UK Boxing
Former world boxing champion Vyacheslav Uzelkov dies at the age of 45 after heart surgery
Published
1 month agoon
Ukrainian boxing legend Vyacheslav Uzelkov died at the age of 45. A formidable lightweight heavyweight with an enviable record of 30 wins in 34 fights and 19 knockouts, he was a champion who held the WBA Inter-Continental, IBO International, and WBO Intercontinental Featherlight Heavyweight Championships.
His death occurred while recovering from heart surgery. The Ukrainian Boxing Federation announced the grim news on Instagram, stating: “It is with deep sadness that we announce that Ukrainian boxing has suffered a weighty loss – the death of Vyacheslav Uzelkov.”
They paid tribute, adding: “His name will forever be etched in the history of the sport, and his example of strength, resilience and dedication to his craft will inspire generations to come.”
Uzelkov’s career, nicknamed Steel Power, began in 2004 with a victory over Suleiman Dzherilov.
He went on a scorching streak, winning 21 in a row until he was defeated by Beibut Shumenov in the USA in July 2010, even though Uzelkov defeated him in the first round. Uzelkov later hung up his gloves after a loss to Geard Ajetovic in 2004.
After boxing, he began his television career in Ukraine, where he appeared in a dance program, judged the local edition of Britain’s Got Talent, and even entered politics, shadowing the mayor of Vinnytsia. Unfortunately, after undergoing heart surgery earlier this year, the boxing hero died during his recovery.
“Rest in peace warrior,” one fan wrote on social media. Another chimed in with a heartfelt tribute: “Forever in our memories. I’m very sorry, condolences to your loved ones.”
A third shared his sympathies: “Thoughts of his family, friends and boxers who looked up to him,” while yet another added solemnly: “Rest in peace.”
You may like
UK Boxing
Lennox Lewis interrupts the interview while Frank Warren fumes over Tyson Fury’s decision
Published
3 hours agoon
December 22, 2024Lennox Lewis interrupted Frank Warren mid-rant as Tyson Fury’s promoter became furious at the prospect of Oleksandr Usyk winning. The Gypsy King lost 116-112 on all three scorecards, and his attempt at revenge for the only defeat of his career ended with Usyk defending his WBA, WBC and WBO titles.
Both Fury and Warren strongly criticized the decision, which leaves huge doubts about the 36-year-old’s future. Fury said Usyk was given a “Christmas present” by the judges, while his longtime promoter was “stunned”, calling it “crazy”.
Fury said: “I was sure I won that fight again. I thought I won both fights, but on the other hand I came home with two defeats on my account. I will always believe, until the day I die, that I won this fight.
“I will always feel a little tired. Not a little, but actually a lot. When you don’t get a knockout, that’s what happens. You can’t guarantee victory.”
Warren complained about the result in various post-fight interviews, including one with the BBC. He said: “This is crazy. Everyone who sat where I sat, including neutrals [thought Fury won].
“Oscar De La Hoya, like me, was one round away. We both thought he won it, that’s a crazy result! It’s a split decision and I’m very disappointed. I know people will say I’m biased and I probably am, but I temper myself with bias.
Lewis then joined the conversation and Warren asked the heavyweight legend about the verdict. He replied: “I didn’t score, but it was close, definitely close.”
Warren then highlighted the fact that one of the judges didn’t give Fury a single round in the second half of the fight, fuming, “What kind of fight are they watching?”
Apparently not seeing the result the same way, Lewis simply added: “Yes, yes, should have given him a few rounds [in the second half of the fight]”
Lewis then shared his thoughts on the future of Usyk, who may decide to reunite the four heavyweight belts. A rematch with the holder of the second belt, Daniel Dubios, has already been suggested, although everything depends on his fight with Joseph Parker on February 22.
Lewis believes the 37-year-old could hang up the gloves and say: “He can do whatever he wants. He can retire if he wants, he can have a rematch, he can have another fight.
UK Boxing
Oleksandr Usyk’s various injuries after each fight with Tyson Fury say a lot
Published
7 hours agoon
December 22, 2024Oleksandr Usyk emerged from his latest fight with Tyson Fury without requiring hospitalization, allegedly a stark contrast to his experience after their first fight in May. On Saturday (December 21) in Saudi Arabia, the 37-year-old Ukrainian boxer secured his second victory over “The Gypsy King”, winning and retaining his undisputed heavyweight titles by unanimous decision.
Sporting significantly fewer battle scars than after his first triumph over Fury in May, Usyk had only minor bruises under his eyes this time. The judges were in agreement during the rematch, with all three unanimously scoring the fight 116-112 in favor of Usyk, who appeared to take less damage throughout the fight.
Despite Fury’s claims that Usyk was hospitalized with a suspected broken jaw after their first meeting, the reigning champion denied such suggestions, admitting he only felt pain in the area and not a broken bone.
