A little slower out the blocks, but Oleksandr Usyk walks down his man and looks to find his range. Tony Bellew can't get anything off at the moment.

Tiring? Or waiting patiently?

Now he shuffles towards the Ukrainian, but Usyk is bouncing and prowling - he goes left, Bellew counters with a meaty right hand.

But Usyk lands on the bell! Bellew switched off, and he wobbled.

Image source, Getty Images

Steve Bunce
BBC Radio 5 live boxing pundit at Manchester Arena

That was Usyk in that round, that was the Usyk I expected. I think the fight might be turning, we could be in for an ugly seven rounds.

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

I thought it was a very workman like round by Oleksandr Usyk. What we are seeing now is that Usyk is not so clumsy over his jab because he knows if he commits then Tony Bellew will come back with the counter. Bellew is concentrating so much that he cannot take his eye of him.

Image source, Getty Images

Wilsgo: Usyk is taking it in his stride, Bellew is living only in the now. while Usyk is planning this round and every one after it if needed. nNothing has been done to damage him significantly so far, and nothing will!

He's a crowd-pleaser, Tony Bellew...

Oleksandr Usyk is happy to play the villain, and thumps in a left to the body of Bellew. Usyk looks to find his range with a series of right-hand jabs, but Bellew counters with a left hook.

But he catches one himself! A little wobble from Bellew, but he's back standing firm and hunting down Usyk with a sharp right-hander.

Another clever right. Wouldn't say Usyk looks rattled, but he knows he's in a world title bout.

Trainer Dave Coldwell to Tony Bellew: "What are you doing? You're playing to the crowd. You walked on to a stupid shot."

Image source, Reuters

Mike Costello
BBC Sport boxing correspondent at Manchester Arena

David Coldwell is making it absolutely clear that his fighter is playing to the crowd, and losing his shape.

Now Bellew lands a cracker of a right! Usyk's legs tremble, and he catches another right from the Bomber.

Bellew rests against the ropes, geeing up the crowd and mocking his opponent. Usyk stares right through him. Now the feet go, a little shuffle across the canvas.

Bellew is loving it.

Image source, PA

Mike Costello
BBC Sport boxing correspondent at Manchester Arena

Very few thought it would be as torrid as this. It's been a pulsating round as it is being fought at a ferocious pace.

There it is. First big shot landed from Oleksandr Usyk and now he goes after Tony Bellew. That rattled the Brit somewhat. Usyk smells blood, but Bellew smartly wriggles away. Minute and a half to get through here in this round for Bellew...

Image source, Getty Images

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

It is great tactics from Tony Bellew. He is timing the counters with the right hand down to perfection. 3-0 to Bellew.

Mike Costello
BBC Sport boxing correspondent at Manchester Arena

Tony Bellew is timing his shots and these are big punches from both men. Four world championship belts are at stake here and there are signs that Oleksandr Usyk's rhythm is starting to flow.

Mind games from Tony Bellew? He's trying to get inside Oleksandr Usyk's head.

The southpaw comes steaming at Bellew, who just tickles the Ukrainian's ribs with a low, sliding jab and catches a meaty glove from Usyk in response.

Bellew pounds a right hand into Usyk's chest with serious attitude, but Usyk's not rattled. He pins Bellew in the corner only to walk into a Liverpudlian counter - now there's a scrap on in the middle, jabs exchanged. Both men gunning for each other early on.

Bellew winds up a right-hander and Usyk's in reverse.

Image source, Reuters

Steve Bunce
BBC Radio 5 live boxing pundit at Manchester Arena

Bellew is throwing a variety of punches - it's a long way between now and the final bell but right now it's 2-0 Bellew.

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

Clever boxing by Tony Bellew because Oleksandr Usyk was starting to judge the distance better with his jabs. He wants to bring him out over his front foot, which is why he was egging him on a bit.

Image source, Reuters

Charly Dee: This has got classic written all over it. Come on Bellew.

Mike Costello
BBC Sport boxing correspondent at Manchester Arena

Tony Bellew is holding his own and he starts talking to Oleksandr Usyk as if to say 'I'm good at this'. He slaps his thighs and the crowd get behind him.

Oleksandr Usyk looking more lively early in the second, right-right-left as he goes in search of way inside Tony Bellew's guard. Bellew just sneaks away before looking for the body.

Nice left-hander from the Brit, clipping the ear of Usyk. That rouses the crowd. Bellew drives forward again with a looping jab, and now he's calling out his opponent.

Now Manchester Arena is rocking! Usyk looks furious. And that's huge from the Ukrainian, doesn't quite land... Bellew switches his stance, he's toying with the world champion.

Cracking stuff.

Image source, Getty Images