Oleksandr Usyk to Sky Sports: "The good champions are like that with the good opposition - only this way."

Asked about Bellew's fast start, Usyk said: "I know he would do it like that because he had nothing to lose."

And what's next?

"You know what, I had the most difficult year with my life. Now I want to rest and spend time with my family."

"You come up against great people in life and sometimes you have to accept it," continues Tony Bellew.

"I can't remember what round that was, I don't even remember half of the fight. He's an exceptional champion. Anyone who faces him is in trouble. Only the very best and very biggest will beat him.

"I chose to do this one more time. I now know why he is so great."

Image source, Getty Images

Richie Woodhall
Former world champion at Manchester Arena for BBC Radio 5 live

After three rounds he was doing very well but sometimes it is not the physical battle, it is the mental battle. He had to concentrate for every second of every round because he was facing a man who would not give up.

Here's Tony Bellew to Sky Sports: "I tried my best. He's an exceptional fighter and deserves all the awards in the world. He's a great champion, beat me fair and square. He is an amazing fighter. I have no excuses.

"You're the greatest man I have ever shared a ring with. You deserve greatness."

Steve Bunce
BBC Radio 5 live boxing pundit at Manchester Arena

That last shot was a brilliant shot. This might sound bizarre, but it was a fitting finish for the warrior Bellew to finish his career.

Image source, PA

Michael Buffer's back in the ring, he announces Oleksandr Usyk as the unified champion of the world, and Tony Bellew is there to lift his opponent's hand into the air.

Usyk barely looks like he's broken sweat. Unbelievable.

So Oleksandr Usyk retains his IBF, WBO, WBA and WBC cruiserweight titles.

He's still the unified champion.

Now the Ukrainians in the crowd find their voice...

Image source, Reuters

Richie Woodhall
Former world champion at Manchester Arena for BBC Radio 5 live

Tony Bellew got his tactics spot on and he is a very clever and underrated boxer. He caught Oleksandr Usyk and he knew he was in a fight right until the very end. He was always in with a chance but he wasn't quite good enough and eventually he was outworked by a classic boxer.

Steve Bunce
BBC Radio 5 live boxing pundit at Manchester Arena

That was the best opening three rounds of Tony Bellew's career. He made Usyk look ordinary. Then through the third and fourth rounds something special began to happen, that was absolutely sensational finishing from Usyk.

More hugs between Tony Bellew and Oleksandr Usyk, who raises his arm to the crowd and Bellew kisses his head in the middle of the ring.

Plenty of respect between these two.

Richie Woodhall
Former world champion at Manchester Arena for BBC Radio 5 live

You have to give Tony Bellew credit because he fought with heart. He couldn't afford to have any rest at all towards the end because he was getting caught with big shots.

Image source, PA

Oleksandr Usyk marches over to console his opponent. Tony Bellew is back on his feet, now he sits in his corner. Tears from the Brit. But that was vicious from the Ukrainian.

Mike Costello
BBC Sport boxing correspondent at Manchester Arena

Compassion from Oleksandr Usyk and there is a warm embrace from the other side of the ring. Usyk with a a brilliant concussive finish.

Tony Bellew is counted out! He can't get back to his feet. That's it...

Image source, PA

Into the eighth, then.

Tony Bellew winds up successive looping right-handers, but Oleksandr Usyk shrugs them off and then thuds his way into the body of his opponent.

He's relentless.

There's blood on the face of Bellew, and he's caught again. He just didn't see that left coming.

Another rattles into the left side of Bellew's face. And he's down!

Richie Woodhall
Former world champion at Manchester Arena for BBC Radio 5 live

The one word that sums up that round is 'patience'. Patience from Oleksandr Usyk. He knows Tony Bellew is still dangerous which is why he won't over commit. He isn't doing anything spectacular but he is just grinding him down. 4-3 to Usyk.

Image source, Reuters

Oleksandr Usyk is starting to land, Tony Bellew is slowing.

Bellew shrugs his shoulders as Usyk goes a little too low, but the world champion is controlling this fight at the minute and working Bellew around, finding the body.

Bellew sits back on the ropes, but flies out with a quick combo. Usyk dodges it and bares his gumshield with a smirk.

He backs up the Brit and Bellew looks to scrap his way out before the bell.

Mike Costello
BBC Sport boxing correspondent at Manchester Arena

Oleksandr Usyk now is really hungry and he is getting into a groove. He is teeing off and the punches are landing.

Image source, Getty Images

Steve Bunce
BBC Radio 5 live boxing pundit at Manchester Arena

I thought Bellew's right leg twitched then, he was caught late. I wrote a note down there saying Usyk is now moving where he wants to move, not where Bellew is maneuvering him.

Richie Woodhall
Former world champion at Manchester Arena for BBC Radio 5 live

Tony Bellew is starting to find it hard going. At the bell, he was about to walk back to his corner but got caught. He is still in with a chance because of that right hand of his. 3-3.