Postpublished at 22:58 Greenwich Mean Time 10 November 2018
Steve Bunce
BBC Radio 5 live boxing pundit at Manchester Arena
He's making Usyk think - not only first round to Bellew but first punch to Bellew.
Summary
Oleksandr Usyk stops Tony Bellew in eighth round in Manchester
Usyk retains WBC, IBF, WBA & WBO cruiserweight titles
Bellew made good start but Usyk took control to remain undisputed champion
Anthony Crolla beats Daud Yordan in WBA lightweight title final eliminator
Get involved: Tweet #bbcboxing or text 81111 (UK only)
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Postpublished at 22:58 Greenwich Mean Time 10 November 2018
Postpublished at 22:56 Greenwich Mean Time 10 November 2018
Richie Woodhall
Former world champion at Manchester Arena for BBC Radio 5 liveWhat an anti-climax that round was. It was a scouting mission for both boxers. Tony Bellew definitely took the round and he will wait to draw Oleksandr Usyk out, over his front foot.
Postpublished at 22:55 Greenwich Mean Time 10 November 2018
Mike Costello
BBC Sport boxing correspondent at Manchester ArenaSimply by the number of punches he has thrown, Tony Bellew is probably winning this fight so far, although nothing has really made any impact on his opponent.
Round onepublished at 22:55 Greenwich Mean Time 10 November 2018
Bellew v Usyk
Tony Bellew sticks a left hand out and goes prowling towards Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian just teasing his opponent with half jabs, trying to tempt him in. He's a serious presence.
But it's Bellew who lands first, catching the shoulder of the undisputed champ. The Liverpudlian takes the centre of the ring, winding up a left to the body.
He looks relaxed. But here comes Usyk chasing with the right, the southpaw waiting for an opportunity. Usyk dives in, Bellew looks to counter.
One round down.
Image source, ReutersRound onepublished at 22:51 Greenwich Mean Time 10 November 2018
Bellew v Usyk
Here. We. Go!
Image source, ReutersPostpublished at 22:50 Greenwich Mean Time 10 November 2018
Bellew v Usyk
"Ladies and gentlemen, let's get ready to rumbleeeee...."
Buffer's on form.
Bellew in Everton blue, generating some serious noise at Manchester Arena, undisputed cruiserweight champion Usyk, in white and gold, bringing up the boos.
Frightening.
Image source, Reutersget involved Get Involved - #bbcboxing or text 81111published at 22:49 Greenwich Mean Time 10 November 2018
Jonathan Bradshaw: Mike Costello, 50% of the best boxing pundit duo in Britain, is our commentator for tonight’s big fight. Dulcit tones. #bbcboxing, external#BellewUsyk, external
Nottmsteve: Head says Usyk comfortably on points. Heart says Bellew will land big, Usyk freezes & Bomber has a KO win
'Bellew has to disrupt this man's rhythm'published at 22:48 Greenwich Mean Time 10 November 2018
Bellew v Usyk
Richie Woodhall
Former world champion at Manchester Arena for BBC Radio 5 liveTony Bellew has got to disrupt this man's rhythm. Technically he is very sound and he is a decent puncher. If you allow him to get into the centre of the ring, that's what he loves.
Image source, ReutersPostpublished at 22:48 Greenwich Mean Time 10 November 2018
Bellew v Usyk
Fresh trim for Tony Bellew.
The beard stays, but he's short on top. Wouldn't say this to his face, but Oleksandr Usyk's crop is more reminiscent of the first time I found my dad's Brylcreem.
Enough hair chat, it's almost time...
Postpublished at 22:46 Greenwich Mean Time 10 November 2018
Bellew v Usyk
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End of twitter post'He is so chilled, it is chilling to watch'published at 22:46 Greenwich Mean Time 10 November 2018
Bellew v Usyk
Mike Costello
BBC Sport boxing correspondent at Manchester ArenaOleksandr Usyk makes his way to ring. He says his best results have come in foreign rings. He is so chilled, it is chilling to watch.
Postpublished at 22:45 Greenwich Mean Time 10 November 2018
Image source, BBC Sport'He looks like he is ready for the snow'published at 22:45 Greenwich Mean Time 10 November 2018
Bellew v Usyk
Richie Woodhall
Former world champion at Manchester Arena for BBC Radio 5 liveTony Bellew looks very relaxed bopping up and down in the ring and he looks like he is ready for snow with his woolly hat on. He looks in good shape.
Image source, Getty ImagesHere comes Usykpublished at 22:44 Greenwich Mean Time 10 November 2018
Bellew v Usyk
Change of vibe for Oleksandr Usyk's entrance. A slow remix of the Eurythmics' 'Sweet Dreams'...
'This will be the biggest fairytale'published at 22:43 Greenwich Mean Time 10 November 2018
Steve Bunce
BBC Radio 5 live boxing pundit at Manchester ArenaIt will be a top 10 win of all time without any doubt. I've been thinking too and this will be the biggest fairytale.
Tyson Fury wasn't fighting the invincible Vladimir Klitschko from three or four years earlier. Even when you go back and look at Lloyd Honeyghan against Donald Curry, you look at Ken Buchanan against Ismael Laguna, you look at Kirkland Laing against Roberto Duran - acknowledged as three of the greatest wins from British boxers.
I can make a case for those fights not having that bit of fairytale that this one has got.
The man, the myth...published at 22:42 Greenwich Mean Time 10 November 2018
Image source, ReutersMichael Buffer conducting proceedings at Manchester Arena....
'Can he land something as big tonight?'published at 22:42 Greenwich Mean Time 10 November 2018
Bellew v Usyk
Mike Costello
BBC Sport boxing correspondent at Manchester ArenaNow he stands on the podium in the colours of his beloved Everton Football Club. It was at Goodison Park that he won the world title two years ago, but can he land something as big as that tonight?
Tale of the tapepublished at 22:41 Greenwich Mean Time 10 November 2018
Bellew v Usyk
Image source, BBC Sport'Loneliest walk in the world'published at 22:41 Greenwich Mean Time 10 November 2018
Bellew v Usyk
Mike Costello
BBC Sport boxing correspondent at Manchester ArenaYes, Tony Bellew is flanked by half a dozen men, including his promoter Eddie Hearn and his trainer David Coldwell, but that is the loneliest walk in the world.
Here comes Bellewpublished at 22:41 Greenwich Mean Time 10 November 2018
Bellew v Usyk
Here comes Tony Bellew!
Every phone in Manchester Arena must be out, the place is lit up by flashes and Instragam stories being snapped.
Bellew, donned in Everton blue, Z-Cars blaring over the tannoy like he's about to stroll out at Goodison Park, appears from the shadows.
Goosebumps.