Two-time undisputed heavyweight champion Usyk, who holds the WBA, WBC and IBF belts, has not fought since stopping Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July.

In a bout organisers have dubbed the ‘Glory in Giza’, 36-year-old Dutch heavyweight Verhoeven will be boxing for the first time since 2014 when he faces Usyk on 23 May.

“I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport,” said Usyk, who is unbeaten across his 24 professional bouts.

“Rico is one of them – a powerful athlete and a great champion.

“Being a champion isn’t just about belts. It’s about years of hard work, discipline and belief.

“I respect his journey – he’s truly the King of Kickboxing. But this is boxing – a different game, with its own rules and its own kings.

“A big night is coming.”

‘Undisputed versus undisputed’

Verhoeven had 76 fights and 66 wins in his kickboxing career before announcing his departure from the sport in November.

“I spent 12 years as the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion and accomplished everything I set out to accomplish. But staying at the top for that long didn’t take away the hunger, it strengthened it,” said Verhoeven.

“I wasn’t looking for comfort, so I started looking for the highest challenge available in another world.

“Usyk is undisputed in boxing. That’s the kind of challenge that motivates me. Undisputed versus undisputed. The best facing the best.”

Joshua’s close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, died last month in the crash. Joshua was also in the car and required hospital treatment for minor injuries before returning to the UK.

The incident came little more than a week after Joshua had beaten Jake Paul in Miami, and it remains to be seen whether the 36-year-old will want to continue his professional career.

Usyk beat Joshua in heavyweight title fights in 2021 and 2022, but the pair appear to have developed a strong mutual respect, which saw the Brit train with the Ukrainian’s camp earlier this year.

“I’ve already spoken with him,” Usyk said in an interview with Ready To Fight. “I heard a desire to continue in his voice – for the friends he lost and for the chance to live that the Lord gave him.

“Once I spoke with the mother of my fallen comrade, and she told me: ‘Oleksandr, he would be very proud that you are continuing your work; he will watch you from heaven.’

“And he, I think, does that. And not just him, but all my loved ones who passed away defending our country. They are my guardian angels who help me in the ring.”

Usyk explains desire for Wilder bout

Image: Oleksandr Usyk is pursuing a 2026 fight against former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder

Three of Usyk’s 24 professional fights have taken place on US soil, but the Ukrainian still harbours ambitions of returning to America to compete again.

As for his next opponent, after victories over Fury and Joshua, Usyk now has his sights set on Deontay Wilder as he looks to complete a full set of wins over the era’s leading heavyweights.

“First of all, it’s the USA – I want to box in America,” he added. “Secondly, Wilder has been at the top for the last 10 years.

“This is about sporting interest. In the “big three,” there were Joshua, Fury, and Wilder. I beat Joshua twice, I beat Fury twice, and one unbeaten one remains – Wilder.”

The WBO said it received “formal communication” from the Ukrainian’s team and confirmed the 38-year-old had “elected to relinquish the title after thoughtful consideration.”

Wardley, 30, is expected to be elevated to WBO heavyweight champion following Usyk’s decision, according to Sky Sports.

Usyk holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having regained the latter belt in December when he stopped Britain’s Daniel Dubois to restore his undisputed status.

He first became four-belt undisputed champion in May 2024 by beating Tyson Fury, before vacating the IBF crown the following month due to mandatory obligations linked to a rematch.

WBO president Gustavo Olivieri paid tribute to Usyk in an emotional statement, calling him “a champion of champions”.

“The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration, and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division WBO undisputed world champion,” Olivieri said.

“His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era.”

The WBO added that Usyk had exemplified “every right, privilege and honour associated with the WBO Super Champion distinction.

“We accept and respect his decision to relinquish the WBO heavyweight super championship,” it said.

“This is not a farewell but — as expressed by his team — a respectful pause. The doors of the WBO will always remain open to Oleksandr Usyk and his team.”

Usyk won the WBO belt in 2021 when he defeated Anthony Joshua, later adding the WBC title by beating Fury. He defended the WBO crown four times during his reign.

In July, the WBO ordered negotiations for a mandatory defence against its interim champion Joseph Parker, giving both camps 30 days to reach a deal before a purse bid.

Parker, who won the interim title last year against Zhilei Zhang and retained it in February by stopping Martin Bakole, remained the organisation’s official challenger at the time.

The Ukrainian is now an undefeated, three-time undisputed world champion.

Usyk shook up his rival champion in the fifth round and dropped the Briton to his knees with a lead right hook at the end of a fierce exchange.

Dubois rose from the first knockdown. But Usyk found a finish of ruthless beauty, lining up a left hook that toppled the bigger man over on his back.

Image: Daniel Dubois falls to the canvas after being knocked down by Oleksandr Usyk at Wembley

The Londoner was stunned. He lay listless on the canvas, propped on one elbow but unable to beat the count.

With the fight waved off, Usyk crumpled to his knees, overwhelmed with emotion.

It marked a historic feat for the great Ukrainian.

Undisputed first at cruiserweight, Usyk, a London 2012 Olympic gold medallist, became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in a quarter of a century, and the first of the four belt era, when he first beat Tyson Fury last year.

The 38-year-old never lost the IBF championship in the ring, but could not make a mandatory defence of that when he went into an immediate rematch with Fury.

