split decision to become undisputed

• Jai Opetaia outpoints Mairis Briedis to regain cruiserweight belt

• Joe Cordina loses super-featherweight title to Anthony Cacace

• Agit Kabayel dominates Frank Sanchez in final WBC eliminator

• Moses Itauma knocks out Ilja Mezencev early

Tyson Fury causes controversy with Ukraine war comments

07:46 , Marc Mayo

Tyson Fury has caused controversy with comments regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine following his close defeat by Oleksandr Usyk.

Most onlookers felt the right decision had been reached in the end, though Fury was disappointed to have lost and said he felt he had done more than enough to win.

He then caused controversy by claiming that Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia had led to people siding with his opponent, while he also stated his desire to immediately activate his clause for a rematch in October.

“I believe I won that fight,” Fury said in the ring afterwards. “I believe he won a few of the rounds but I won the majority of them.

“We both put on a good fight, best we could do. His country is at war, so people are siding with the country at war.

“Make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion and I’ll be back. I’ve got a rematch clause.”

Read the full story!

06:02 , George Flood

Emotional scenes in Usyk’s post-fight press conference as he remembers and pays tribute to his late father.

05:56 , George Flood

What a picture. What a fighter.

Undisputed at heavyweight, undisputed at cruiserweight, unbeaten as a professional, an Olympic, World and European amateur champion.

Is there anything this man can’t do?!

Just amazing.

05:56 , George Flood

Usyk’s first post-fight update on Instagram, welcoming his newest belt into the fold.

It certainly won’t be short of company!

Fury: I could have gone for late stoppage

05:51 , George Flood

More from Fury’s post-fight press conference now.

Interesting to hear that he would have gone for the late knockout if instructed to do so by his corner, who falsely believed he was on track for victory.

“It was a close fight, I thought I did enough but I’m not a judge,” he said.

“I can’t judge a fight while I’m boxing it. If they would have said to me in the last round, ‘you’re down, go out and try and finish him’ - I would have done that.

“Everyone in the corner believed we were up. All I had to do was just keep boxing and doing what I was doing. I thought I was getting it.

“It was what it was, I’m not going to cry about spilt milk. I’ve had plenty of victories and I gave God the glory.

“I’ve had this one loss in a close fight with a good man like Usyk. It was what it was. I tried my best in there, I was having a lot of fun actually.

“I don’t know if it looked like it, but I was playing around, hands behind my back.

“I was enjoying it. He’s a good fighter, I was catching him and he was catching me. It was a good fight.”

05:45 , George Flood

WBA lightweight champion Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis not happy with that decision...

Fury not planning to walk away from boxing after first defeat

05:42 , George Flood

Fury, who turns 36 in August, appears to have no plans to step away from boxing after suffering an agonising first professional loss.

“Close fight, could have nicked it, couldn’t have, whatever, could have been a draw, who knows? But I haven’t got the decision and I’m not going to cry about it.

“We’ll regroup, I’ll have a holiday, go home, speak to the wife and kids and I’ll see what I want to do.

“I ain’t boxing in here because I’ve got no money. I box because I love it.

“Do you understand? I’m 36 in a few months and I’ve been boxing since I was a child. So it is what it is.

“Where does it all end? Do you have 100 fights and brain damage in a wheelchair? I’m not sure.

“But the one thing is, all the time I’m still loving the game... I was having fun in there, I was really enjoying myself. Then I’ll continue to do it. When I can’t do that anymore, I’ll pack it up.”

Fury on triggering immediate rematch clause

05:41 , George Flood

In-ring answer

“Yeah, for sure [immediate rematch]. We go back, have a little rest up and spend some time with our families and get it back on in October.

“I believe I won the fight, but I’m not going to sit here and cry and make excuses. It was a good fight.”

Press conference answer

“We’ve just had a fight. If you can see my face, I’m pretty busted up and he’s [Usyk] gone to the hospital with a broken jaw. He’s busted too.

“We punched f**k out of each other for 12 rounds there, so we’re going to go home, eat some food, drink a few beers, spend some family time, walk the dog, go to the tip, and me and Frank [Warren] will talk about what’s going to happen in the future.”

Much more non-committal from Fury in the press conference...

05:37 , George Flood

Those all-important scorecards in full.

Always fascinating to see and bound to divide opinion!

Lennox Lewis welcomes Oleksandr Usyk to undisputed heavyweight club

05:37 , George Flood

Lennox Lewis welcomes Oleksandr Usyk to the undisputed heavyweights club.

A shame his reign will be similarly short-lived, with the IBF title expected to be taken away soon and put on the line when mandatories Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois go head to head on the Matchroom vs Queensbury 5v5 card back in Riyadh on June 1.

It means the likely rematch in October won’t be for undisputed either.

