00:47:17
WHAT A NIGHT, WE HAVE A NEW KING
Usyk’s outstanding performance made the show truly unforgettable. He proved to be the ultimate headliner, deserving of the victory. The thrilling match required both fighters to display their warrior spirits.
I’m heading out now, but I’ll see you in the next event. Thank you for staying with me. Have a good night, Steve.
00:40:58
USYK IS THE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD
The verdict is in, the scorecards have been tallied, and we finally have a winner.
Mike Fitzgerald: 114-113 Usyk
Craig Metcalfe: 114-113 Fury
Manuel Oliver Palomo: 115-112 Usyk
00:34:23
AMAZING SCRAP
The conclusion of an extraordinary battle has arrived. This match encompassed an abundance of elements, with immense stakes at hand. Passion, determination, and contentious moments were all part of the mix.
Just waiting for the scores.
00:25:52
FURY RIDING OUT THE STORM
Fury, who has made an impressive comeback, dominates in round 10. With only two rounds remaining, this fight is turning into a true battle worthy of the undisputed heavyweight championship.
00:21:51
FURY OUT ON HIS FEET
Incredible! Fury is knocked down in the ninth round! Referee Mark Nelson takes an eternity to count him out, but miraculously, Fury manages to survive the round. Absolutely mind-blowing.
00:16:56
SEARCHING FOR FRESHNESS
Both men are displaying impressive performance. Usyk’s success heavily relies on his stamina and physical fitness, as he hopes that Fury will eventually tire out. It is noticeable that Fury is not exerting himself to his fullest potential, frequently taking breaks while Usyk hesitates for extended periods, which can be understood.
In round eight, Usyk’s performance shines brighter as he successfully pushes Fury back. The momentum takes an incredible shift as Fury starts to bleed.
00:09:11
DOMINANT SIXTH FOR FURY
In the sixth round, Usyk experienced a moment of instability, clearly affected by the sheer power and physical stature of his opponent. Fury skillfully utilized a left hook, effectively combining it with his jab, causing trouble for Usyk. Taking advantage of the situation, Fury even taunted Usyk.
00:05:34
STORYLINES
There are numerous intricate twists and turns in this match. Currently, Fury is dominating and relentlessly attacking Usyk’s body. Despite this, Usyk is putting in the effort to make Fury work. The question now arises: will this strategy tire Fury out in the later rounds? Moreover, can Usyk maintain his composure and performance throughout the rest of the match?
00:01:30
ON A KNIFE EDGE
Fury’s corner is filled with liveliness, but the situation in Riyadh is intense. Fury is putting in tremendous effort, while Usyk has a minor cut on his right eye. Could that be a result of a head clash in the fourth round?
23:57:05
FURY SETTLING DOWN
Fury is increasingly utilizing his jab as a powerful weapon in the fight. While Usyk may possess impressive hand speed, Fury is effectively gauging his opponent’s movements and applying more pressure to exhaust him. Usyk is expressing his dissatisfaction to the referee regarding the situation.
23:52:33
EARLY TENSION
Fury unleashed a powerful southpaw jab, targeting the opponent’s body. He momentarily leaned against the ropes, playfully entertaining the crowd. The electrifying atmosphere inside the arena intensified as the spectators’ nerves were palpable.
As Usyk bounced, Fury glanced over while taking a quick glimpse. A well-timed left hand caused Fury to blink, seizing the opportunity presented to him.
In the second round, a left punch was thrown, followed by a right hand, which found its target. Towards the end of the round, Fury swiftly delivered an uppercut.
23:37:56
FURY AND USYK IN THE RING
Both men made quite an entrance, showcasing contrasting styles and approaches. Usyk exuded a serious and focused demeanor, while Fury entertained the crowd with his lively dance moves, making his way to the grandest stage of all.
The national anthems echo through the arena as Michael Buffer introduces the two fierce opponents. Mark Nelson steps in to bring them together, ready to determine the undisputed heavyweight champion in 12 rounds or less. It’s time to get started!
23:02:07
OPETAIA WINS THE TITLE
These two fighters have now completed a total of 24 grueling rounds. Just like in their first match, Briedis displayed an impressive surge towards the end, but unfortunately, as accurately pointed out by Sky commentator Andy Clarke, he fell short of victory due to the limited time remaining.