That saw Usyk vacate the IBF belt ahead of his second points victory over Fury and Dubois, previously the Interim titlist, elevated to full champion.

The Londoner had lost his first fight to Usyk in 2023 but would insist later that a beltline blow shouldn’t have been ruled low. Usyk had visited the canvas after that strike from Dubois, using his allotted time to recover from the infringement. Uysk rose and put Dubois down in the ninth round of that first fight where he was counted out.

Dubois and his team though were adamant afterwards that he’d hurt Usyk legitimately and could do so again. The 27-year-old took even more confidence from his last fight too, when he brutally knocked out Anthony Joshua in just five rounds last year, also at Wembley Stadium.

It was a performance that announced Dubois as a world-level threat and potentially the most dangerous puncher in the sport. He came into this rematch at the peak of his powers and with a new sense of self-belief.

Dubois did start positively in the first round, edging on to the front foot and holding the centre of the ring. But Usyk masterfully feinted with his southpaw jab, raising the lead right up, darting it down and he started to connect.

In the closing seconds of the first round, Usyk opened up with a brace of hooks.

Dubois held his lead left low and loose, looking to bring it in as Usyk peppered him with punches.

The Briton launched a right down on his opponent, but Usyk at once planted a solid backhand on his chin, landing with force.

In the third round Dubois struck with a flush right hand to the chin. But Usyk could still counter expertly with vicious lefts.

Dubois kept pressure on Usyk, booming rights flying into Usyk’s guard, though a shot also strayed on to the beltline too. The Ukrainian jabbed to the head, to set up a left cross to the body. A neat left hook whipped round the Londoner’s guard too.

In the fifth round, Usyk triggered Dubois’ downfall. He stepped in with a one-two combination. Dubois tried to blast punches back at him. But Usyk had seen the vulnerabilities and didn’t hesitate to apply the perfect, final flourishes.

They fired their punches into each other, but Usyk’s were the accurate shots, shaking up Dubois, dropping him twice and leaving no questions about their rivalry, and no dispute about his own greatness.

“38 is a young guy, remember. 38 is only the start,” Usyk said in triumph. “This is for the people, it’s for our world’s people.

“This is enough. Next? I don’t know. I want to rest.

“I want to go back home to my wife, my family.”

‘I gave everything I had’

“I have to commend him, I gave everything I had,” Dubois said afterwards. “There we some things I could have sharpened up on, but I’ll be back.

“I was in a fight, I was trying to pick it round by round, but it is what it is, I’ll be back.”

The rival heavyweight champions hold all four major world titles between them, with Dubois the IBF champion and Usyk the WBA (Super), WBO and WBC belt holder.

Usyk, 38, is undefeated in 23 fights and has a win over Dubois, stopping him in August 2023.

Their rematch would be for the undisputed heavyweight title as well as offer 27-year-old Dubois the chance of revenge.

While talks are ongoing between both camps, no contracts have been signed.

Dubois has won three fights since his defeat by Usyk, securing a knockout in each of them.

If the Londoner cannot reach terms with Usyk, he will be ordered by the IBF to face 49-fight veteran Derek Chisora who the IBF has as its number one contender.

The projected date in July comes in the middle of a busy period in sport with Katie Taylor’s trilogy fight against Amanda Serrano on 11 July in New York, the final weekend of Wimbledon on 12 and 13 July and the Women’s Euro 2025 also under way.

Usyk is keen to fight for the undisputed title once more before he retires after he was forced to vacate the IBF belt before his rematch with Tyson Fury last December.

The Ukrainian, who was also undisputed champion at cruiserweight, has suggested he will retire after two more fights.

Dubois was due to defend his IBF belt against Joseph Parker in February, before illness caused him to withdraw from the contest in fight week.

Usyk’s most recent fight was his second win over Fury, when he confirmed himself as the number one heavyweight in the world.

No British fighter has held the undisputed heavyweight title in the four-belt era and the last Briton to be undisputed heavyweight champion was Lennox Lewis in 1999.

Parker, 33, retained his interim WBO title in February with a second-round knockout win against Martin Bakole.

Ukrainian Usyk is the WBC, WBA (Super) and WBO heavyweight champion thanks to his second successive victory against Tyson Fury in December.

Usyk, 38, and Parker have 30 days to find an agreement or the WBO will order purse bid proceedings.

Britain’s Daniel Dubois, who holds the IBF heavyweight belt, is already in talks to face Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight title.

Dubois was set to face Parker on 22 February but withdrew because of illness and is not looking to reschedule that fight.

New Zealand’s Parker held the WBO title between 2016 and 2018, beating Andy Ruiz Jr to claim the vacant belt before losing it to Anthony Joshua following two successful defences.

After suffering the third defeat of his career against Joe Joyce in 2022, Parker has won six in succession, including a victory against former WBC champion Deontay Wilder.

Usyk is yet to lose in 23 fights as a professional, winning 14 by knockout.

Saudi Arabia has hosted most of the big heavyweight bouts in recent years, with Usyk’s two most recent contests against Fury taking place in Riyadh.

Usyk was undisputed champion at cruiserweight before stepping up to heavyweight and achieving the same feat.

However, the Olympic gold medallist vacated his IBF title following his first win over Fury in 2024, which meant interim champion Dubois was upgraded to full champion before his victory over Joshua in September.

