Usyk beats Fury by split decision to become undisputed heavyweight champion

Tyson Fury suffered a split-decision points defeat on a dramatic night in Saudi Arabia as Oleksandr Usyk became boxing’s first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion.

On a grand stage and on a legacy-defining night, Briton Fury began well but was given a standing 10 count and saved by the bell after an Usyk onslaught in the ninth round.

In a tense wait for the scorecards to be read out, Fury appeared convinced of victory before a stony-faced Usyk broke down in tears when he was confirmed as the winner.

The scorecards read 115-112 and 114-113 for the Ukrainian, with a third judge scoring it 114-113 to Fury.

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It meant Fury, 35, lost for the first time in a 16-year professional career. He will get an immediate opportunity for revenge with a rematch planned for later this year.

“I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority,” a defiant Fury said in the ring.

“It was one of the daftest decisions in boxing. I’ll be back.”

Usyk takes the WBC belt from Fury, to add to his WBA, WBO and IBF collection.

The 37-year-old remains unbeaten and is the first boxer in almost 25 years to stand tall as the sport’s sole heavyweight world champion.

“Thank you so much to my team. It’s a big opportunity for my family, for me, for my country. It’s a great time, it’s a great day,” Usyk said.

“I am ready for a rematch.”

Usyk beats Fury by split decision to become undisputed heavyweight champion

EPL: Aaron Ramsdale to join Arsenal’s rival, agrees deal

Barring any last minute changes, Arsenal’s goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, will leave the club after three years.

Ramsdale, who has fallen down the pecking order at the north London’s club, will be plying his trade with Arsenal’s rival, Newcastle United, next season.

Ramsdale, who joined Arsenal from Sheffield United for £24 million in 2021, is poised to join Newcastle during the summer transfer window.

He established himself as the club’s first-choice keeper, making 78 appearances over his first two seasons.

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However, his position came under threat following David Raya’s loan arrival from Brentford.

La Liga President confirms Mbappe to Real Madrid move

La Liga president Javier Tebas says Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe will join Real Madrid next season.

 “He’s Madrid’s next season, yes,” Tebas told Argentine daily sports newspaper Ole on Monday. “If they’ve signed a five-year deal, he has five seasons of opportunity (to win the Champions League).”

Mbappe is set to join a star-studded Madrid team led by Brazil’s Vinicius Junior and England international Jude Bellingham.

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Los Blancos strolled to the Spanish title and are in the Champions League final at Wembley against Borussia Dortmund on June 1.

”(Mbappe) is one of the best players in the world, but Vinicius and Bellingham are there too, Madrid will have a great squad,” continued Tebas. “But that does not guarantee you will win leagues.”

Mbappe is PSG’s all-time record scorer with 256 goals, having joined the club from Monaco in 2017 for 180 million euros ($194 million).