Tyson Fury has suggested that the referee’s sympathies towards Ukraine played a role in his opponent being scored in favor of his opponent in Sunday’s match against Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia.
Usyk defeated Fury by split decision. He knocked Fury down in the ninth round, giving him a narrow victory on two of the judges’ scorecards. Usyk became the first undisputed world heavyweight champion in 24 years, adding Fury’s WBC title to his belt, who already held the WBA, IBF and WBO belts.
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Tyson Fury (left) and Oleksandr Usyk exchange blows during a boxing world championship match at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
“I believe I won that fight,” Fury said. “I think he won a few rounds, but I won most of them. I think it was one of those boxing decisions you can’t control. We both gave a great performance.” Fight the good fight and do the best we can.
“You know, his country is at war, so people are on the side of the country at war. But don’t get me wrong, in my opinion, I won that match, so I’ll be back. .I have a rematch clause.”
Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk celebrates defeating Britain’s Tyson Fury at the Kingdom Arena on Sunday, May 19, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
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Usyk won 115-112 and 114-113 on two cards. The third judge gave Fury a 114-113 victory.
“It’s a great time. It’s a great day,” Usyk said.
The Ukrainian boxer got off to a fast start against Fury, but the British star took on Usyk in the middle rounds. It wasn’t until the final minutes of the fight that Usyk started applying pressure, leading to a knockdown before Fury was saved by the bell.
“I’m really grateful to my team,” Usyk said. “This is a great opportunity for me, my family and my country. Slava Ukraine!”
Tyson Fury takes a blow from Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk during a match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (Nick Potts/PA via AP)
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He is the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis. This boxing great held the title for five months in his 1999 and his 2000.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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