Having inflicted a first career defeat on Briton Fury by split decision in May, Usyk’s astuteness and will to win once again prevailed at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena as he retained his WBA (Super), WBC and WBO titles.

Fury, 36, found success in the first half of the fight. Some of the more eye-catching shots came from the Morecambe fighter, but the volume of punches and cleaner work were from Ukrainian Usyk.

All three judges scored it 116-112 to the 37-year-old champion.

Usyk, an Olympic gold medallist and former undisputed cruiserweight champion, extended his undefeated record to 23 pro wins.

“He [Tyson Fury] is a great fighter, he is a great opponent. An unbelievable 24 rounds for my career. Thank you so much,” Usyk said.

Two-time world champion Fury has only ever lost to Usyk, his two defeats the major blemishes on a record also consisting of 34 wins and one draw.

Fury left the ring without conducting an interview before IBF world champion Daniel Dubois climbed in and called for a rematch with Usyk.

A visibly frustrated figure in the moments after the scorecards were read out, Fury said backstage he was convinced he won the fight by “at least three rounds”.

Superstar Usyk edges a showcase of elite level boxing

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Usyk is the only boxer to have beaten Fury in the pro ranks

In a rematch billed as Usyk v Fury ‘reignited’, the sport’s two most technically gifted heavyweights served up another classic and showcased elite level boxing.

The Gypsy King was in playful mood with an unorthodox ring entrance to Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’.

Dressed as Father Christmas, Fury was still sporting the bushy beard which was cleared at a rules meeting amid protests from Usyk’s team.

A stern-faced Usyk marched to the ring in super-quick time. Wearing a warrior-like robe, he crouched in the corner to recite a prayer.

After an 11-minute face-off on Thursday, Fury and Usyk picked up where they left off, their eyes fixated on each other as met in the centre of the ring.

Neither man over-committed in a cagey opening round. Fury showboated his way through the first fight but there was more seriousness to his work here. He wobbled Usyk in the closing seconds of the second.

With an advantage of six inches in height, eight inches in reach and four stone in weight, Fury used his physicality to keep Usyk at range.

But just as he did in the first fight, Usyk found success targeting Fury’s body.

Two bruising left hooks landed flush on Fury in the fourth. “Keep it basic. He’s running around – slow it down,” trainer SugarHill Steward told Fury after the fifth.

An overhand left connected cleanly with Fury’s forehead in the sixth. Fury’s pace dropped and Usyk was heading into his groove.

Fury found a second wind, however, and edged the ninth. It felt as if it was still all to play for in the championship rounds.

Model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and actor husband Jason Statham watched from plush ringside seats, alongside a stellar list of boxing royalty including Roberto Duran, Lennox Lewis and Prince Naseem Hamed.

Usyk unleashed a sublime combination in the 11th. With Fury momentarily hurt, the champion applied the pressure.

And Fury looked the more desperate of the pair as Usyk finished the fight on top.

Best of era Usyk running out of opponents

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Fury now faces an uncertain future after his first – successive – defeats

Two close defeats by a fighter of Usyk’s calibre do not point to a sharp decline in Fury’s ability. On another day, with another set of judges, it may have been a different result.

“I’m really disappointed. We’ll have to see what happens in the future for Tyson. I thought he was in control, boxed really well and had Usyk on his back foot,” promoter Frank Warren said.

Fury is an enigma: a boxer who – even when he refuses to engage with the media or sell a fight as he did this week – is able to emit a certain energy and draw in a crowd.

Anthony Joshua is also at a crossroads after a destructive defeat by Dubois. Now may be the perfect time for the long-awaited all-British heavyweight tussle.

Usyk, meanwhile, can rightly call the shots on his next move.

Dubois, who was stopped by Usyk last year, still harbours a grudge after the referee’s decision to rule a punch which dropped the Ukrainian earlier in the fight as a low blow.

Usyk has also previously hinted he could move back down cruiserweight. The discipline it would take to lose the weight and recondition himself is indicative of a man forever chasing greatness and new challenges.

The Crimea-born fighter certainly has options, but the best of his era is running out of credible opponents.

Briton Fury, 36, will challenge for Usyk’s unified heavyweight title in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

Speaking as he left the news conference, Usyk said: “Me? [Look away?] No.”

Neither man had anything of note to say in Thursday’s news conference, both insisting the talking was done.

The obligatory face-off, however, provided the most talked about moment of fight week and demonstrated the mind battle between arguably the two best heavyweights on the planet.

Fury towered over Usyk and both refused to look away inside a luxury mall in the centre of the Saudi capital.

A few minutes in, organisers began hatching a plan to separate the pair. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman was the first to try and convince them, but neither fighter broke their stare.

A piece of card and a handkerchief was then placed between them.

Sweat dripped down Fury’s head as the fighters began to share words and become more animated.

“The rabbit’s getting it this time. Butchered. Smashed to pieces,” Fury told Usyk.

“Don’t be afraid,” Usyk responded.

A shouting Fury was eventually dragged away. A few moments later, he was dancing with drummers performing outside of the news conference room.

In May, 37-year-old Usyk outpointed Fury to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years.

‘This time I am serious’ – Fury

Before the face-off shenanigans, an edgy and intense Fury said it was no longer time for joking and that he will “do some serious damage” to his rival.

Sporting a bushy beard which he says provides added strength, Fury has been reluctant to engage with the media in fight week.

