Sport

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk separated during face-off after recording-breaking stare-down

Fury's head fell apart and turned to the usual tirade not so shortly after.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 20th December 2024

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk managed to break a new record before the fight had even started during their face-off on Thursday as they engaged in an extremely intense stare-down – the longest in boxing history.

Fury vs Usyk 2 takes place this weekend, with both excitement and now tension around the eagerly-awaited rematch boiling over as the two fighters locked into respective thousand-yard stares as they met on stage in Riyadh ahead of their rematch.

The pre-fight press and build-up had felt a little quiet and understated up until the last couple of weeks but with the two division-conquering heavyweights now set for what looks to be a real battle and an actually believable feud, the anticipation and stakes have never felt higher.

Fury will have to wait until Saturday to get his second shot at beating the Ukrainian but it’s clear that both their heads are very much already in the ring as the pair ultimately had to be pulled apart after an extremely intense and, frankly, awkward 11-minute stare-down.

As you can see, the situation was an unprecedented one and neither Fury nor Usyk seemed willing to flinch or concede even a little bit of ground to the other, resulting in the longest face-off professional boxing has ever seen. It could have gone on longer by the looks of things…

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More than 10 minutes passed before either party said a word to each other and it took various members of security, the promoters, Fury’s entourage and Usyk‘s to edge the two away from each other as the Wythenshawe-born boxer eventually appeared to lose his cool.

In addition to trading countless threats and insults as per, the Manc fighter looked visibly red-faced and began perspiring profusely as he became more mobile and agitated; in contrast, his Ukrainian counterpart barely moved an inch from the same spot.

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Perhaps the most jarring aspect of the hot-blooded affair was the general pageantry and ceremonial stuff going on around them, as tonnes of Saudi locals danced, got up on tables and played music around them as the face-off came to its conclusion.

However, it was the scenes picked up by cameras as the two were finally separated that many fight fans think have proved most telling, as the 36-year-old launched into a torrent of verbal abuse and expletives after the fact. As they see it, Fury’s ‘meltdown’ shows he’s already lost the first round:

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Usyk didn’t get to enjoy his unified title for very long after beating Tyson the first time around but judging by the level of composure on display, he might already have a leg up in the rematch too.

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‘The Gypsy King’ has also been criticised once again for his conduct during the aftermath for homophobic, discriminatory and generally offensive remarks (something he’s come under fire for in the past) though he is yet to address the accusations and is unlikely to with just less than 24 hours before the bell rings.

Fury claims he hasn’t spoken to his wife in three months amidst his busy schedule and strict training camp rules for this fight – another comment he received some flak for online. Whether or not isolating himself has helped his chance, only time will tell.

If you happen to have free time on your hands and nothing better to do, you can watch the whole 11 minutes and change stare-off between Fury and Usyk down below. Better still, give us your predictions: who do you think is going to win this one?

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — DAZN/TNT Sports (screenshot via YouTube)

Sport

Manchester City hit with backlash from season ticket holders after ‘divisive’ North Stand update

Danny Jones Danny Jones Man City fans angry backlash over being moved out of their seats North Stand stadium expansion plans

Manchester City have shared a new update on the impending North Stand expansion and concourse upgrade, but the most recent reveal has been met with plenty of backlash from supporters set to suffer the consequences.

The Etihad is currently undergoing a major transformation that will see numerous new facilities added to the wider campus experience – most notably the increased capacity of the North Stand, which will make room for a further 7,000 or so fans.

Back in March, the club revealed the official brand partners for their upcoming on-site hotel, which will also accompany a new sky bar and rooftop stadium walk experience as part of the wider plans, but while adding more seats and things for matchgoers to do sounds good on paper, it’s come at a cost for many.

Reacting to the news of social media, many regular fans are now set to be forced out of their seats to make way for more hospitality sections at the end of the stadium, meaning the post has proved ‘divisive’ to say the least.

As you can see, both Blues, neutrals, and even rivals alike are expressing their shock and disappointment in not only the decision but the manner in which the announcement was made.

One person said on X: “You turfed me and hundreds of others out of our seats four seasons ago when you dug them up for digital signage. We were all split up and had to scrape around for new seats. Had enough of all the new rules and digital tickets/transfers. I sit on my sofa now and save £3k.

Reply in the comments underneath the response, a Manchester United fan added: “I don’t like City, but this is something I can stand with [fans] on.”