Opetaia has been officially crowned as the IBF cruiserweight champion, with conclusive scores of 117-111 and 116-112 twice.
The two bouts bring to mind the clashes between Tomasz Adamek and Paul Briggs in the light-heavyweight division. Both matches were intense battles that had a relatively clear victor.
22:51:19
BOUNCE BACK BRIEDIS
The situation in Riyadh is becoming more intriguing as Opetaia appears to be facing some intense pressure. Is his jaw injured once more? Everything is set for a captivating final session.
22:48:25
BRIEDIS NEEDS A BIG FINISH
Good exchange in the 10th as Opetaia landed a left hand but was caught himself by a little uppercut. The Aussie held on for dear life and the bell sounded for a reset.
22:38:15
OPPORTUNISTIC OPETAIA
In the eighth round, Briedis’s troubles were epitomized when he rushed towards Opetaia but narrowly missed as Opetaia evaded and skillfully used his long arms to continuously jab at his opponent.
Opetaia has the potential to display explosive behavior, but tonight he has shown cleverness and caution. He tactfully selects the opportune moments to launch his attacks and skillfully maneuvers by sliding across the ropes to avoid any potential harm.
22:32:06
BUSTED UP BRIEDIS
There’s no denying that Briedis is as resilient as they come. Opetaia has inflicted a brutal blow to his nose, and the situation is escalating. Opetaia possesses immense punching power. How can Briedis alter his approach to change the tide in his favor?
22:27:26
REACTIVE BRIEDIS
Briedis, the former Latvian champion, is primarily relying on reacting to Opetaia’s attacks. Although there have been a few opportunities to capitalize on, Briedis has been unable to seize them due to his lack of speed.
Jai Opetaia’s control over the range and cautiousness towards overcommitting is evident, even if he is not successfully landing shots.
Opetaia (left) vs. Briedis (Getty Images)
22:15:07
OPTIMAL OPETAIA
Jai Opetaia is brimming with determination and energy. He is eagerly anticipating his chance to showcase his skills, ready to pounce at any moment. On the other hand, Mairis Briedis, who has been absent from the ring for a considerable amount of time, is struggling to regain his timing and find a consistent pace. As the fight progresses into the second round, he knows that he cannot afford to wait too long for everything to fall into place.
22:04:27
OPETAIA AND BRIEDIS REMATCH
This is expected to be an exciting match for the IBF cruiserweight title, featuring two resilient fighters who refuse to yield easily. Opetaia appears rejuvenated and formidable, while Briedis inflicted significant damage on him in their previous encounter. It is anticipated that this battle will be fiercely fought for the duration it lasts.
21:39:05
AND THE NEW…
Anthony Cacace has claimed the prestigious title of IBF world champion! The Belfastman’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary, as he skillfully employed his power, relentless work ethic, and every possible technique to secure victory. Once Cordina felt the impact of Cacace’s blows, he found himself continuously pushed back and subjected to a barrage of forceful strikes.
Cordina displayed a warrior’s spirit, however, he was battling through injuries. With a clouded mindset persisting throughout each round, he seemed unable to fully recover from the third round.
21:31:52
CRACKING CACACE
Cordina is being hammered with uppercuts, resembling sandwiches, as the bell signaling the end of round six finally arrives at the perfect moment. To add insult to injury, Cacace’s body shots are also landing with precision. Cordina’s ability to withstand these blows is reaching its breaking point, as he is currently on the verge of exhaustion.
21:29:04
WHAT A SHOT
In round three, Cordina found himself on the ropes, struggling to regain his balance. Moving on to round six, Cacace appeared to have taken charge as the dominant puncher in the ring.
21:23:56
CHAMPIONSHIP SCRAP
In the fourth round, Cordina regained his footing and composure. This allowed us a momentary relief after the intense third round. Cordina endured a massive uppercut that sent him crashing down, with Referee Bob Williams closely monitoring the situation.
Is this the start of the end, or a moment that will finally wake us up? It’s a delicate equilibrium.
21:20:30
CACACE ON THE VERGE?
In the third round, Cordina finds himself in a precarious situation as he gets struck by a powerful left hook. The champion, barely managing to stay on his feet, staggers around the ring and narrowly escapes defeat by the slightest margin. Cacace’s performance is nothing short of spectacular.