“I’ve got nothing to say, apart from there is going to be a lot of hurt and pain in this fight, you watch,” he said, with a few expletives added in.

“That’s all I got to say. Talking’s been done. The first fight I talked, I joked – all my career – this time I am serious.”

Smartly dressed in a white suit and black hat, Fury added: “I’m going to dish out a whole lot of pain.”

Paris Fury, the former champion’s wife, sat on the front row alongside two of his sons.

Earlier this week, Fury revealed he had not spoken to his wife for three months while focused on training in Malta.

As for Usyk, the Crimea-born champion – wearing a striking maroon outfit with embroidery – was serenaded to the top table by a Ukrainian singer and a choir consisting of a dozen suited men.

“Now we have just a performance with lights and cameras. Everything will take place on Saturday,” Usyk said.

Usyk stared down Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn when he tipped his fellow Briton for the win, a prediction which prompted a rare smile from Fury.

Asked if he had a final message for Fury, Usyk said: “Don’t be afraid. I will not leave you alone.”

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: The face-off had been silent until around the 10 minute mark, when there were attempts to stop it

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Several appeals to each fighter fell on deaf ears, Usyk didn’t appear to blink once

Image source: Reuters

Image caption: Fury began speaking to his opponent, and security eventually had to coax him off stage

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Usyk might think he won the small battle of the face-off

Usyk, 37, won the bout by split decision in Saudi Arabia to become boxing’s first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion.

Fury disputed the result in the immediate aftermath and maintains the belief that he did enough to get his arm raised.

“I’ve watched the fight back lots and still got the same answer – I thought I won,” Fury said on his YouTube channel, external.

“Usyk knows he didn’t beat me. It was actually a lot easier than I thought it’d be.

“My problem was I probably had too much fun. It was too easy. It was like I was in there with a local amateur boxer.

“I was enjoying it too much, messing around and paid the ultimate price in round nine.”

Ukraine’s Usyk is undefeated in 22 professional fights, won a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics and was the undisputed champion at cruiserweight.

The scorecards read 115-112 and 114-113 for the Ukrainian, with a third judge scoring it 114-113 to Fury.

A rematch between former WBC champion Fury, 35, and Usyk has been scheduled for 21 December and the Englishman says he is already “back in the gym” preparing.

“I’ve got to get him out of there because I’m not gonna get a decision,” Fury said.

“It’s unfortunate because it’s hard enough to win a fight just by winning it, never mind knowing you’ve got to knock someone out.

“I’m confident and looking forward to the challenge. I hear he’s got a broken jaw and a broken eye socket, so get yourself well and I’ll see you in December.”

There are doubts over whether the undisputed title will be on the line again, with sanctioning body the IBF considering stripping Usyk of the belt as he will not be making a mandatory defence next.

Usyk has requested an “exception” to keep hold of the belt for the rematch.

Usyk beat Fury by split decision to become the first undisputed champion of the four-belt era on 18 May.

A rematch was said to be in the works for October but Turki Alalshikh says the date has been pushed back to December.

“The world will watch another historical fight again,” Alashikh added on X.

“Our commitment to boxing fans continues. We hope you enjoy it.”

Usyk, the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999, added Fury’s WBC belt to his WBA, WBO and IBF collection when they fought in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia earlier this month.

The 37-year-old Ukrainian has won all 22 of his professional fights.

Alashikh did not name a venue or destination for the rematch but stated it would take place “during Riyadh Season”.

Riyadh Season is an entertainment festival held every winter since its launch in 2019 which has hosted a number of high profile boxing events.

The contest would give Briton Fury, 35, the opportunity to gain revenge after tasting defeat for the first time in his 16-year professional career against Usyk.

It is unlikely that all four belts will be on the line in the rematch with the IBF planning to strip Usyk as he will not be facing its mandatory challenger next.

However Usyk has requested an “exception” to keep hold of the belt for the rematch.

The IBF will told BBC Sport their “board of directors” would meet to discuss the request.

On a grand stage and on a legacy-defining night, Briton Fury began well but was given a standing 10 count and saved by the bell after an Usyk onslaught in the ninth round.

In a tense wait for the scorecards to be read out, Fury appeared convinced of victory before a stoney-faced Usyk broke down in tears when he was confirmed as the winner.

The scorecards read 115-112 and 114-113 for the Ukrainian, with a third judge scoring it 114-113 to Fury.

It meant Fury, 35, lost for the first time in a 16-year professional career. He will get an immediate opportunity for revenge with a rematch planned for later this year.

“I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority,” a defiant Fury said in the ring.

“It was one of the daftest decisions in boxing. I’ll be back.”

Usyk takes the WBC belt from Fury, to add to his WBA, WBO and IBF collection.

The 37-year-old remains unbeaten and is the first boxer in almost 25 years to stand tall as the sport’s sole heavyweight world champion.

“Thank you so much to my team. It’s a big opportunity for my family, for me, for my country. It’s a great time, it’s a great day,” Usyk said.

“Yes, of course. I am ready for a rematch.”

Usyk edges history-making fight

IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES

Image caption: Tyson Fury had never lost a pro fight in 16 years

Usyk – a former undisputed cruiserweight world champion – prevailed in a fight of two halves at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena, propelling himself into the conversation to be considered an all-time great.

After a lack of buzz and noise in the arena for the undercard, not unusual for a Saudi card, a crowd of 20,000 that included famous faces such as Cristiano Ronaldo found their voice for the main event.