Terence Crawford: Oleksandr Usyk in mix for pound-for-pound No1

05:36 , George Flood

Is Oleksandr Usyk now boxing’s real pound-for-pound No1?

One of his rivals for that position, Terence Crawford, certainly thinks he has a huge case.

Usyk over Bud and Inoue now?

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

05:32 , George Flood

Round 2

The ultra-skilled and slick Usyk, on the front foot, has settled the better here, walking down Fury around the ring and finding those angles that he is so, so good at creating.

Fury has fired out some good responses though, countering brilliantly before throwing a lovely shot off the ropes that lands clean.

That was an Usyk round until Fury got to grips with it in the last 30 seconds or so.

I’d still have the Ukrainian 2-0 up, though can understand if that one went to Fury.

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

05:32 , George Flood

3-0 to Usyk though three? Or 2-1?

Fury needs to up it here, he can’t afford to let the first half of this fight slip away.

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

05:31 , George Flood

Round 4

Fury is growing in confidence midway through the fourth, stepping in again and finding a few useful and solid combinations.

An uppercut goes in and there’s more and more showboating from the Gypsy King, who gets stuck in the corner momentarily as Usyk drives to the body.

Good flurries from both men as we tick down towards the end of the round.

Fury’s first round on the board for me, though I know some have given him either the second or third.

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

05:28 , George Flood

Round 7

A nice left from Usyk at the start of the seventh, but he’s later buzzed again by another solid right hand.

A strong finish to the round from Usyk, who lands a long left and an uppercut as both men look to fire.

Enough to shade what could be a crucial round? Probably not in truth.

Those hard-to-score rounds are going to be so important to the outcome of this.

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

05:27 , George Flood

I think this is 4-4 though eight, though that seventh is a wildcard and was so, so close.

Could be 5-3 Usyk, others have Fury ahead... so difficult to score at times.

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

05:23 , George Flood

Round 9

Having taken control after the first three rounds, Fury is starting to look ragged and dishevelled here with a bloodied and marked-up face.

FURY IS IN HUGE TROUBLE IN THE NINTH AS HE’S BATTERED BY USYK!

FURY IS BLASTED AROUND THE RING AND THE ROPES JUST ABOUT KEEP HIM UP, LEADING TO A REFEREE’S COUNT!

HE’S SAVED BY THE BELL! WOW! WHAT A ROUND FROM USYK!

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

05:22 , George Flood

A 10-8 round for Usyk, who was so, so close to the stoppage there.

A few more seconds and Fury would have been out it completely.

Can the Gypsy King recover or is his first-ever professional defeat coming now?!

Got to always his admire his ability to get back up whatever happens.

He was being walloped around all over the place there, careering around the ring and bouncing and staggering back against the ropes.

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

05:17 , George Flood

Into the penultimate round we go!

Fury has his wits back about him, but he surely now needs to go for it and get a knockdown or two of his own.

Otherwise the undisputed dream, his WBC title and undefeated record are all history.

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

05:17 , George Flood

Round 11

This is just brilliant from Usyk - what a bloody fighter.

He springs out from the corner at the start of the 11th as he has done for most rounds in this fight.

Usyk in firm control, chopping in those slicing left hands as Fury struggles to inflict any damage.

Baffled by the advice Fury has been getting in his corner.

SugarHill Steward, John Fury, Tommy Fury and all the others seem to think he’s got this in the bag and are telling him it’s one more round for undisputed.

They are telling him not to take any risks, when in reality he needs a huge last round here to avoid defeat.

Really strange. Another Usyk round.

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

05:15 , George Flood

An explosive finish with both men detonating the big bombs!

What a round - got to give it to the Gypsy King on balance.

Fury raises his hand after an embrace while Usyk hugs his team in the ring.

Surely the Ukrainian is about to be announced as the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis.

We keenly await the judges’ scorecards...

Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury by split decision to become undisputed heavyweight champion

05:12 , George Flood

Here we go!

115-112 Usyk, 114-113 Fury, 114-113 Usyk - HE’S DONE IT!

OLEKSANDR USYK TAKES A SPLIT DECISION TO BECOME THE FIRST UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION SINCE LENNOX LEWIS IN 1999 AND THE FIRST IN BOXING’S FOUR-BELT ERA!

And don’t forget he was previously the first undisputed four-belt cruiserweight champion of the world.

A true all-time great.

Fury had his hand raised there but can have few complaints.

He suffers his first professional defeat.

01:59 , George Flood

Here is Fury’s immediate post-fight reaction, courtesy of Sky Sports.

The Ukraine comment was very poor form and hopefully just born out of frustration.

01:01 , George Flood

And here’s the reaction from an understandably emotional Oleksandr Usyk...

Sunday 19 May 2024 00:57 , George Flood

The moment that Oleksandr Usyk was deservedly crowned as boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion of the 21st century...

