SO often it has been Tyson Fury who has defied the odds.
From making an improbable comeback from his drink-and-drug-fuelled depression to dragging himself off the canvas on four occasions against Deontay Wilder.
But on an historic night in the desert, he fell agonisingly short.
Instead it was Oleksandr Usyk's turn as he flipped the script of his undisputed fight to become the division's only ruler.
And a few hours after the exhausted champion was led tentatively from the ring, Usyk was back on his feet.
Perhaps not displaying the menacing footwork with which he stalked Fury during their fight-defining ninth round.
But with remarkable energy for a man who had become the first to topple the giant Brit over 12 enthralling rounds.
Usyk passed up the opportunity to sleep and instead gathered with his teammates to support fellow Ukrainian Denys Berinchyk in his world title fight 8,000 miles away in San Diego.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 20, 2024 من Daily Mirror UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 20, 2024 من Daily Mirror UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
CONTAPINATED
Thames Water warns 600 homes not to use supply over fuel leak
Meds crisis is 3 times worse
Patients turned away after drug shortages soar
IT'S A MAD WORLD
Real Madrid have a special relationship with this Cup. The 14-time champions always find a way
MAKE ENZ MEET
Maresca's five-year deal but new Blues boss could be forced to sell fans' favourite Gallagher to balance books for squad shake-up
A BRAVE NEW WORLD (CUP)
Move into USA and Canada could be huge for the game
GOOD TO RO
Under-fire boss Smith backs new shake-up at Rhinos
I'M RAFF AND READY
Quirke to sink Bath and tap potential
STAB RAMPAGE
Knifeman shot after launching horrific attack at far-right rally
With this wing..
Groom arranges for four penguins to deliver bride's ring at wedding
Jude v Jade
Champs League Final: Wembley stage for Battle of Britons..