Usyk – resembling a warrior – made his entrance wearing a striking all-green traditional Ukrainian outfit, his eyes fixated on the ring.

In contrast to Usyk’s sternness, a playful Fury sang and danced to Bonnie Tyler’s Holding Out For A Hero.

He raced to the ring and headed straight to Usyk’s corner and goaded his opponent, to the enjoyment of 2,500 travelling British fans.

As the two champions advanced to the centre of the ring at the chime of the first bell, the painstakingly long wait to crown an undisputed champion was about to end.

A smiling and brazen Fury showboated his way through the first round. Even when Usyk landed a solid left hook and backed him into the corner, the Gypsy King dismissively laughed it off.

Fury responded with two painful-looking uppercuts to Usyk’s midriff in the second.

The height and reach advantage of Fury was posing too much of a puzzle for Usyk to solve, or so it seemed.

IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES

Image caption: Usyk came back into the contest in the second half of the fight

Usyk has been guilty of starting slowly in the past and was badly hurt by an uppercut in the sixth as the fight appeared to be slipping away.

But he spectacularly came back in an astonishing ninth round.

With Lennox Lewis, the division’s last undisputed champion in the three-belt era, and fellow former champions Larry Holmes and Evander Holyfield watching on from ringside, Usyk finally found his rhythm.

After a barrage of overhand lefts, a dazed Fury staggered around the ring – seemingly out on his feet – and into the ropes.

He was given a 10 count before the bell rang as the momentum suddenly swung in Usyk’s favour.

This was not the boring, tactical, chess-like match-up some pundits predicted but a barnstormer, living up to the pre-fight hype from fans and promoters.

Another bruising left hand caught Fury in the 11th. The pair touched gloves before the 12th – there was a feeling there was still all to play for.

But it was a spirited Usyk who may have just edged a competitive final round, and ultimately perhaps that got him across the winning line.

Usyk’s unshakable will prevails against a fit Fury

IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES

Image caption: Usyk now holds the WBA, IBF, WBO & WBC heavyweight titles

October’s lacklustre performance against debutant Francis Ngannou left many wondering if Fury’s best days were behind him.

But he was a conditioned and fit competitor here, and any suggestion of his demise were quashed when he controlled early parts of a close encounter.

His chance of becoming an undisputed champion, however, may not come again soon.

A rematch is in the works for October but it is unlikely to be for all four belts – the IBF plan to strip Usyk as he will not be facing their mandatory challenger next.

“We’ll go back, rest up. I believe I won the fight but I’m not going to sit and cry and make excuses. We’ll run it again,” Fury added.

Fury may be licking his wounds behind closed doors when the dust settles as Usyk’s unshakable will to win and mental toughness prevailed in the Middle East.

The heavyweight world title is considered by boxing lovers as the greatest, most coveted, prize in sport, and the Crimea-born fighter left the ring draped in all four belts across his 6ft 3in frame.

Usyk, who competed as a middleweight as an amateur, showed that size does not always matter.

The two undefeated world champions will contest the historic undisputed heavyweight title in Riyadh, with all four belts on the line.

Fury – at 18st 7lb (262lb) – came in at his lightest in over four years but still with a significant weight advantage.

Ukraine’s Usyk weighed in at a career-heavy 16st (224lb), although it was incorrectly announced as 16st 6lb at the weigh-in.

WBC champion Fury – who has a history of causing mayhem at fight week events – refused to look Usyk in the eye at Thursday’s news conference but came out in a playful mood for the weigh-in.

Having danced his way on to the stage, he obliged with the face-off, leaning his head into unified champion Usyk and then pushing him back.

It prompted a melee between the two teams.

“I’m going to knock him right out,” Fury said, using a number of expletives.

“I’m coming for his heart. He’s getting it tomorrow, spark out. They [his team] can all get it if they want it.”

He ended the interview and stormed off the stage.

Asked what he said to provoke a reaction from Fury, Usyk said: “Don’t be afraid. I will not leave you alone tomorrow.”

Boisterous Brits cheer on slimmed down Fury

IMAGE SOURCE: REUTERS

Image caption: Fury and Usyk are both undefeated with a combined record of 55 wins and one draw

The majority of the 2,500 British fans expected to be in attendance on Saturday landed in the Saudi capital in the morning and made their way to the weigh-in.

Heavyweight legends were also rolled in as Lennox Lewis, Larry Holmes, Evander Holyfield and Wladimir Klitschko watched events unfold.

Wales’ IBF super-featherweight champion Joe Cordina and Belfast’s Anthony Cacace successfully weighed in for their bout, along with the rest of the undercard.

Then it was time for the big men. The boisterous British fans, huddled together, jeered Usyk and erupted – chanting “there’s only one Tyson Fury” – when the Gypsy King entered.

The difference in size has been a hot topic throughout the build-up and Usyk – a former cruiserweight champion – came in only two pounds heavier than when he beat Anthony Joshua in 2022.

At 6ft 3in, he is giving up a six-inch height advantage. Fury also has a reach of 85in, compared to Usyk’s 78in.

Fury, 35, comes in more than stone lighter than his close points win over Francis Ngannou in October.

He was criticised for his conditioning against the boxing debutant and appears to have made the necessary adjustments.