Sunday 19 May 2024 00:54 , George Flood

Not quite sure how anyone scored that in favour of Fury, but there we are.

The right decision in the end. Anything other than a Usyk win would have been a travesty.

Usyk in tears after the fight as the magnitude of his latest momentous achievement sinks in.

Fury says he feels he won the fight, suggesting that people sided with the man whose country is at war.

I think he’ll regret that comment when he looks back at it.

Otherwise he’s been very gracious.

Sunday 19 May 2024 00:35 , George Flood

Great respect being shown between Fury and Usyk as we await the scorecards. Great to see.

Could there be any more people in that ring?!

Give them a minute guys, please.

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

Sunday 19 May 2024 00:32 , George Flood

Final round underway!

Both men going for it, Usyk rattled by a big right hand with a minute left.

Can Fury build on it with time running out?!

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

Sunday 19 May 2024 00:25 , George Flood

Round 10

Usyk keeps himself under control, not going gung-ho for the knockout early in the 10th after that onslaught but still inflicting enough damage to keep Fury in a daze.

Usyk is in total control now and Fury is all over the place, so unusual to see.

Fury is trying his utmost to recover here and get his feet back under him.

He gets through the round, but it’s another in the bag for Usyk.

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

Sunday 19 May 2024 00:16 , George Flood

Round 8

Both men look to drive the tempo in the eighth.

A couple of huge exchanges that see both fighters land some powerful shots.

Usyk is having success with some of these lovely lefts that are finding their mark.

Fury gets caught with a thudding hook with 20 seconds left in the round.

There is a lot of blood coming from the nose of Fury and it’s smeared all around his face.

A crucial round that from Usyk. Has he taken the last two?

A brilliant response to wrestle back some momentum.

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

Sunday 19 May 2024 00:10 , George Flood

So we’ve got it 3-3 through six - first three to Usyk, followed by three in a row from Fury who is now looking supremely confident.

Usyk needs to get back on track quickly.

He needs a round to regather some momentum and halt Fury’s.

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

Sunday 19 May 2024 00:07 , George Flood

Round 6

Usyk tries to start the sixth quickly to regain some control, but Fury looks to be feeling himself somewhat now.

He’s moving so well and throwing those feints to great effect, walloping in another wincing right hand to the body.

These body shots are clearly hurting Usyk, who is buzzed by a big uppercut!

Fury taking centre ring now and imposing his authority with confidence.

Usyk shakes off that uppercut but this is starting to look a bit ominous for him now despite the impressive start.

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

Sunday 19 May 2024 00:05 , George Flood

Round 5

This is much better from Fury now.

He’s settled into the fight after an uncertain start and found his groove, using his considerable size and weight advantage to step into some of these shots.

Usyk may have been hurt to the body earlier in the round as Fury continues to target the torso over and over again.

Another clear Fury round. 3-2 to Usyk for me as we approach the halfway stage of a truly fascinating battle.

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

Sunday 19 May 2024 00:01 , George Flood

A bit of damage showing around that right eye of Usyk that is being worked on in the corner before the start of the fifth.

Doesn’t look too bad.

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

Saturday 18 May 2024 23:56 , George Flood

Round 3

The left to the body is by far Usyk’s biggest weapon here and he’s landed it plenty already, perfectly creating the angles to chop it in.

Usyk is still thoroughly dictating the tempo and direction here, but again Fury comes on strong at the end of the round, stepping into a couple of shots and jabs that find their mark.

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

Saturday 18 May 2024 23:49 , George Flood

Round 2

Usyk catches Fury again at the beginning of the second - this has been a good start from the Ukrainian.

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

Saturday 18 May 2024 23:48 , George Flood

Round 1

Usyk straight into trying to fire that left hand to the body from the first bell.

Fury tries to stoop and jab to the body, finding the mark with a right hand.

Both men moving and feinting all over the place, as you might expect.

Chants of ‘Usyk’ from ringside as their man keeps trying to smash in that left hand to the chest of the much taller Fury.

Fury playing to the crowd already on the ropes!

Lefts and rights to the chest from Usyk, with plenty of jabs now exchanged.

An overhand left from Usyk lands in the final stages of the first.

He then throws a couple more shots upstairs before the bell.

A close opener. Shaded by Usyk?

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

Saturday 18 May 2024 23:44 , George Flood

HERE WE GO!

Boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion of this century is set to be crowned tonight.

Which way will it go? This is as big as it gets.

What an occasion!

Fury with a few last-second mind games during the referee’s instructions.

The first bell sounds...

Saturday 18 May 2024 23:40 , George Flood

Quite an entrance from Usyk, who was decked out in what I’m guessing was traditional Ukraine military dress.

Now it’s Fury’s turn. Let’s see what he’s got in store here after promising a surprise that he said had never been done before...

Saturday 18 May 2024 23:39 , George Flood

Fury soaks up the adulation of the crowd with his full team for a while as ‘Holding Out for a Hero’ by Bonnie Tyler blares out in the background.

