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
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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.
OK, let's recap on that final round.
Usyk was completely dominant and despite Bellew starting things so well, he simply tired and the better fighter got stronger and stronger.
That massive left hand from Usyk had no response from Bellew.
Where next for the Ukrainian? Heavyweight seems the only place for him.
Stick with our live coverage as we bring you all the post-fight quotes and comment from the boxing world.
For now, all you can say is that Oleksandr Usyk is special.
He walked in to a chorus of boos, he ends the night to applause. Usyk came to Manchester and did a job.
Bellew after losing to Usyk
I tried my best. I gave it everything I got. He's an exceptional fighter. Oleksandr Usyk is a great, great champion. He beat me fair and square, I have no excuses.
Bellew continues
I don't even know what he caught me with. He's exceptional. He's done everything. I've fought the very, very best. He's just better than me. You've got to accept it. I have nothing but respect for him. Anyone that faces him will have a lot of trouble.
Tony Bellew
This is heartbreaking. There's a difference between world-class and elite. I wish you well Oleksandr. It's definitely the end [of my career].
Usyk on Bellew's fast start
I knew he would do it like that. He has nothing to lose.
Bellew on stepping up to heavyweight
I had the most difficult year of my life, I want to relax and spend time with my family. Only after I rest will I talk about my future.
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