21:12:08
CACACE THE APACHE
Cacace’s journey to reach this point has been lengthy, yet many believed he was destined for the world stage. Known as the “Andytown Apache,” a nod to his origins in Andersonstown, a neighborhood in west Belfast, Anthony showcased exceptional skills even as an amateur.
Cordina, like Joe, seamlessly adapted to the professional game. However, Joe had to dig deep and reclaim the IBF title, a testament to his remarkable mental strength. Cordina appears to be in top form during the second round.
21:07:19
WELSH WIZARD IN THE RING
The IBF super-featherweight title is up for grabs as Joe Cordina defends it against Anthony Cacace from Belfast. This is expected to be an exciting match. And we’re off with round one!
20:53:00
PICS OF THE WINNER
The story is told through a couple of pictures, one capturing Frank being counted out and another showcasing the victorious winner who truly deserves a chance at the title.
20:40:23
KABAYEL THE KRUSHER!
Agit Kabayel showcased an exceptional performance, securing a stoppage in the seventh round. Frank Sanchez was brought down by a powerful combination of body shots, leaving him vulnerable. To seal the deal, Kabayel delivered a precise jab to the breadbasket, ultimately ending the match.
Kabayel displayed an outstanding work rate, keeping his hands high and delivering impressive body shots while sticking to his gameplan. On the other hand, Sanchez seemed lacklustre, lacking the energy and determination that previously helped him maintain an unbeaten record. It raises the question of who will be willing to face him in the future.
20:28:06
KABAYEL THE BOSS
The fight is Kabayel’s to lose as we enter round six. He has been setting the pace and appears to be in control. If he can sustain his performance, victory is within his grasp.
Sanchez is having a tough time fending off the German opponent. He is visibly exhausted, breathing heavily, and desperately requires the strength to reverse the situation.
Kabayel (left) dominating Sanchez (Getty Images)
20:18:20
KABAYEL FORCING THE PACE
These two are off to a promising start. I am already retracting my previous criticism about the combination of styles. Kabayel is choosing to aggressively advance and relentlessly target the body.
Sanchez possesses exceptional speed and explosive power, leaving no room for him to passively remain on the ropes throughout the night.
20:07:03
FINISHED IN A FLASH?
Now, we are approaching the crucial stage of affairs. Starting from Itauma’s learning phase in the heavyweight division, we now have a pair of individuals who are on the brink of seizing world title opportunities. Under the guidance of Eddy Reynoso, Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sanchez is set to take on Agit Kabayel.
This is a WBC world title eliminator, but it’s fair to say that their styles may not complement each other. However, anticipate a display of exceptional skills in this contest.
19:46:40
MOSES DESTROYS OPPONENT IN TWO
Itauma switched on his aggression in the final moments of the first round. Mezencev made a momentary mistake by overreaching, resulting in consequences. In the second round, a powerful right hook landed on the side of Mezencev’s head, causing him to lose his awareness. The defeated boxer struggled to regain his composure, attempting to persuade Howard Foster that he was still conscious. However, it was clear that he wasn’t, leading to the match being called off.
Itauma impresses (Getty Images)
19:34:04
MOSES ITAUMA READY TO RUMBLE
At just 19 years old, Moses Itauma, a powerful prospect, effortlessly dominates his opponents. As his opponent, Ilja Mezencev, enters the ring, his confidence seems to dwindle. Although Mezencev appears to be a strong puncher, it remains to be seen how he will fare against Itauma.
19:11:31
ON THE MARK IN ROUND ONE
In the first round, Mark Chamberlain unleashed a devastating left hand on Wahab, setting the tone for a rapid downfall. Demonstrating composure and confidence, Chamberlain skillfully cornered Wahab and delivered a series of precise blows, swiftly concluding the match. It was as straightforward as that.
19:04:22
CHAMBERLAIN UP NEXT
Let the show begin! Mark Chamberlain enters the stage with the electrifying tunes of James Brown, setting a strong tone for the evening. Chamberlain, a thrilling fighter, faces off against the formidable “Wealth Machine” Joshua Wahab.
18:43:30
JOY FOR SAFAR WHO OUTWORKS KOVALEV
Safar delivered a powerful left hook and followed it up with a strong right hand in the final moments of round 10. Sergey was unable to withstand the blows and collapsed onto the canvas. Despite his determination, Sergey struggled to get back on his feet and make it to the end of the match. The judges’ scores of 97-92, 99-90, and 95-94 all declared Safar as the winner, but it was a bittersweet victory on his journey towards defeat.