Now he runs to the ring as the crowd goes wild.

That was all rather understated by Fury’s usual elaborate standards.

Not sure what he was eluding to earlier this week.

Saturday 18 May 2024 23:38 , George Flood

Famous last words and all that, but Fury looks in tremendous shape and about as cool and laid-back as you can imagine before the official introductions from Buffer.

Let’s see if his confidence proves justified.

Saturday 18 May 2024 23:36 , George Flood

Now time for the fighters’ national anthems.

Ukraine’s up first, to be followed by God Save the King.

Saturday 18 May 2024 23:29 , George Flood

He actually ended up doing a few songs - thought we were watching a concert for a second there rather than a boxing event.

Anyway, now the ring walks are finally upon us.

Here comes Usyk first!

Saturday 18 May 2024 23:24 , George Flood

The Saudi anthem is followed by a live musical performance from American rapper and singer JID.

He’s currently performing ‘Dance Now’, featuring Kenny Mason.

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

Saturday 18 May 2024 23:19 , George Flood

The iconic Michael Buffer is on the mic, so that can only mean one thing!

It’s time for the main event ring walks!

We’ll have the Saudi Arabian national anthem first up.

Tale of the tape

Saturday 18 May 2024 23:16 , George Flood

Fury vs Usyk

35 Age 37

35 Fights 21

34 Wins 21

24 KOs 14

1 Draws 0

0 Losses 0

230 Rounds boxed 177

6ft 9in Height 6ft 3in

Orthodox Stance Southpaw

85in Reach 78in

18stones 11lbs Weight 16 stones 6lbs

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk is next

Saturday 18 May 2024 23:02 , George Flood

That’s the undercard all done and dusted in Riyadh, and all by 11pm - who saw that coming?

Don’t go anywhere, tonight’s enormous main event is coming up next.

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk for all the heavyweight marbles.

You won’t want to miss it!

Jai Opetaia beats Mairis Briedis to regain IBF cruiserweight title

Saturday 18 May 2024 22:58 , George Flood

Here come the judges’ scorecards...

117-111, 116-112, 116-112 - all in favour of Jai Opetaia, who takes a deserved unanimous decision to regain the IBF cruiserweight world title.

Jai Opetaia vs Mairis Briedis

Saturday 18 May 2024 22:55 , George Flood

Round 12

Hell of a late effort from the 39-year-old Briedis and he landed some more big shots in that absorbing final round with blood smeared all over Opetaia’s face, coming from the mouth.

Opetaia tries to fight fire with fire and ends up holding on a little - that finish was very similar to the first fight two summers ago.

Too little, too late from Briedis, who took all three final rounds but was surely too far behind and needed a knockout.

Jai Opetaia vs Mairis Briedis

Saturday 18 May 2024 22:53 , George Flood

Round 11

Briedis knows he hurt Opetaia there and tries to massively up the tempo at the start of the penultimate round.

He catches the Australian with some sharp and heavy shots at close range, but can’t quite swarm him like he needs to.

Two rounds in a row in the bag for the Latvian now, but it’s likely a case of too little, too late.

He’s surely so far behind on the cards that he needs a knockout in the 12th.

Here we go. Kitchen sink time for Briedis!

Jai Opetaia vs Mairis Briedis

Saturday 18 May 2024 22:47 , George Flood

Round 10

Now then!

Opetaia lands a huge left hand in the 10th but ends up seemingly holding on before the bell after being hurt by a stiff uppercut.

Some hope for Briedis at last!

He also finished strongly in the first fight remember, Opetaia fracturing his jaw in two places that night two years ago...

Jai Opetaia vs Mairis Briedis

Saturday 18 May 2024 22:45 , George Flood

Round 9

More of the same in a pretty scrappy ninth.

I have to say I don’t think what is a pretty tame contest is behind helped by a complete lack of atmosphere inside the Kingdom Arena.

Hopefully we don’t see that repeated in tonight’s mammoth main event.

Opetaia still on the front foot as the aggressor, controlling the tempo and doing the better work, but so many punches are being deflected off arms and gloves.

Jai Opetaia vs Mairis Briedis

Saturday 18 May 2024 22:41 , George Flood

Round 8

This fight has really still yet to ignite with just four rounds to go, despite what looked to be promised by a lively sixth.

It’s all a bit untidy in the eighth, Opetaia still in control for me but not quite as smooth and decisive.

Not too many eye-catching punches from either man.

The busted nose doesn’t appear to be impacting Briedis too much, though it’s still bleeding.

Briedis accidentally catches Opetaia with a low blow and immediately apologises.

Jai Opetaia vs Mairis Briedis

Saturday 18 May 2024 22:36 , George Flood

Round 7

Was that Briedis’ first round?

