The reign of Tyson Fury at the top of the boxing world has concluded, signaling the end of a remarkable era for British heavyweights and the grand showcases in Saudi Arabia.

Fury must now prepare for a final lucrative stint in the sport’s lower tier.

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The highly awaited match that could have marked a monumental moment in British boxing, featuring Fury and Anthony Joshua, is now merely reduced to a financially driven affair between two fighters who have fallen short against Oleksander Usyk, lacking prestige, importance, or titles.

Despite the grievances expressed by the Gypsy King and his promoter Frank Warren following his second consecutive defeat by Usyk, the results are clear.

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READ MORE about a night to remember in Riyadh…

Usyk is simply exceptional — even if he lacks the flamboyant charisma typical of top-tier boxers. This contest, featuring the top heavyweight contenders of our time, was held in a nearly empty 26,000-seat arena.

Daniel Dubois, the British IBF champion, challenged Usyk, but we witnessed the Ukrainian defeat him last year — albeit amidst some controversies regarding a borderline low blow from the Brit in the fifth round.

This marks the conclusion of an era defined by major matchups involving Fury and Joshua.

Usyk has outpointed both in just over three years, establishing his status as a worthy champion. He is an all-time great boxer and a commendable figure from a war-embattled nation resisting Russian aggression.

At 37 years, Usyk now lacks credible opponents left to challenge. His lack of knockout power — especially considering the former undisputed cruiserweight champion faced a significant weight disadvantage against Fury — coupled with his insufficient charisma for garnering more lucrative fights, leave his future uncertain.

The heavyweight division will certainly feel the absence of Fury at its forefront.

His career has been an unpredictable spectacle to behold. Often rough yet paradoxically enthralling, the Morecambe native has achieved much, including toppling Wladimir Klitschko and partaking in an unforgettable trilogy against Deontay Wilder.

Tyson Fury offers a mysterious update on his future post-defeat to Oleksandr Usyk as retirement rumors swirl

His entrance into the ring early on a Saudi Sunday morning, dressed in a Santa costume to the tune of ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’, epitomized the quintessential Fury.

However, his in-ring performance was anything but notable.

He avoided the flashy antics that may have cost him in his first match against Usyk for the undisputed title in May.

Yet, Fury’s sharpness and tactical acumen to outmaneuver a difficult opponent were noticeably absent, alongside the fitness needed to excel in the later rounds.

It seems the spark in his persona has waned.

In both encounters with Usyk, Fury alarmingly underperformed during the second half.

On this occasion, he hadn’t even gained a foothold in the initial six rounds.

Disregard Fury and Warren’s grievances; the three judges accurately scored the bout with a unanimous 116-112 favoring Usyk. There were concerns that Fury might secure a dubious decision if the match reached the end, particularly given the public support shown by Saudi matchmaker Turki Alalshikh towards the Gypsy King, but their integrity remained unchallenged.

An AI judge — which had no bearing on the outcome — also awarded Usyk an even higher margin of victory.

“F*** robots,” Fury declared, “give more jobs to humans. And f*** electric cars too.”

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That might have been the first sensible comment he made all week.

This was not the outcome that Alalshikh and his regime envisioned — nor was it the spectacle they anticipated.

A trilogy was envisioned for next year, contingent upon Fury’s victory, but that never seemed likely. The ambiance during the hushed Arabian night felt overwhelmingly subdued.

The loudest response of the night occurred when a hefty individual in the audience won a Mercedes in an electronic raffle.

Alalshikh is a genuine boxing enthusiast, having revived the print edition of Ring magazine, deserving recognition for that.

However, his home country does not share the same passion for boxing and lacks the enduring sports culture that takes years to develop.

Legitimate concerns have been raised regarding the Saudi regime’s human rights track record.

Yet, to be brutally honest, such matters can often be set aside.

After all, the Rumble in the Jungle between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman took place under the tyrannical rule of Zaire’s Mobutu.

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The Saudi influence in elite sports is strengthening, with the 2034 World Cup confirmed, likely followed by the Olympics two years later, alongside the affluence of football’s Saudi Pro League, LIV golf, and various other sports initiatives.

However, heavyweight boxing may have lost its allure. The biggest purses in the near future are likely to feature YouTubers, aging superstars, and wrestlers.

What does the future hold for Fury? Lennox Lewis has suggested he face Joshua at Wembley.

Still, Usyk has relegated that prospect to an undercard attraction.
Let’s all head home for a festive drink this Christmas.