Even well-known online commentators like ‘HLTCO’ (Hopkin Looking To Curl One), a.k.a. Dan Cook – a notable Crystal Palace die-hard – shared his two cents online.

“Man City season ticket holders are being told that they’re being permanently moved from the seats they’ve had for years to accommodate a new corporate seating area”, he wrote, adding: “This is the sort of thing that fans everywhere have to push back against; these clubs see us as a nuisance.”

In terms of what the stadium overhaul looks like, the latest CGIs show the first proper glimpse of the new ‘Cross Bar’ that will “offer a relaxed, social atmosphere” for around 300 fans, as well as the new ‘City Hall’ concourse area, which will cater to around 500 punters both on game-days and beyond.

You can take another close look down below.

As detailed in the full statement on the club website, they have insisted that they will be supporting those “may need to move seats ahead of the commencement of the 2026/27”, clarifying that no one will need to be relocated to accommodate the Cross Bar, specifically.

They go on to add: “We understand that relocating seats may be unsettling, and we are here to support these fans”. They have promised things like a “priority relocation window” and, most crucially, a guarantee that they won’t have to pay more to sit in what is typically a more expensive stadium block.

However, while they have also assured that people will be able to move groups of seats so as to stay around their friends, as explained by a user above, this is easier said than done and ticket uncertainty remains a big concern among the fan base.

What do you make of the latest Etihad Stadium news, City fans?

Manchester City supporters groups call on club and fellow fans to ‘make their voices heard’
Man City fans have been vocal about their seats, the ‘Flexi Gold’ saga and much more.

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Featured Images — David Wilson (via Flickr)/CGIs (via mancity.com)

Sport

Altrincham FC name new interim coach after sacking long-serving manager Phil Parkinson

Danny Jones Danny Jones Phil Parkinson sacked by Altrincham FC for new interim manager

Altrincham FC have sacked their long-term manager Phil Parkinson after eight years and an unfortunate winless run.

The Greater Manchester club dismissed ‘Parky’ after nearly the best part of a decade, following the loss on penalties in the tie against Winsford United (6-5) and a long series of defeats and a couple of draws.

For context, they’ve picked up just a single point in the National League, and they haven’t won since the 2-1 victory over Sutton United on 6 September.

Subsequently, Alty FC had little choice but to change things up, with Parkison and his right-hand man being reluctantly let go and his temporary replacement having already been restored.

Confirming the decision on Thursday, 24 October, the club wrote in a statement: “Altrincham FC have today parted company with Manager Phil Parkinson and Assistant Manager Neil Sorvel.

“Given recent form and the current league position, it is clear that results have not met expectations. The Board therefore believes a change of direction is necessary at this point in the season.

“The Board wishes to place on record its sincere gratitude to Phil and Neil for their outstanding contribution over the past nine years. Their achievements, professionalism, and commitment have played a major role in shaping the modern-day Altrincham FC.

“A full tribute reflecting on their time with the club will be published on the official website in due course.”

More importantly, they have assured that the hunt for a new full-time “leadership team within the football department – one fully aligned with the Board’s long-term vision for the club” – has begun.

Chairman Mark Luby also made sure to reiterate that Parkinson and Sorvel have left the club “in a much stronger position than when they arrived” and, as well as recognising their achievements in that time, assured that the decision was “extremely difficult”.

As for who has been tasked with lifting them from 20th in the table, former Wealdstone FC duo Neil Gibson and his assistant Lee Jones are now in place.

Having already navigated a side to safety from the drop zone last season, Luby clearly believes the pair to be a shrewd appointment.

“The impact they had under challenging circumstances at Wealdstone was impressive by any measure”, he says, “and they demonstrated clear leadership under pressure”, adding that Gibson’s contacts in the game and vision on how to improve things on the pitch should help steady the ship.

Quickly put in post and preparing for the game against Braintree Town this weekend, the new Robins boss said: “I’m proud to be here. When the club shared its ambitions and the immediate challenges ahead, I felt there was an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, and I was excited to accept.

“While the Board focuses on the recruitment of a permanent Manager, Lee and I will give everything to move this team up the table and build momentum as quickly as possible.

“I know how passionate the supporters are, and I look forward to speaking with them more fully in due course and to seeing the travelling fans at Cressing Road on Saturday.” Principal sponsors AO are also helping fund the 600-mile round-trip journey for 57 supporters next month against Truro City, too.

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Featured Images — Alty TV (screenshot via YouTube)/Altrincham FC (via X)

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