A little bit loose from Opetaia for the first time tonight in the seventh, losing his shape and discipline a touch.

Briedis may be 39 now with his best days behind him, but he’s still good enough to take advantage if you give him a chance to capitalise.

Jai Opetaia vs Mairis Briedis

Saturday 18 May 2024 22:33 , George Flood

Round 6

Best round of the fight so far as both men land heavy shots and blood comes gushing out of what looks like a potential broken nose for Briedis.

He ate a couple of massive shots there, including a pulverising straight left that landed flush.

Opetaia is just so heavy-handed.

I’ve got him taking every round so far.

Jai Opetaia vs Mairis Briedis

Saturday 18 May 2024 22:28 , George Flood

Round 5

Fair to say this isn’t the most thrilling fight for the neutral up until now and a far cry from their 2022 war.

Opetaia still in firm control for me, doing as much as he has to and not overexerting himself unnecessarily.

Just not sure how a 39-year-old Briedis wins this.

Jai Opetaia vs Mairis Briedis

Saturday 18 May 2024 22:26 , George Flood

Round 4

This isn’t the most explosive performance from Opetaia so far, but it’s really impressive, controlling stuff.

Everything he throws looks so heavy, he’s controlling the pace and distance so well, throwing to the body with menace.

He’s fast, durable and powerful with lovely footwork. That’s hard to beat.

Briedis is trying to stay busy, but he just can’t hurt Opetaia at the moment.

It’s all very comfortable for the Australian, who must be 4-0 up on the cards.

Jai Opetaia vs Mairis Briedis

Saturday 18 May 2024 22:20 , George Flood

Round 3

Not too many fireworks in the third, but Opetaia is firmly on top through three.He’s boxing well and smartly, forcing the pace and wearing down Briedis with some solid shots.

Briedis is a little gun-shy, no doubt wary of being countered sharply again.

The Latvian tries to land a big overhand right that is brushed off by his rival.

Jai Opetaia vs Mairis Briedis

Saturday 18 May 2024 22:15 , George Flood

Round 2

Spoke too soon as Opetaia steps on the accelerator early in the second.

He tees up and connects with some heavy shots that offer a sharp reminder of the significant power he carries in both hands.

He expertly ducked a hook from Briedis there and then quickly caught him flush with a big overhand counter right, putting together a powerful combination that hurt the Latvian.

He won’t want to take too many of those.

Jai Opetaia vs Mairis Briedis

Saturday 18 May 2024 22:12 , George Flood

Round 1

A tentative opening round.

Cagey stuff as both fighters exercise early caution, which we certainly haven’t seen from Opetaia in his last couple of fights.

Jai Opetaia vs Mairis Briedis

Saturday 18 May 2024 22:08 , George Flood

Here we go with the chief support act of the night!

Can Briedis roll back the years despite that long absence and cause a shock?

It’s a huge ask...

Jai Opetaia vs Mairis Briedis

Saturday 18 May 2024 22:06 , George Flood

Opetaia outpointed Briedis in a truly gruelling battle in Australia two years ago, despite suffering a double jaw fracture.

He won the IBF and The Ring titles that night, later defending against Jordan Thompson at Wembley Arena before being stripped before his savage first-round knockout of another Briton in Ellis Zorro on the Joshua-Wallin undercard in Riyadh in December.The destructive, undefeated 24-0 (19 knockouts) Australian southpaw now has a huge chance to get it back against veteran Briedis, Latvia’s legendary three-time world champion who has not fought since that first bout with Opetaia and at 39 might find things very difficult tonight.

Few more impressive destructive punchers in world boxing right now than Opetaia.

Jai Opetaia vs Mairis Briedis

Saturday 18 May 2024 22:01 , George Flood

Just one more fight to go now before Tyson Fury takes on Oleksandr Usyk in one of the biggest fights in heavyweight boxing history.

It’s a rematch of the July 2022 war between Jai Opetaia and Mairis Briedis for the vacant IBF cruiserweight title.

Saturday 18 May 2024 21:51 , George Flood

Michael Conlan congratulates fellow Belfast fighter Anthony Cacace after that major upset...

Saturday 18 May 2024 21:49 , George Flood

Cacace is understandably absolutely delighted, as is promoter Frank Warren, who strikes an early blow on rival-turned-friend Eddie Hearn a couple of weeks before the 5v5 card in Riyadh in a couple of weeks.

Cacace says no one gave him a chance as he heralds his team and indicates a desire to fight in Saudi Arabia for the rest of his career.

He also goads the likes of Zelfa Barrett and insists there was no controversy after he threw a punch on Cordina after the referee had called for the break before the knockdown in round three.

Joe Cordina stunned by Anthony Cacace

Saturday 18 May 2024 21:42 , George Flood

A huge shock in Riyadh!

Cordina continues to get absolutely battered by Cacace in the eighth.

