TYSON FURY was literally saved by the bell in truly dramatic fashion against Oleksandr Usyk.
After a slow start, the unbeaten Gypsy King looked to be taking control of the undisputed world heavyweight title fight in Riyadh.
TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK AS IT HAPPENED: RELIVE ALL THE ACTION FROM THE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE THRILLER
However, Usyk turned the tide again in emphatic fashion in the ninth round.
Paris Fury speaks out on pregnancy 'rumours' in loved up NYE post with Tyson
And the Ukrainian absolutely peppered his opponent with a flurry of massive shots.
Fury was clearly struggling as he stumbled around the ring seemingly totally dazed.
Then he slumped down against the ropes and looked up pretty helpless - with a knockdown officially scored.
But just as Usyk was tightening the screw and looking to close in on a historic win, the referee pulled the pair apart and gave the Brit a standing count.
Then the klaxon sounded followed by the bell as Fury escaped.
However, David Haye could not believe what he saw as he said: "I don't know why the referee gave him a count."
But it was only to delay Fury's pain.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
That is because Fury lost for the first time in his career thanks to an incredible split decision - all sparked by Usyk's sensational comeback in round nine.
I cancelled 18th birthday party to KO Tyson record as youngest heavyweight king
Confident and charismatic Fury wowed his supporters with his sensational ring walk - which featured singing along to Barry White and Bonnie Tyler.
That lifted the mood inside the stadium - which was pretty flat and underwhelming during the undercard.
One fan joked there was "more atmosphere in Greggs" and another quipped you could "hear a mouse fart".
There was a star-studded line-up ringside for the mega fight night - with Cristiano Ronaldo sat next to Anthony Joshua.
But the iconic Portuguese footballer was sensationally booed by some members of the crowd as he made his way to the seat.
Usyk came out of the blocks flying and immediately put his opponent under pressure in the opening stages.
But in the very first round, the Gypsy King showed total confidence as he showboated to the crowd, leaning against the ropes and looking out into the crowd with his mouth wide open.
Fury trailed early on but then dominated for large parts of the fight before the sudden turnaround in round nine.
And Usyk continued to end strongly before taking the victory with a stunning split decision - ending Fury's unbeaten professional record.