It is quite possible that Sergey Kovalev’s career has come to a close. Towards the end, he attempted to recapture his past glory with some reckless shots. However, most of them appeared forced and lacked precision, while Safar increased his intensity and sealed the victory. Kovalev’s prime as the Krusher is long gone.
18:34:09
TIRED OLD KOVALEV
It’s quite melancholic to witness a seasoned fighter attempting to turn back time. Can Kovalev muster up enough energy to uncover that distant equalizer he once possessed? Safar, on the other hand, has remained fit and efficient, executing precisely what is required, with support from a capable corner.
Prime Kovalev was in a league of his own; a completely different entity. That exceptional version of him is a thing of the past, far in the distance. Safar may pose a challenge for the best cruiserweights, but it’s doubtful he could go beyond just that – a challenge.
18:22:42
SAFAR SO GOOD
The current situation seems to be favoring the Swede greatly. Kovalev appears to be showing signs of his age, being 41 years old and not at his prime anymore, and also struggling with the excess weight.
Kovalev is putting in immense effort to stay in the game, but it seems like he requires a significant breakthrough or impactful move to reverse the situation or make a notable impact on Safar. The fast tempo clearly gives an advantage to the younger contender.
18:08:51
KOVA JAB
Safar is wisely focusing on attacking Kovalev’s body, a strategic move. How is Kovalev holding up? His jab is gradually becoming effective. In the beginning, Kovalev had some difficulty finding his rhythm.
Safar appears to be in good physical condition, displaying strength and vigor. Though lacking in flamboyance, his actions are reasonably effective, particularly considering his youth.
This image features Sergey Kovalev on the right, facing off against Robin Safar.
18:00:59
KRUSHER IN AGAINST SAFAR
Make sure to keep your eyes open as Sergey Kovalev steps into the ring. Robin Safar has received some attention in certain circles, so it will be interesting to see what he brings to this match.
Has Kovalev’s punching power translated to the cruiserweight division?
17:45:30
NYIKA SCORES FOURTH-ROUND STOPPAGE
Now it’s Nyika’s turn to shine. Seitz is getting tired and starting to feel sorry for himself. Nyika is a large and formidable opponent, although he can be a bit rigid and straightforward in his approach. Will his style work in his favor as he moves up to face tougher opponents?
Seitz collapses into the ropes, completely exhausted in the fourth round, rendering the outcome irrelevant. With a bloody nose, Seitz willingly accepts Mr Foster’s intervention at the 2-45 mark of the fourth round. Nyika emerges as the victor, earning the vacant IBF International cruiserweight title.
17:38:19
SEITZ ROLLING BACK THE YEARS
Seitz enters and exits the scene with the agility of Glencoffe Johnson (a name that brings back memories). He displays a responsible and robust defensive technique, relentlessly pursuing his opponent. While Seitz lands a couple of jabs, it is worth mentioning that Nyika possesses an incredibly powerful left jab.
I’m curious if Seitz’s face will bear the marks of battle as the rounds progress. Nyika appears to have a natural talent for powerful punches. However, he won’t have complete control as he aims for Seitz’s body.
17:28:53
SEITZ MATTERS
There has been a clear difference in size between the fighters in all three bouts. Nyika is the larger contender, but Seitz is gradually narrowing the size gap whenever he gets the chance.
The referee for the match is Howard Foster, and it is crucial for Nyika to utilize his jab effectively in order to prevent Seitz from simply walking straight inside.
17:25:19
NYIKA IN THE RING
David Nyika made his way into the ring sporting unique headgear, although it didn’t quite match the grandeur of past entrances like Joe Joyce or the Bernard Hopkins ‘Alien’ theme.
Moving forward, let’s proceed with the show. In our next bout, Nyika will be going up against Michael Seitz in an eight-round match.
16:16:49
LAPIN DONE AND DUSTED IN ONE
The duration was short-lived. Pudivitr succumbed in the first round. Lapin delivered a powerful right-left combination, causing Pudivitr to collapse in the corner. While on the ground, he received a few blows. In a more significant bout, this could have posed a problem, but Williams quickly ended the fight.
It is possible that Pudivitr experienced a scratched eyeball due to the rough finish. Despite this, Lapin appeared content with his performance, as he emerged victorious and claimed the WBA Continental light-heavyweight championship.