However, he admitted to the physical effects of their intense first clash, stating: “Yes, I have a little problem, but I have problems with my fist, my back and my whole body because it’s a tough fight that lasts 47 minutes. “
Despite Fury’s exhaustive preparation, which included a three-month period in which he stated he had not spoken to his wife Paris, he ultimately failed to defeat Usyk again. The result leaves fans and pundits wondering whether this defeat will push the Gypsy King to hang up his gloves for good, reports. Mirror.
The 36-year-old Fury could not hide his irritation after his second defeat in a row to the boxer from Kiev, calling the judges’ unanimous decision a “Christmas gift”. “I feel like I won both fights,” he declared.
I know I had to knock him out, but it’s boxing and things like that happen. I have no doubt that I won this fight. Franc [Warren] I was three or four rounds ahead, and a lot of people were at least two rounds ahead of me.”
Echoing Fury’s frustration, promoter Frank Warren expressed his astonishment at the referee’s performance. “I’m amazed at how they do it [judges] I scored a goal,” said the head of Queensbury Promotions.
“His jab was phenomenal, his footwork was brilliant, he wasn’t tardy. He was very evasive.” In the aftermath, IBF heavyweight titleholder Daniel Dubois entered the ring shortly after Usyk’s victory and challenged him to a rematch following his own knockout loss to the Ukrainian last year.
UK Boxing
Tyson Fury is furious at Oleksandr Usyk’s result with a Christmas joke and shares his next plans
Published
11 hours agoon
December 22, 2024Tyson Fury insisted Oleksandr Usyk received an early Christmas present after he challenged the Ukrainian’s unanimous points victory in the rematch in Riyad.
Fury lost 116-112 on all three judges’ scorecards, and his bid for revenge for the only defeat of his career ended permanently, with the extraordinary Usyk retaining his WBA, WBC and WBO titles.
Promoter Frank Warren said he was “stunned” by both the result and the vast margin of victory – and Fury agreed.
“I felt a bit of a Christmas atmosphere there and I think he got a little Christmas present from the judges. An early Christmas present,” said Fury, who lost his first fight in May by split decision.
“I was sure I won this fight again. I thought I won both fights, but on the other hand I came home with two losses under my belt. I will always believe, until the day I die, that I won this fight.
“I won’t cry over spilled milk. It’s already happened. I know boxing, I’ve been involved in it all my life and you can’t change any decision.
“I will always feel a little tired. Not a little, actually a lot. When you don’t get a knockout, that’s what happens. You can’t guarantee victory.”
Fury said he would take time to consider his future, which is now in doubt after successive defeats, even if the all-British clash with Anthony Joshua continues to attract mass interest.
When asked if we would see him fight again, he replied: “You may do it, you may not. Who knows. We’ll talk about it next year.
“What’s next for me? I’m going home and will have some time off. Glowing. I’m going home and wish you a good Christmas. I was away for 12 weeks working on this fight.
“I’m going to go home now and enjoy it. We’re having a nice Christmas at the Fury house and thank God we both made it out of the ring in one piece.”
Usyk urged Saudi boxing broker Turki Alalshikh to arrange a rematch with Daniel Dubois after the British IBF champion entered the ring during post-fight interviews.
Dubois was knocked out in the ninth round by Usyk in August 2023, but has since bounced back impressively, culminating in an explosive victory over Anthony Joshua in October.
“I want revenge. I want revenge Usyk! Good job today, good job. God bless you. I want revenge for the last robbery. Let’s go, let’s go. Make it happen, Frank!” – Dubois said.
Usyk replied: “Your Excellency, fight Daniel Dubois. Thank you very much.
“I can do more. I’m ready to fight (Dubois), no problem. Next fight no problem. Now I want to go home and rest.”
Usyk paid tribute to Fury for taking part in a second classic clash in a fascinating rivalry.
“He’s a great fighter, a great opponent and it was a great 24 rounds. An unbelievable 24 rounds in my career. Thank you very much,” Usyk said.
‘ANTHONY JOSHUA 100% STOPS OLEKSANDR USYK IN 6 ROUNDS!’ – David Haye PREDICTIONS
Tim Bradley Reacts To Artur Beterbiev Stunning KO Win vs Smith
Lennox Lewis interrupts the interview while Frank Warren fumes over Tyson Fury’s decision
Trending
-
MMA7 months ago
Max Holloway is on a mission at UFC 212
-
Interviews2 months ago
Carl Froch predicts that Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol
-
MMA7 months ago
Cris Cyborg ready to add a UFC title to her collection
-
Interviews2 months ago
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol
-
MMA7 months ago
The Irish showed up in droves at the Mayweather-McGregor weigh-in
-
Boxing5 months ago
Lucas Bahdi ready to test his skills against Ashton Sylve
-
Interviews7 months ago
I fell in love with boxing again
-
Opinions & Features2 months ago
Dmitry Bivol: The story so far