Usyk, 37, and his team had previously mocked Fury by calling him “greedy belly”. This week, their insult has changed to “skinny belly”.

But there are concerns Fury may have lost too much weight, impacting his punch resistance.

Earlier in the week, Briton Lewis, the last undisputed heavyweight champion in the three-belt era, said Fury appears to have lost size in his legs and it could make it easier for him to be knocked down.

Fury, 35, was cut in sparring at his training camp in Saudi Arabia on Friday in preparation for the bout on 17 February in Riyadh.

The injury above Fury’s right eye needed “urgent medical attention” and “significant stitching”.

In a statement, the Briton said he was “absolutely devastated”.

Fury is the WBC champion with Ukraine’s Usyk, 37, holding the WBA, WBO and IBF belts.

If the fight does take place at a later date, the winner will be crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era.

Fury said he had been preparing to face Usyk “for so long” and was in “superb condition”.

“I feel bad for everyone involved in this huge event and I will work diligently towards the rescheduled date once the eye is healed,” he added.

In a later Instagram post he wrote: “Can’t help getting injured in sparring but what I can say was Usyk was in trouble. I am in fantastic shape. I will reschedule soon as I can. 2024 a massive year for team GK.”

Promoters Queensberry Promotions said once doctors have assessed the cut they will have a “better idea of the recovery period needed”.

The fight was originally scheduled for 23 December but Fury’s controversial decision win over former UFC fighter Francis Ngannou in October scuppered those plans.

Morecambe-born Fury has won 34 fights with one draw since turning professional in 2008.

He had previously faced criticism for failing to reach terms with Usyk after a proposed bout at London’s Wembley Stadium in April fell through.

Saudi Arabia has ploughed millions of dollars into staging huge sporting events, with critics saying the unprecedented spending is being used to enhance the oil-producing kingdom’s international reputation and deflect from its human rights record and environmental impact.

However, in a recent interview with the BBC, Saudi Arabia’s sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal said claims of ‘sportswashing’ were “very shallow”, insisting the investment is boosting the country’s economy, opening it up to tourism and inspiring people to be more active.

Additional details, including the fight date, are yet to be announced.

Briton Fury, 35, is the WBC champion and Ukraine’s Usyk, 36, holds the WBA, WBO and IBF titles.

“Delighted to finally get this fight signed,” said Queensbury promoter Frank Warren. “This is the biggest fight that could possibly be made in our sport.”

The winner will be crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era.

The targeted date is 23 December, although the fight could be pushed back to early next year.

Fury has won 33 fights with one draw since turning professional in 2008.

‘The Gypsy King’ must first come through a non-title bout against MMA star Francis Ngannou uninjured on 28 October in Riyadh.

Usyk – who has won all 21 pro bouts – defended his titles against Londoner Daniel Dubois in August.

“The heavyweights always spark the imagination of the fans, and I have no doubt this will be the biggest boxing event of the century,” Warren added.

Fury faced criticism for failing to reach terms with Usyk after a proposed bout at London’s Wembley Stadium in April fell through.

“I can’t believe that it’s happening but it is,” Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk said.

There has not been an undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999 when Lennox Lewis beat Evander Holyfield to defend the WBA, WBC and IBF titles.

“Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are the two greatest heavyweights of their generation, and I can’t wait to see what happens when they step into the ring in Riyadh,” Fury’s co-promoter Bob Arum said.

“They are special talents worthy of competing for the greatest prize in sports.”

The fight will form part of ‘Riyadh Season’ – an entertainment events festival held in Saudi Arabia’s capital every winter since its launch in 2019.

A number of high-profile bouts have been held in Saudi in recent years, including Usyk’s win over Anthony Joshua in August 2022.

The Gulf kingdom has been accused of investing in sport and using high-profile events to improve its international reputation.

Saudi Arabia has been criticised for its human rights violations – 81 men were executed on one day last year – women’s rights abuses, the criminalisation of homosexuality, the restriction of free speech and the war in Yemen.

Its international standing was severely damaged by the 2018 killing of Jamal Khashoggi, a US-based Saudi journalist who was a prominent critic of the government.

Human rights campaigners say sport is being used by the Saudi government to distract from long-standing reputation issues.

Felix Jakens, Amnesty International UK’s Head of Priority Campaigns and Individuals at Risk, said in a statement: “Ever since Anthony Joshua’s fight against Andy Ruiz in 2019 we’ve become used to these big-money bouts being hosted in Saudi Arabia.

“They are clearly part of a pattern of sportswashing where the Saudi authorities try to use sport to distract from their appalling human rights record.

“We’d like to see both Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk using their platforms to speak out about human rights issues in Saudi Arabia.”

Fury won his first world title after dethroning Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, before taking a hiatus from the sport.

After well-documented issues with mental health, he returned more than two and a half years later. He contested a trilogy with Deontay Wilder and, having drawn the first fight, beat the American in 2020 to become WBC champion.

Fury won the third fight with hard-hitting Wilder and has since defended his belt against Britons Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora.

Usyk is one of the most decorated fighters in world boxing. The London 2012 Olympic gold medallist became undisputed world champion before dethroning Briton Joshua in 2021.

Analysis – the winner will earn greatness status

It is the announcement everybody wanted but nobody expected, especially just before close of play on a Friday. The biggest possible fight in world boxing has been signed. Fury and Usyk have put their differences aside. It does not get bigger than this.

