The Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk showdown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, wasn’t just a battle for boxing supremacy; it was a star-studded affair that attracted an array of notable figures from various fields.
This historic 12-round clash aimed to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era, echoing the achievement of Lennox Lewis a quarter-century ago. With Usyk holding the WBA, WBO, and IBF belts, and Fury claiming the WBC title, the stakes couldn’t have been higher.
Originally scheduled for December, the bout faced delays due to Fury’s demanding victory over Francis Ngannou and a subsequent cut suffered during sparring, extending the wait by several months.
The allure of the event drew a constellation of celebrities, including former English football star Steven Gerrard, who was among the first to grace the Kingdom Arena.
Inside, boxing legends Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, and Derek Chisora formed an iconic trio as they enjoyed the undercard bouts together, adding to the atmosphere of anticipation.
The presence of former multiple weight class titleholder Roberto Duran added to the star power, as he kicked off the evening with a refreshing drink.
American director Liev Schreiber shared a moment of camaraderie with English boxing promoter Frank Warren, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to the occasion.
Seated ringside was former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, potentially eyeing a future bout with the victor, alongside his promoter Eddie Hearn, contributing to the buzz surrounding the event.
Prominent social media influencer and Tajikistani singer Abdu Rozik made a grand entrance, showcasing traditional Arabic attire and holding a replica of the WBC title, adding a unique flair to the proceedings.
Lastly, football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, a familiar face at major boxing events in Riyadh, was seen mingling with Anthony Joshua and Saudi advisor Turki Alalshikh, underscoring the global appeal and significance of the event.
With such a diverse and illustrious guest list, the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk showdown transcended sport, becoming a cultural event that captured the attention of fans worldwide.
