Oleksandr Usyk's stormed to an eight-round finish against British boxer Tony Bellew last night at Manchester Arena.
Usyk defended his IBF, WBO, WBA and WBC world cruiserweight titles in impressive fashion as a strong left-hand hook sent Bellew crashing to the canvas. He had already begun to celebrate before referee Terry O'Connor stood in to end the contest.
Otro ángulo del potente KO que le propinó Oleksandr Usyk @usykaa a Tony Bellew @TonyBellew .#HeWhoDares #UsykBellew ????? pic.twitter.com/Wxzcb4pzZa
— Frases de Boxeo ® (@FrasesdeBoxeo) November 10, 2018
Bellew gave a strong showing and posed questions throughout the early rounds with his counter-punching but once the Ukrainian found his range the tide started to turn.
Tony Bellew @TonyBellew y su trabajo mental contra Oleksandr Usyk @usykaa en su máxima expresión!#HeWhoDares #UsykBellew ????? pic.twitter.com/01KPok8yAP
— Frases de Boxeo ® (@FrasesdeBoxeo) November 10, 2018
Usyk, who is just 16 fights into his career, looked fazed by Bellew's early confidence. The 35-year-old Liverpudlian was comfortable to box off the ropes and forced his opponent to readjust before finding his rhythm. In the end, he fell just short.
Bellew was devastated by the finish and appeared dazed in the immediate aftermath of the fight.
. Tony Bellew after losing to USYK. Heartbreaking to see bellew like this. Regardless bellew dared to be great. RESPECT #Boxing pic.twitter.com/gKDPtyb6hB
— Bible of Boxing (@ringmagazine) November 10, 2018
However, Speaking at his post-fight press conference, he thanked the sport for all it has done for him.
It has made me, it has made my family financially secure for the rest of my life. I never have to work again if I don't want to. Let me tell you, as a child who left school with no qualifications I never dreamt that possible. I never, ever thought that was even a pipe-dream. So, I am very happy with what I have done.