With the Welshman trapped against the ropes, absorbing more massive punishment and not throwing back, the referee steps in to wave it off.

WOW!

Anthony Cacace adds the IBF super-featherweight title to his IBO belt.

Who saw this coming?! The first defeat of Cordina’s 18-fight professional career.

A stunning achievement for the 35-year-old from Belfast.

Joe Cordina vs Anthony Cacace

Saturday 18 May 2024 21:37 , George Flood

Round 7

More bruising punishment for a tired and hurt Cordina throughout the seventh.

Cacace is looking really confident now, thriving on having this fight at close range and continuing to rain down such heavy shots.

Cordina is doing really well just to stay in there.

Joe Cordina vs Anthony Cacace

Saturday 18 May 2024 21:33 , George Flood

Round 6

Another brutal, brutal round featuring so many furious and powerful close-range clashes.

Fighting like this is exactly what Cacace wants and he ends the sixth in fine fashion, drilling in a succession of big uppercuts and switching up his attacks to body and head.

Cordina can’t get away and isn’t controlling the range or distance at all. He can’t keep taking this punishment at close range.

Cordina has just told his corner at the end of the sixth that something has gone, but I didn’t quite hear what he said.

Sounds like an injury, which might explain why he’s unable to get out of range here and avoid those Cacace onslaughts...

Joe Cordina vs Anthony Cacace

Saturday 18 May 2024 21:29 , George Flood

Round 3

Joe Cordina is in big trouble in round three!

Cacace is warned for catching him after the ‘stop boxing’ call before hurting the Welshman with a monstrous left hook!

Cordina can’t get his legs back underneath him and he’s down by the ropes after more heavy punishment including a peach of an uppercut.

Cacace now going for the stoppage with a non-stop thundering barrage.

Do we have a huge shock on the cards here?!

Joe Cordina vs Anthony Cacace

Saturday 18 May 2024 21:29 , George Flood

Round 3

Cordina makes it to the bell at the end of the third... just.

Not quite sure how he managed to get through that brutal onslaught.

Now, can he shake that off or is he about to lose his IBF super-featherweight title?

Joe Cordina vs Anthony Cacace

Saturday 18 May 2024 21:28 , George Flood

Round 5

This has turned into an absolute all-out war.

It’s brutal stuff up close, with both men letting their hands go with some fast and hard shots.

Vicious, enthralling action through five rounds that have flown by.

A brilliant contest so far.

Joe Cordina vs Anthony Cacace

Saturday 18 May 2024 21:24 , George Flood

Round 4

Impressive powers of recovery there from Cordina, who crucially shakes off that knockdown and lands some thudding shots of his own in a thrilling fourth.

Cacace is still throwing some big punches of his own, rattling Cordina to the body.

But has his biggest chance to produce an upset just gone?

Joe Cordina vs Anthony Cacace

Saturday 18 May 2024 21:16 , George Flood

Round 2

This is absorbing stuff so far, with both men content to stand and trade at close range with some furious flurries.

They both want to let the shots fly in bunches and get the speedy combinations working off the jab.

Fascinating fare stylistically.

Joe Cordina vs Anthony Cacace

Saturday 18 May 2024 21:12 , George Flood

Round 1

A very sharp first round there, both men looking to start fast and set out their stall.

If we can see that sort of pace maintained, this could be a hell of a contest.

Probably just shaded by Cordina, who for me did the slightly cleaner and more eye-catching work.

Joe Cordina vs Anthony Cacace

Saturday 18 May 2024 21:06 , George Flood

Cordina’s IBF super-featherweight strap and Cacace’s IBO belt are both on the line tonight.

The first bell sounds! Here we go.

Joe Cordina vs Anthony Cacace

Saturday 18 May 2024 21:04 , George Flood

Cordina is the heavy favourite tonight to successfully defend the belt he initially won with a memorable early knockout of Kenichi Ogawa in Cardiff in 2022 before being stripped without making a defence due to injury and winning it again by outpointing Shavkat Rakhimov last April.

Cordina finally defended the belt for the first time with a majority decision win over Edward Vazquez in Monte Carlo in November.He now meets tough Irish opponent Cacace, the former British champion who has held the IBO belt since beating Michael Magnesi two years ago.

The 35-year-old defended successfully by outpointing Damian Wrzesinski in Belfast last May and has just one loss on his professional record, against Martin Joseph Ward in 2017.

Joe Cordina vs Anthony Cacace coming up

Saturday 18 May 2024 20:58 , George Flood

More British interest up next in Riyadh.

Undefeated 17-0 Welsh star Joe Cordina provides the latest defence of his IBF super-featherweight world title against IBO champion Anthony Cacace from Belfast.

Fury vs Usyk edging ever closer

Saturday 18 May 2024 20:47 , George Flood

Just two more fights left now before tonight’s massive main event!

