Tyson Fury suffered the first loss of his professional career against Oleksandr Usyk last month, losing his WBC title to make way for the Ukrainian to become undisputed champion.

Fury has in the past had a way of delivering on the biggest nights under the lights. He proved that a few years back against Deontay Wilder as well as in 2015 against Wladimir Klitschko.

It wasn’t to be in Riyadh against Usyk though, who came back from heavy shots in the middle rounds to score a sensational knockdown in the ninth and take a split decision on the cards.

Klitschko was in attendance and, despite bad blood with Fury over the years, praised both men for their efforts in an interview with Box Nation.

“Respect to both fighters. Tyson Fury did manage to stand on his feet in the ninth round, and actually continue to fight until the end of the fight. So respect to Tyson Fury … Oleksandr Usyk is undisputed champion. He did it, he deserved it, and we are proud of him.”

After ‘The Gypsy King’ upset the odds in Dusseldorf to beat Klitschko for the IBF, WBA and WBO world titles, the pair were contracted for a rematch. It wouldn’t happen as the Brit spiralled into a mental health crisis fuelled by drink and drugs. In fact, he didn’t return to the ring for three years.

Klitschko has clearly always wanted his second shot, and thanked Usyk for beating Fury so he didn’t have to do it himself at 48.

“Speaking of that, I’m thankful to Oleksandr Usyk that he didn’t make me come out of my retirement. Thank you Sasha, thank you for doing it so I can calmly, and with the satisfaction, stay in my retirement.”

Fury and Usyk also have a second fight contracted, which has been announced for December 21 this year back in Riyadh.