For so long boxing lovers have been left frustrated with the state of the heavyweight division. Why aren’t the best fighting the best? Fury’s fight with Ngannou – a boxing novice – in particular left a bad taste.

But now we can finally get the answer as to who is the top heavyweight boxer in the world. Fury and Usyk will both one day enter the hall of fame. The winner of this fight, however, will earn greatness status.

There will still be some wondering why there is no date. Both sides are aiming for 23 December, but that will leave Fury just eight weeks to prepare after his ‘fight’ with Ngannou.

Riyadh season runs until March so it could take place at any point over the next six months. Some may remain sceptical all the way up until both men are in the ring and the first bell chimes.

The Brit was emotionally charged as he gave a bizarre post-fight monologue from the ring following the devastating defeat that saw him miss out on the chance to regain his heavyweight championship belts.

Joshua then teared up during his post-fight press conference after being asked whether he was proud of how he had performed against the Ukrainian.

The former champ revealed he had to take himself to a ‘dark place’ for the rematch with Usyk and explained his emotions got the better of him in a short statement posted online.

Writing on his Twitter less than 24 hours later, Joshua said: “I wish Usyk continued success in your quest for greatness.

“You are a class act champ. Yesterday I had to mentally take myself into a dark place to compete for the championship belts!

“I had two fights, one with Usyk and one with my emotions and both got the better of me.”

The Watford-born orthodox boxer then provided a further update in a later Tweet, as he admitted to letting himself down:

“I’ll be the first to admit, I let myself down. I acted out of pure passion and emotion and when not controlled it ain’t great.

“I love this sport so so much and I’ll be better from this point on. Respect.”

In a clash billed as the Rage on the Red Sea, a spirited Joshua, 32, showed some aggressiveness and intent – a vast improvement from their first fight – but could not match the brilliance and ring savviness of the Ukrainian who improved his record to 20 wins from 20 contests. 

Two judges scored the fight 115-113 and 116-112 to Usyk and the third gave it 115-113 to Joshua. 

While there were some close rounds, Usyk – in just his fourth bout since moving up from cruiserweight to heavyweight – was the deserved winner.

At the end of the fight, a furious Joshua – quite bizarrely – picked up two of Usyk’s belts, dropped them out of the ring and strode towards the dressing room, before turning round and getting back into the ring to give an impassioned speech. 

“Usyk is one hell of a fighter. That’s just emotion,” he said. “If you knew my story, you’d understand the passion. I’m not an amateur boxer. I was going to jail and I got bail and I started training.

“It shows the passion we put into this. For this guy to beat me tonight, it shows the levels of hard work he must have put in, so please give him a round of applause as heavyweight champion of world.

“They said that I’m not a 12-round fighter. I ain’t 14 stone, I’m 18 stone, I’m heavy. It’s hard work. This guy here is phenomenal.”

Joshua also went up to Usyk and said to him: “I was studying Ukraine and all the champions from your amazing country. I’ve never been there. What’s happening there, I don’t know but it’s not nice.

“You’re not strong, how did you beat me? Because of skills. I had character and determination.”

He has now suffered back-to-back defeats against Usyk, with the champion retaining the WBA (Super), WBO and IBF titles he won in London last September.

In a clash billed as the Rage on the Red Sea, a spirited Joshua, 32, showed some aggressiveness and intent – a vast improvement from their first fight – but could not match the brilliance and ring savviness of the Ukrainian.

Two judges scored the fight 115-113 and 116-112 to Usyk, while a third judge gave it 115-113 to the challenger. While there were some close rounds, Usyk was the deserved winner.

At the end of the fight, a furious Joshua – quite bizarrely – picked up two of Usyk’s belts, dropped them on the floor and strode towards the dressing room, before turning round and getting back into the ring to give an impassioned speech.

“Usyk is one hell of a fighter. That’s just emotion,” he said. “If you knew my story, you’d understand the passion. I’m not an amateur boxer. I was going to jail and I got bail and I started training.

Joshua breaks down in his post-fight press conference after loss to Usyk

“It shows the passion we put into this. For this guy to beat me tonight, it shows the levels of hard work he must have put in, so please give him a round of applause as heavyweight champion of world.

“They said that I’m not a 12-round fighter. I ain’t 14 stone, I’m 18 stone, I’m heavy. It’s hard work. This guy here is phenomenal.”

Joshua has now suffered back-to-back defeats against Usyk, with the champion retaining the WBA (Super), WBO and IBF titles he won in London last September.

• Usyk calls out Fury

Usyk says he only wants to fight Tyson Fury

Joshua had some success in the fight – and enjoyed his best round in the ninth, charging Usyk down and unloading a flurry of punches, reminiscent of the AJ of old.

But such is the brilliance of Usyk, he came back fighting in the 10th round and was landing clean blow after blow. Usyk landed a five-punch combination, and Joshua became a sitting duck.

Joshua fatigued and Usyk – who just a few months ago was defending his nation against the Russian invasion – took full advantage in the championship rounds.

“I devote this victory to my family, my country, my team, to all the military defending this country – thank you so much,” he said, before calling out WBC champion Tyson Fury.

“I’m sure that Tyson Fury is not retired yet. I’m convinced he wants to fight me. I want to fight him. If I’m not fighting Fury, I’m not fighting at all.

“Only God knows whether I will fight him or not but all these gentlemen here around me, my team, they are going to help me.”