Who becomes the first undisputed heavyweight champion of boxing’s four-belt era in Riyadh?

Have your say...

Frank Sanchez stopped by Agit Kabayel

Saturday 18 May 2024 20:46 , George Flood

Round 7

It’s over in the seventh!

An out-of-sorts Sanchez has been worn down relentlessly by the determined Kabayel, who punishes the body to send the Cuban down once and then again, with the fight waved off.

Another monster win for the German to follow his stunning stoppage of Arslanbek Makhmudov in December.

He evidently loves fighting in Saudi and is now the mandatory challenger for the WBC heavyweight world title held (for now at least) by former sparring partner Tyson Fury.

Frank Sanchez vs Agit Kabayel

Saturday 18 May 2024 20:35 , George Flood

Round 6

Still all one-way traffic as we reach the midway point of this 12-round final eliminator for the WBC heavyweight title currently held by Tyson Fury.

With the possible exception of the first round, this has been a thoroughly comfortable night’s work for former two-time European champion Agit Kabayel so far.

Unless he can produce something in the second half of this one-sided bout, Frank Sanchez’s unbeaten record is under serious threat.

Tyson Fury arrives backstage in Riyadh

Saturday 18 May 2024 20:31 , George Flood

Tyson Fury looking stylish in the hat and shades and snappy suit as he arrives at the Kingdom Arena.

He’s just been filmed belting out a tune backstage, in case anybody was wondering if he was feeling any pre-fight nerves.

Frank Sanchez vs Agit Kabayel

Saturday 18 May 2024 20:29 , George Flood

Round 5

Sanchez is a known counter-puncher of course, but he needs to snap out of this and wake up a bit as the rounds continue to slip away.

Kabayel is still firmly on the front foot and the far busier fighter as he continues to exert that non-stop pressure.

He’s controlling the tempo and the range with good movement and footwork, putting together the combinations off the jab and switching his attacks well.

Frank Sanchez vs Agit Kabayel

Saturday 18 May 2024 20:26 , George Flood

Round 4

I’m not quite sure what the overall gameplan is here from Sanchez.

He’s still retreating to the ropes way too much while being constantly walked down by Kabayel, who is maintaining the pressure all of the time and landing nice scoring shots to both body and head.

I have him easily 3-1 ahead through four.

Sanchez still complaining to the referee and generally looking quite out of sorts.

Stars take their seats at ringside

Saturday 18 May 2024 20:24 , George Flood

Anthony Joshua has taken his seat next to Eddie Hearn at ringside and has now been joined by Cristiano Ronaldo.

So many boxing luminaries already seen around the place, including boxing’s last undisputed heavyweight champion, Lennox Lewis, plus the man he beat to that title in Evander Holyfield.

Roberto Duran among the other legends on the scene.

Steven Gerrard, who manages in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq, has also arrived.

Frank Sanchez vs Agit Kabayel

Saturday 18 May 2024 20:24 , George Flood

Round 3

A bit of a strange round that from Sanchez.

He’s being backed up all over the place by the front-footed Kabayel and is spending way too much time on the ropes.

He’s under a lot of pressure and been complaining to the referee about alleged punches to the back of the head.

Frank Sanchez vs Agit Kabayel

Saturday 18 May 2024 20:18 , George Flood

Round 2

This is a really intriguing battle through the first couple of rounds.

Kabayel is the main aggressor, walking down Sanchez and looking the busier fighter as he looks to let the punches go in bunches.

Sanchez likes the chance to detonate some big shots off the counter, but he’s looking a little bit uncomfortable at the moment.

Moses Itauma stops Ilja Mezencev in round two

Saturday 18 May 2024 20:16 , George Flood

Round 2

Just devastating from the future of the heavyweight division.

The power out of both hands is really quite something - Mezencev never had even a sniff of a chance.

He’s dazed by more spiteful shots early in the second, including some expert counter-punching before bringing a premature end to the bout with a shuddering right hook to the temple that sends the German down.

No chance to continue. Emphatic! He gratefully claims the WBO Intercontinental belt.

Frank Sanchez vs Agit Kabayel

Saturday 18 May 2024 20:15 , George Flood

Round 1

A nice right hand from Sanchez likely sees him shade that opener.

Both men trying to feel each other out with some gruelling close-range exchanges from the off.

Kabayel on the front foot and trying to force the pace, but he needs to be very careful.

Oleksandr Usyk in the house

Saturday 18 May 2024 20:13 , George Flood

Oleksandr Usyk has now arrived at the Kingdom Arena!

Looking as cool, calm and collected as ever.

Can the first undisputed cruiserweight champion make more history tonight?

Frank Sanchez vs Agit Kabayel

Saturday 18 May 2024 20:08 , George Flood

Here we go in the penultimate heavyweight battle of the night.

This could be explosive...

