In the aftermath of his heavyweight title rematch loss to Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia, a defiant Tyson Fury is crying foul over what he perceives as unjust judging. The Gypsy King insists he should have had his hand raised in victory, despite all three judges scoring the bout 116-112 in favor of the Ukrainian champion.
Fury Fights Back Against Judges’ Verdict
At the post-fight press conference, a visibly frustrated Fury made his feelings about the decision crystal clear. He labeled Usyk’s win a “Christmas gift” from the judges and maintained his resolute belief that he had done enough to reclaim the heavyweight titles.
“I thought I won that fight. I thought I won both fights but I’m going home with two losses on my record. There’s not much I can do about it.”
– Tyson Fury
The scorecards in this second encounter between Fury and Usyk were undoubtedly more decisive than their initial clash in May, which saw the crafty southpaw claim a split-decision victory to dethrone Fury. However, the Gypsy King offered a contrasting perspective on how he viewed the action in the ring.
Making a Case for Himself
Fury laid out his argument for why he felt the judges got it wrong, highlighting his aggression and forward pressure throughout the 12-round battle. He also pointed to the unofficial scorecards of some observers, including his own promoter Frank Warren, who had Fury ahead by several rounds.
“I was aggressive, on the front foot all night, landing to the body and head. Frank Warren had me three or four rounds up. A lot of people had me at least two rounds up.”
– Tyson Fury
Despite passionately pleading his case, Fury acknowledged the reality that he cannot alter the official outcome. Short of scoring a definitive knockout, he conceded that securing a decision victory over an elite boxer like Usyk on the judges’ scorecards is an uncertain proposition.
Standing Firm in Defeat
Even in a losing effort, Fury’s fighting spirit and unwavering self-belief shone through. He made it clear that even with two blemishes on his record courtesy of Usyk, his confidence in his own performance remains unshakeable.
“I will believe til the day I die that I won that fight. I can’t change the decision. When you don’t get the KO this is what happens: you can’t guarantee a win.”
– Tyson Fury
As the dust settles on another gripping chapter in the Fury-Usyk rivalry, the boxing world is left to debate the merits of Fury’s claims and ponder whether we’ve seen the last of this compelling heavyweight saga. For now, Usyk retains his crown while Fury is left to reconcile his unshakable self-belief with the judges’ verdict that went against him.
