Words shared between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk following their historic world heavyweight title fight have been revealed.
Usyk became the first undisputed champion of the four-belt era thanks to a split decision victory, with scores of 115-112, 113-114 and 114-113.
It was a fight for the ages, a marvel of power, technique and stamina, and the two fighters showed each other great respect as soon as the final bell rang.
Fury immediately hugged Usyk and kissed him on the head as they awaited their fate.
And now their conversation after Usyk was crowned champion, which could not be heard clearly on television, has been revealed.
Tyson Fury told Oleksandr Usyk that he wanted to visit him and his family in Ukraine and invited him on holiday to England.
Usyk was crowned undisputed heavyweight world champion by split decision in Riyadh
‘Good job Oleksandr. You are a strong man and a very good boxer. Very good brother. In Christ,’ Fury began as he held Usyk’s head in his hands.
Usyk responded: “Listen, I started preparing for you when you were boxing in 2008, European champion,” probably referencing Fury’s 2007 EU Youth Championships.
Fury said: ‘Thank you my brother, you are a very good boxer. Love it, love it, good moves.’
Usyk said: ‘I’m very proud. We are a friendly family. My son said, “Hey, Tyson pushes you…”
Some fragments of their conversation are difficult to make out due to the noise of the crowd and the crowd surrounding them in the ring.
The Gypsy King made a promise to the newly crowned undisputed heavyweight champion, the first since Lennox Lewis, who retired in 2004.
“I would like to come to Ukraine with my family and spend a vacation with your family and you can come to my house and spend a vacation with me,” he said.
Usyk was willing to do so. ‘No problem my friend.’
Usyk told Fury that he had admired him since the 2000s and Fury spoke of his admiration for him.
Fury expressed his gratitude to Prince Turki and shouted: ‘Show me the money, baby!’ when a rematch was mentioned
And then Fury revealed a more immediate intention: ‘My brother, we will have a beer after this. Without alcohol!’
The Brit also exchanged punches and warm words with members of Usyk’s contingent. “Thanks guys, I appreciate you all.”
There was sincere gratitude to Prince Turki bin Salman Al Saud, brother of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
‘Turki, thank you my brother for putting this on you. Look how many people couldn’t bring us together, but you made this happen for the world. We gave them a beautiful fight.’
When Prince Turki mentioned more fights in Saudi Arabia, Fury’s enthusiasm was uncontainable. ‘Yes, we will have it again. Show me the money baby! Show the money to Oleksandr!’
Fury had demanded a rematch in his post-fight interview, and the contract stipulated that the loser can call one. He felt that he should have won the fight.
Usyk (left) staged a stunning comeback to beat Fury (right) on Saturday night in Riyadh.
The Ukrainian had Fury in trouble in the ninth round and almost knocked out the Gypsy King
The victory makes Usyk the first undisputed heavyweight champion this century.
Fury started the fight well, however, he began to fade as the heavyweight title fight progressed.
While Usyk had the advantage in the early rounds, pinning Gypsy King in the corner, Fury returned in the midsection of the fight with a series of body shots and uppercuts.
However, Usyk looked fresher in the latter stages of the fight and a devastating blow in the ninth round left Fury reeling and almost being counted out as he tried to stay on his feet.