History beckons as Fury vs Usyk takes centre stage

Saturday 18 May 2024 20:05 , George Flood

Here’s Standard Sport’s Matt Majendie looking ahead to the mammoth main event that is Fury vs Usyk, a battle for the ages that he sees as a timely antidote to the controversial era of crossover boxing.

Promoters, punters and pugilists have played their part in ramping up the hype for a fight that, in truth, never needed a leg-up.

The crux of tonight’s showdown in Riyadh is simple: barring an unlikely draw, come the end of the night there will be an undisputed heavyweight champion for the first time since Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield in 1999.

Read the preview in full here

Frank Sanchez vs Agit Kabayel

Saturday 18 May 2024 20:00 , George Flood

Kabayel, a former two-time European champion who beat Derek Chisora in Monaco in 2017, is of course coming off that remarkable early stoppage of Arslanbek Makhmudov on the Joshua-Wallin undercard in Riyadh in December.

He picked up the WBC-NABF and WBA Intercontinental heavyweight titles that night as he handed the big-hitting Russian his first pro loss in emphatic fashion.

He is expecting another big step up against Sanchez, the WBC Continental Americas and WBO-NABO heavyweight champion who beat Junior Fa on the same card just before Christmas.

Frank Sanchez takes on Agit Kabayel in latest heavyweight clash

Saturday 18 May 2024 19:55 , George Flood

We’ve got another heavyweight contest next on the bill in Riyadh.

The ‘Cuban Flash’ Frank Sanchez is up against Germany’s Agit Kabayel, a former sparring partner of Tyson Fury.

It is another intriguing battle of two undefeated fighters looking to take a big step on this stage as they compete in a final eliminator for the WBC title currently held by Fury.

Moses Itauma vs Ilja Mezencev

Saturday 18 May 2024 19:38 , George Flood

Round 1

Absolute dominance in the first from Itauma, pressuring his opponent relentlessly and thundering down some wincing early blows.

Mezencev does well to stay on his feet after a clubbing left hand and is rather saved by the bell as Itauma hunts for another emphatic early finish.

This surely won’t go much longer...

Moses Itauma vs Ilja Mezencev

Saturday 18 May 2024 19:34 , George Flood

Off we go.

Moses Itauma keen to make another early statement on his rise to heavyweight superstardom.

Moses Itauma vs Ilja Mezencev

Saturday 18 May 2024 19:34 , George Flood

The vacant WBO Intercontinental belt is on the line in this 10-rounder.

There rightfully remains so much hype around former world amateur champion Itauma, who many are still tipping to even possibly break Mike Tyson’s famous old record as the youngest professional heavyweight champion in history.

Itauma, younger brother of Karol, from Chatham in Kent, only turned pro last January but has already rattled off eight convincing wins, including an early stoppage of Dan Garber at York Hall in March.

Will this be another easy night’s work for the future superstar?

Moses Itauma vs Ilja Mezencev up next

Saturday 18 May 2024 19:29 , George Flood

We’re getting through this card at a fair old pace now, with only four fights left on the bill before Fury vs Usyk.

Next it’s the latest step on the exciting professional journey of Moses Itauma, the destructive teenage heavyweight who will look to move to 9-0 by beating the 25-3 German Ilja Mezencev, who has previously been in with the likes of one-time Tyson Fury opponent Tom Schwarz.

Team Usyk 'complain about ring canvas' amid trip hazard fears

Saturday 18 May 2024 19:22 , George Flood

It wouldn’t be a massive fight night without some complaints about the ring canvas, now would it?

Sky Sports reported earlier this week that a member of Oleksandr Usyk’s team had complained about the seams joining the canvas sections together at the Kingdom Arena after an initial open workout in Riyadh earlier this week.

Team Usyk apparently were concerned that it could represent a trip hazard.

We’ll see if it becomes any kind of storyline later on tonight. Hopefully not!

Ruthless Mark Chamberlain delivers huge early knockout

Saturday 18 May 2024 19:13 , George Flood

It was a bruising straight left that put Wahab down the first time and left him sprawled on the canvas.

He did well to get up from that, but was defenceless as he then quickly got dazed into the corner with a vicious one-two and then slumped to the floor after a spiteful barrage.

Wahab has been attended to in the corner but thankfully is back on his feet and now seems okay.

Mark Chamberlain can expect many more calls from biggest fan Turki Alalshikh in future as he claims the vacant WBC Silver lightweight strap and moves to 17-0.

Mark Chamberlain knocks out Joshua Wahab in first round

Saturday 18 May 2024 19:07 , George Flood

WOW!

Absolute destruction from Chamberlain, who starts like a train again to flatten the helpless Wahab in round one.

The Nigerian goes down heavy once and gets back to his feet, but Chamberlain jumps straight back on him and puts him down again to bring an abrupt and early halt to the contest.

Ruthless.

Click here to read the full blog on The Evening Standard's website