Oleksandr Usyk has successfully retained the undisputed cruiserweight championship with a stunning eighth-round knockout of Tony Bellew in front of a capacity crowd at the Manchester Arena.
The slippery challenger – a significant pre-fight underdog – enjoyed a certain degree of success throughout the early proceedings, successfully connecting with numerous counter right hands as a tentative Usyk struggled to find his range and land anything meaningful by way of response.
The Ukrainian former Olympic champion was undeterred, however, and continued to stalk his opponent around the ring with aggressive footwork, consistently finding a home for sharp southpaw right jabs in the middle rounds and wobbling Bellew at the end of the sixth with a looping left hand.
A predatory Usyk capitalised on the tiring Bellew’s diminished handspeed, and began to look increasingly assertive in exchanges as he upped his punch-output.
As the fight progressed past the midway point, Bellew, intoxicated by his early successes, began to engage with reckless abandon and was consequently flattened in the eighth when Usyk landed with a devastating straight left hand.
It was ultimately an admirable effort from the Bomber, who was able to trouble Usyk somewhat with his movement and speed early on, but eventually succumbed to Usyk’s superior skillset – something which became more apparent as the Ukrainian settled into a rhythm.
Retirement is now likely for Bellew, following the spectacularly crushing nature of his defeat in the final fight of a career highlighted by a WBC championship win and two upsets over David Haye.
Meanwhile, Usyk is a virtual shoe-in for fighter of the year after unifying twice and subsequently defending his titles all on away soil against arguably the three best possible opponents in the division.
The Ukrainian has also previously intimated a desire to move up to the heavyweight division to challenge unified champion Anthony Joshua; a likely prospect no doubt, following a well-deserved rest after a busy and fruitful 2018.
Report by: Navi Singh
Follow Navi on Twitter at: @DarkMan________