Conor McGregor reacts to Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk after not attending fight

Conor McGregor hailed the "exceptional" pair of Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury after the pair battled it out in another cracking contest in Saudi Arabia. Usyk once again had his hand raised in victory after 12 rounds.

Fury’s mission to avenge his only professional defeat ended in crushing disappointment as he lost on a unanimous points decision to the unified heavyweight champion. Another classic encounter between the well-matched rivals ended with Usyk retaining his WBC, WBA and WBO belts by finishing 116-112 ahead on all three judges’ scorecards.

McGregor, who had been in nearby Dubai earlier in the week, did not travel to Riyadh for the bout. However, the Dubliner gave his reaction to the contest on social media.

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He wrote: "Tremendous fight! Both men EXCEPTIONAL BOXERS! Truly. Let the talk about usyk playing up to the right hand body shot end now. He was as tough as he was skilled tonight! What a fight! Tyson Fury is some man. Anyone else against that version of Tyson Fury gets smoked. Very close fight. So enjoyable! Thank you both Gentlemen and teams. Thank you Saudi Arabia!"

Usyk’s performance confirmed his status as an all-time great and the 37-year-old will now look to become undisputed champion for the second time by toppling IBF champion Daniel Dubois, who has to first overcome Joseph Parker. The pair clash in Riyadh on February 22.

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