16:07:00
LAPIN UP THE ATMOSPHERE
Coming up next is the match between the unbeaten Ukrainian boxer, Daniel Lapin, and Portugal’s Octavio Pudivitr. Lapin is known for his impressive skills and size, and he also has some experience in the ring. With Bob Williams as the referee, this promises to be an intriguing bout.
15:56:12
LOWE BEATS AHMADI ON POINTS
Ahmadi buzzed again at the end of the 10th, but he managed to last the distance. There was plenty of bravery from the Dubai-based fighter, but let’s be honest: In terms of a boxing match, he was second best for a long portion of that fight.
The first contest concludes with a confident Isaac Lowe claiming victory by a score of 97-92 on referee Mark Bates’ sole scorecard.
15:46:48
AHMADI DOWN!
Ahmadi is knocked down by a beautiful left hook in the final moments of the eighth round. This turn of events proves to be a breakthrough for Lowe, who manages to inflict additional damage to Ahmadi’s body. Ahmadi is left hurt once more, with a badly bleeding eye, but somehow manages to survive the round.
15:41:18
ISAAC SLOW?
Ahmadi has been excited about this all week, and he is highly motivated as he enters round seven. Lowe is displaying impressive boxing skills from a distance, but his efforts are becoming slightly more difficult. The Morecambe man knows that a well-executed jab is crucial in this situation.
15:28:55
BACK-AND-FORTH EXCHANGES
As Ahmadi charges forward, undoubtedly worried about the injury, Referee Mark Bates ensures they stay composed despite the cut on the side of their left eye.
The heads occasionally soar through the air as Lowe delivers powerful and precise punches, particularly with his right hand. Isaac, he appears to be in good form. Will he be able to endure the intensity?
15:20:13
GOOD EARLY ACTION
Lowe is effectively utilizing his jab and occasionally landing uppercuts on Ahmadi. Despite being the lighter fighter, the noticeable size difference is evident. Ahmadi is controlling the center of the ring.
15:14:08
LOWE IN THE RING
The featherweight 10-round match between Isaac Lowe from Morecambe and Hasibullah Ahmadi from Afghanistan has begun, with Isaac Lowe being the first to step into the ring.
14:52:27
A VERY WARM WELCOME!
Hello everyone! I would like to extend my gratitude for joining me on this live update blog. For the initial part of the card, I (Steve) will be watching alongside you all. Afterwards, Declan will take over and lead you through the main fights.
The temperature in Riyadh is scorching, and it is likely to become even hotter as the evening progresses. It promises to be an exciting time.
In a much-awaited showdown for the undisputed heavyweight title, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will go head-to-head in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The undercard action will commence at 3pm in the UK, 10am in the Eastern Time Zone, and 8am in the Pacific Time Zone.
Fury vs Usyk Weights and Running Order
Tyson Fury 262 lbs. vs. Oleksandr Usyk 223.5 lbs
Undisputed Heavyweight Championship – 12 Rounds
Jai Opetaia 198.1 lbs vs. Mairis Briedis 199.1 lbs
Opetaia’s Ring Magazine & Vacant IBF Cruiserweight World Titles — 12 Rounds
Joe Cordina 130 lbs vs. Anthony Cacace 129.8 lbs
Cordina’s IBF Junior Lightweight World Title — 12 Rounds
Frank Sanchez 238.5 lbs vs. Agit Kabayel 238.5 lbs
WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator — 12 Rounds
Moses Itauma 239.1 lbs vs. Ilja Mezencev 232.1 lbs
Vacant WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Title — 10 Rounds
Mark Chamberlain 134.2 lbs vs. Joshua Oluwaseun Wahab 132.1 lbs
Vacant WBC Silver Lightweight Title — 12 Rounds
Sergey Kovalev 194.2 lbs vs. Robin Sirwan Safar 194.1 lbs
Cruiserweight — 10 Rounds
David Nyika 198.1 lbs vs. Michael Seitz 198.5 lbs
Cruiserweight – 8 rounds
Daniel Lapin 174.7 lbs vs. Octavio Pudivitr 173.7 lbs
Vacant WBA Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Title — 10 Rounds
Isaac Lowe 125.5 lbs vs. Hasibullah Ahmadi 127.7 lbs
Featherweight – 10 rounds
