The words shared by Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk after their historic world heavyweight title fight have been revealed.
Usyk became the first undisputed champion of the four-cushion era thanks to a split-decision triumph, with scores of 115-112, 113-114 and 114-113.
It was a fight for the ages, a marvel of strength, technique and endurance, and the two fighters showed each other great respect as soon as the final bell rang.
Fury immediately pulled Usyk in for a hug and kissed him on the head as they awaited their fate.
And now their conversation after Usyk was crowned champion, which was not clearly heard on TV, has been revealed.
Tyson Fury told Oleksandr Usyk he wanted to visit him and his family in Ukraine – and invited him on holiday to England
Usyk was crowned undisputed heavyweight champion of the world via split decision in Riyadh
‘Well done Oleksandr. You are a strong man and a very good boxer. Very good, my brother. In Christ,” Fury began as he held Usyk’s head in his hands.
Usyk replied: “Listen, I started preparing for you when you were boxing in 2008, European champion,” likely referring to Fury’s 2007 EU Junior Championship.
Fury said: ‘Thank you my brother, you are a very good boxer. I love it, I love it, good moves.”
Usyk said: ‘I’m very proud. We are a friendly… family. My son said, “Hey, Tyson, are you pushing…”
Some parts of their conversation are difficult to make out due to the noise of the crowd and the crowd surrounding them in the ring.
The Gypsy King made a promise to the newly crowned undisputed heavyweight champion, the first since Lennox Lewis, who retired in 2004.
“I would like to come to Ukraine with my family and spend holidays with your family, and you can come to my house and go on holiday with me,” he said.
Usyk was looking forward to it. ‘No problem friend.’
Usyk told Fury he admired him since the 2000s and Fury spoke about his admiration for him
Expressing his gratitude to Prince Turki, Fury shouted: “Show me the money, baby!” when there was talk of a rematch
And then Fury revealed a more direct meaning: “My brother, we’ll have a beer after this. Alcohol free!’
The Brit also exchanged fist bumps and warm words with members of Usyk’s contingent. “Thanks guys, I appreciate you all.”
There was a heartfelt thank you to Prince Turki bin Salman Al Saud, brother of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
“Turki, thank you my brother for putting this on. Look how many people couldn’t bring us together, but you made it possible for the world. We gave them a costly fight.”
When Prince Turki mentioned more fights in Saudi Arabia, Fury’s enthusiasm was uncontainable. ‘Yes, we’ll have it again. Show me the money, baby! Show Oleksandr the money!’
Fury had demanded a rematch in his post-fight interview, with the contract stipulating that the loser could call one. He felt he should have won the fight.
Usyk (left) made a stunning comeback on Saturday evening in Riyadh by beating Fury (right).
The Ukrainian gave Fury trouble in the ninth round and almost knocked out the Gypsy King
The victory makes Usyk the first undisputed heavyweight champion of this century
Fury started the fight well but began to fade as the heavyweight title fight progressed
While Usyk had the upper hand in the opening rounds, pinning a showboat Gypsy King in the corner, Fury came back midway through the fight with a series of punishing body blows and top cuts.
However, Usyk looked fresher in the latter stages of the fight and a devastating strike in the ninth round left Fury wobbled around and nearly counted out as he tried to stay on his feet.