Fury recently announced his retirement but has until 26 August to decide on whether he will relinquish the belt.

The Gypsy King took to social media to criticise both fighters, and may not yet be done with boxing. The carrot of a clash with Usyk – one which would certainly cement the winner’s legacy as an all-time great – is dangling.

Tyson Fury reacts to Anthony Joshua’s defeat by Oleksandr Usyk

• Usyk shines in Jeddah

The boxers made their ring walks at approximately 01:00 local time. Even in those early hours, there were temperatures of 30C, as approximately 12,000 fans filled out the air-conditioned King Abdullah Sport City Arena.

A crowd that was somewhat subdued for most of the night came alive as Joshua – the challenger – marched to the ring first. Jeers echoed around the arena as Usyk followed. It was clear who the fan favourite was.

Heading into the fight, there were questions as to how well Joshua and new trainer Robert Garcia had gelled, having only started working together this year.

The opening few rounds were close, but ones which Usyk most likely edged. After three rounds, American Garcia told Joshua he had won every round.

The champion was given time to recover in the fifth round after a Joshua low blow had him wincing. A two-punch combination to Joshua’s midriff and head, from range, was the pick of the sixth round.

As the fight progressed, Usyk’s movement started to dictate the fight. He landed a counter left in the seventh, before Joshua unloaded two smart shots to the body in the eight.

Then came the two of the most memorable rounds, out of the 24 across two bouts, between the two fighters. Joshua gave it everything in the ninth, and appeared to have Usyk in a spot of bother. Perhaps it was a ploy from Usyk to tire Joshua out. In the 10th, he broke Joshua’s resolve – and went on to take the fight.

• Did Joshua answer his critics?

Joshua was upset after the decision and spoke directly to the crowd

Before the fight, Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn insisted defeat would not spell retirement but described the bout as must-win.

After a third loss in five bouts, Joshua now has to resurrect his career. But he can take positives from his performance. His reputation and legacy have been dealt a blow, but perhaps not as heavy as many predicted.

In June 2019, Joshua suffered a shocking knockout defeat by Andy Ruiz Jr in New York. Six months later, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Joshua recaptured his heavyweight crown with a disciplined points win.

Beating Usyk, however, was a totally different challenge. Joshua was in against a pound-for-pound star – the trickiest of southpaws. And he was facing a patriotic Ukrainian determined to bring some much-needed joy to a nation torn apart through war.

Boxing fans wanted to see some heart and fight from Joshua. In the 10th round, when under attack from Usyk, he barked “come on” at his opponent.

Such is the beast of heavyweight boxing and the level of fame bestowed on Joshua, there will always be critics. This time, though, perhaps not for his performance, but for his post-fight interview.

Joshua’s reign as IBF, WBA and WBO champion was ended in a sensational fight which Usyk took by a unanimous decision after a scintillating performance.

Joshua was badly hurt in the third round and then forced to cling on in the closing seconds of a fight which will live long in the memory.

‘Joshua got his tactics wrong to face Usyk’

The second defeat of Joshua’s career, after he was upset by Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019, will now devastate hopes of the dream undisputed title fight against Tyson Fury, who again faces Deontay Wilder on October 9, after Usyk inflicted another twist in this incredible division.

Though Joshua was brave and gutsy, and caused damage on his challenger’s face, the night belonged to Usyk who became only the third boxer (after Evander Holyfield and David Haye) to win world titles at cruiserweight and heavyweight.

He was the undisputed cruiserweight champion and is now only missing the WBC belt, owned by Fury, to match that feat at heavyweight.

Usyk twice touched Joshua with his fast left hand inside the opening round – any idea that he would box cautiously evaporated within seconds when his intention became clear to take the centre of the ring.

The speed and movement of Usyk was mesmerising for the first few rounds and he was constantly beating Joshua to the punch.

Joshua’s legs dramatically dipped, causing the crowd to gasp, when Usyk staggered him with another brilliant left hand at the conclusion of the third round.

Joshua landed his first significant right hand in the fifth round, drawing a wry smile from Usyk, but it was clear that the champion had finally left his mark. He found another right hand on the bell for the end of the fifth.

Those shots forced Usyk onto his back foot in the sixth, when Joshua landed an even more solid right hand. Usyk ended the round with a black eye and a reddened face having felt his power.

Joshua’s confidence grew as he landed a left hook to the body but, when he went upstairs, Usyk shot back with venom.

Joshua was then sent staggering backwards, and he did well to maintain his footing, when Usyk clipped him with a left hand in an engrossing seventh.

Joshua thudded several powerful body punches home in the eighth – it was clear that the enigmatic Ukrainian was feeling the extra weight of the Brit in those shots.

Both fighters had substantial wounds by the 10th – Usyk was cut and had blood seeping into his eye, but more worryingly Joshua’s right eye was badly swollen.

Usyk’s fast start in the 11th had Joshua off-balance and in danger of tumbling over, although the champion did fire back.

Joshua: I’ll fight Fury or Wilder without the belts

Usyk’s post-fight reaction to beating Joshua

Usyk was throwing more punches but Joshua was bravely standing his ground and trying gallantly to cling onto his titles.

Joshua was forced to desperately survive on the ropes as the final bell rang under an intense onslaught from Usyk. He stayed upright but it was not enough to salvage his second reign as champion.