Tony Bellew vs Oleksandr Usyk: Date of fight, ticket info, where can I watch, undercard info and preview
Everything you need to know ahead of Usyk vs Bellew
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Your support makes all the difference.Tony Bellew will take on Oleksandr Usyk for all of the world cruiserweight titles in Manchester on November 10.
Bellew previously held the WBC cruiserweight title after stopping Ilunga Makubu in 2016 and will return to the 200lbs division after stepping up to twice beat domestic rival David Haye.
Usyk picked up his first world title in just his tenth fight, when he beat Krzysztof Głowacki to win the WBO belt. He added the WBC strap when he outpointed Mairis Briedis in the World Boxing Super Series semi-final, before adding the IBF and WBA titles to his collection with a win over Murat Gassiev.
Usyk is the bookmakers’ favourite to win the fight and retain his titles – but Bellew is used to upsetting the odds. Here’s what you need to know.
When and where is the fight?
The fight takes place on 10 November, at the Manchester Arena.
Expect the ring walks to take place around 10pm.
Where can I watch it and how much are tickets?
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 price is yet to be announced, but will likely be £16.95.
According to Matchroom, standard tickets are still on sale but prices begin at £164.45. Gulp.
What’s at stake?
ALL OF THE BELTS.
Usyk holds the WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO and The Ring cruiserweight titles. He is the first boxer in history to hold all four major world championships at cruiserweight.
Bellew previously held the WBC cruiserweight title, which he vacated when he stepped up to heavyweight to take on Haye.
What are their records?
Usyk has never lost a professional fight. His record stands at 15-0, with 11 of his victories coming by way of knockout. He won the undisputed championship in his 15th professional fight, which is an all-time boxing record, and as an amateur won gold medals at the 2011 World Championships and 2012 Olympics.
Bellew turned professional six years before Usyk, and his pro record stands at 30-2-1. He lost light-heavyweight world title fights with Nathan Cleverly and Adonis Stevenson but is undefeated at both cruiserweight and heavyweight. He has won his last 10 fights.
What have they been saying?
Usyk on why he took the fight: “‘I’ll tell you why, he is the man who takes the biggest challenges.
“He is not the kind of usual boxers who see how hard it is and quit. He stays until the end, this kind of fight is one the world wants to see.”
Bellew on his weight cut, as per Sky Sports: “When I take my top off on November 9, I think you will see how the 30 pounds have come off.
“Listen, forget about the weight, forget about dieting, this is all about a fight, this is all about becoming undisputed cruiserweight champion of the world. That's all that matters.
“I don't care about the weight, I don't care about how good he is, how many stupid things he wants to say, that he's invisible in the ring.
“None of that matters. All that matters is what happens on November 10. It doesn't matter if I turn up with loads of muscles, a six pack, and look beautiful. It doesn't matter. All that matters is me going home with those four belts on November 10, and I'm going to do it.”
What is the full fight schedule?
- OLEKSANDR USYK VS TONY BELLEW, 12 x 3 mins WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF & Ring Magazine World Cruiserweight Titles
- ANTHONY CROLLA VS DAUD YORDAN, 12 x 3 mins Final Eliminator For WBA World Lightweight Title
- JOE CORDINA VS SCOTT CARDLE, 12 x 3 mins Commonwealth & WBA International Lightweight Titles
- JOSH KELLY, Welterweight Contest
- RYAN WALSH, 12 x 3 mins British Featherweight Title
What are the odds?
- Usyk to win: 1/7
- Bellew to win: 9/2
- Draw: 33/1
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