17:45:30
NYIKA SCORES FOURTH-ROUND STOPPAGE
Nyika taking over now. Seitz tiring and feeling sorry for himself. Nyika is a big unit; a bit stiff and square-on at times though. How will that serve him when he steps up in class?
Doesn’t matter here as Seitz crumbles into the ropes, exhausted in round four. Bloody nose for Seitz who accepts Mr Foster’s intervention at 2-45 of the fourth. Nyika wins the vacant IBF International cruiserweight title.
17:38:19
SEITZ ROLLING BACK THE YEARS
Seitz rolling in and out like Glencoffe Johnson (there’s a name from the recent past for you). Responsible defence, strong, relentless approach. He ships a few jabs, but to be fair to Nyika, his left jab is very strong.
I wonder if Seitz’s face will start displaying the scars of battle as the rounds go on. Nyika looks naturally heavy-handed. Not have it all his own way, though, as he targets the body.
17:28:53
SEITZ MATTERS
Noticeable size disparity in all three fights so far. Nyika is the big man here, although Seitz is closing the gap at every opportunity.
Howard Foster is the referee. Nyika needs to use his jab to stop Seitz just walking straight inside.
17:25:19
NYIKA IN THE RING
David Nyika entered the ring in some interesting headgear. Not quite up there with some of the great attire entrances of old, such as Joe Joyce or the Bernard Hopkins ‘Alien’ theme.
Anyway…on with the show. This next one is an eight-rounder where Nyika faces Michael Seitz.
16:16:49
LAPIN DONE AND DUSTED IN ONE
That didn’t last long. Pudivitr is down and out in round one. Lapin hurt him with a right-left combo and Pudivitr fell in the corner, taking a few shots while on the ground. A higher profile fight and that might’ve been an issue, but Williams waved it off.
Pudivitr perhaps suffered a scratched eyeball, given the nature of the finish. Lapin seemed happy enough with his night’s work and he won the WBA Continental light-heavyweight championship for his troubles.
16:07:00
LAPIN UP THE ATMOSPHERE
Next up is undefeated Ukrainian Daniel Lapin, who will take on Portugal’s Octavio Pudivitr. Some size of a unit is Lapin. Knows how to box a bit too. Should be interesting this one. Bob Williams is the third man in the ring.
15:56:12
LOWE BEATS AHMADI ON POINTS
Ahmadi buzzed again at the end of the 10th, but he managed to last the distance. There was plenty of bravery from the Dubai-based fighter, but let’s be honest: In terms of a boxing match, he was second best for a long portion of that fight.
A confident Isaac Lowe wins 97-92 on referee Mark Bates’ solo scorecard. That’s the first contest in the books.
15:46:48
AHMADI DOWN!
A lovely left hook drops Ahmadi at the end of round eight. Breakthrough for Lowe who also hurts him to the body. He’s hurt again, eye badly bleeding, just about survived the round.
15:41:18
ISAAC SLOW?
Ahmadi has fancied it all week, and he’s fired up going through round seven. Lowe is boxing really well from range, but the work is getting a little more laboured. A good jab is the key for the Morecambe man.
15:28:55
BACK-AND-FORTH EXCHANGES
Ahmadi has a cut on the side of the left eye. Referee Mark Bates is keeping them in control as Ahmadi rushes forward, no doubt concerned about the injury.
Heads flying at times. Lowe punching hard and accurately, especially with the right hand. Looks decent here, Isaac. Can he last the pace?
15:20:13
GOOD EARLY ACTION
Lowe working well behind the jab and catching Ahmadi with the uppercut as well at times. Size difference is apparent despite Lowe being the lighter man. Ahmadi taking centre ring.
15:14:08
LOWE IN THE RING
First into the ring, Morecambe’s Isaac Lowe and Afghanistan’s Hasibullah Ahmadi engaging in a featherweight 10-rounder. Round one underway.
14:52:27
A VERY WARM WELCOME!
Good afternoon everybody. Thank you for joining me on this live update blog. I (Steve) will be watching the early portion of the card alongside you, before Declan takes the reins and guides you through the main fights.
It’s baking hot in Riyadh and the heat will no doubt rise as the evening progresses. Should be a good one.
Tyson Fury faces Oleksandr Usyk in a highly anticipated clash for the undisputed heavyweight crown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Undercard action begins at 3pm UK, 10am ET, and 8am PT.
Fury vs Usyk Weights and Running Order
Tyson Fury 262 lbs. vs. Oleksandr Usyk 223.5 lbs
Undisputed Heavyweight Championship – 12 Rounds
Jai Opetaia 198.1 lbs vs. Mairis Briedis 199.1 lbs
Opetaia’s Ring Magazine & Vacant IBF Cruiserweight World Titles — 12 Rounds
Joe Cordina 130 lbs vs. Anthony Cacace 129.8 lbs
Cordina’s IBF Junior Lightweight World Title — 12 Rounds
Frank Sanchez 238.5 lbs vs. Agit Kabayel 238.5 lbs
WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator — 12 Rounds
Moses Itauma 239.1 lbs vs. Ilja Mezencev 232.1 lbs
Vacant WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Title — 10 Rounds
Mark Chamberlain 134.2 lbs vs. Joshua Oluwaseun Wahab 132.1 lbs
Vacant WBC Silver Lightweight Title — 12 Rounds
Sergey Kovalev 194.2 lbs vs. Robin Sirwan Safar 194.1 lbs
Cruiserweight — 10 Rounds
David Nyika 198.1 lbs vs. Michael Seitz 198.5 lbs
Cruiserweight – 8 rounds
Daniel Lapin 174.7 lbs vs. Octavio Pudivitr 173.7 lbs
Vacant WBA Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Title — 10 Rounds
Isaac Lowe 125.5 lbs vs. Hasibullah Ahmadi 127.7 lbs
Featherweight – 10 rounds
