In a stunning post-fight proclamation, former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has refused to accept his unanimous decision loss to Oleksandr Usyk in their blockbuster rematch. Despite all three judges scoring the bout 116-112 in favor of the Ukrainian, Fury defiantly declared, “I won that fight.”
‘I Thought I Won Both Fights’
Speaking at the post-fight press conference, an incredulous Fury asserted his belief that he had done enough to secure victory not just in the rematch, but in their initial encounter as well. “I thought I won both fights but I’m going home with two losses on my record,” Fury lamented. “There’s not much I can do about it. I can just fight my heart out.”
The self-proclaimed ‘Gypsy King’ remained resolute in his conviction, stating, “I will believe til the day I die that I won that fight. I was aggressive, on the front foot all night, landing to the body and head.” Fury even claimed that his promoter, Frank Warren, had him “three or four rounds up” on his unofficial scorecard.
A ‘Christmas Gift’ From the Judges
Fury’s most scathing remarks were reserved for the judges who rendered the unanimous decision in Usyk’s favor. The Brit described the verdict as a “Christmas gift” from the officials, suggesting that they had presented the victory to Usyk on a silver platter.
“I didn’t feel no spirit. I felt a bit of Christmas spirit in there and think he got a Christmas gift from those judges.”
– Tyson Fury on Oleksandr Usyk’s victory
Even when informed that an experimental AI system had also scored the fight for Usyk, Fury remained unmoved. In a moment of levity, he quipped, “By the review of that, absolutely shit. Fuck all the computers, keep the humans going. More jobs for humans, less jobs for computers.”
Usyk Praises ‘Great Fighter’ Fury
In stark contrast to Fury’s defiance, Usyk was gracious in victory, lauding his opponent as a “great fighter” and thanking him for “an unbelievable 24 rounds.” The Ukrainian’s measured response only served to highlight the bitterness of Fury’s reaction to the judges’ decision.
As the dust settles on this contentious rematch, questions abound regarding Fury’s future in the sport. Will he pursue a trilogy bout with Usyk in an attempt to avenge his losses? Or will the sting of this defeat, compounded by his unwavering belief that he was robbed of victory, lead him to hang up his gloves for good?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Tyson Fury’s refusal to accept the judges’ verdict has only added fuel to the fire of this already heated heavyweight rivalry. The boxing world waits with bated breath to see how this saga will unfold.
