Tyson Fury has refused to accept defeat in his rematch against unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, claiming that the judges handed his Ukrainian opponent a “Christmas gift.” The highly anticipated fight, which took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, saw all three judges score the contest 116-112 in Usyk’s favor, marking his second consecutive victory over Fury.
Despite the unanimous decision, Fury and his promoter, Frank Warren, were both adamant that the British fighter had done enough to win. Speaking after the fight, Fury expressed his frustration with the result, stating, “The judges gave him a Christmas gift. I feel like I won both fights.”
Fury admitted that he knew a knockout was necessary to secure a definitive victory but maintained his belief that he was the rightful winner. “I know I had to knock him out, but it’s boxing, and this happens. There is no doubt in my mind I won this fight,” he said. “Frank had me three or four rounds up, and a lot of people had me up by at least two.”
The 36-year-old heavyweight chose not to address questions in the ring immediately after the bout, instead heading backstage where he eventually spoke to the media. Reflecting on the outcome, Fury remarked, “I’m not going to cry over spilled milk, it’s over now. I’ve been in boxing my whole life, but I’ll always feel a little bit hard done by – not a little bit, a lot.”
Frank Warren, Fury’s promoter with Queensberry Promotions, echoed his fighter’s sentiments, expressing disbelief at the judges’ scoring. “I’m dumbfounded at how they scored it,” Warren said. He praised Fury’s performance, citing his exceptional jabbing, footwork, and defensive tactics. “His jabbing was superb, his footwork was superb, he wasn’t slow. He was very evasive,” Warren added.
The rematch was another showcase of the intense rivalry between Fury and Usyk, with both fighters demonstrating their technical skills and resilience in the ring. Fury’s attempts to impose his physicality and power on the fight were met with Usyk’s speed, precision, and agility. Despite Fury’s claims, the judges were unanimous in their assessment of Usyk’s superior performance.
Usyk, who extended his unbeaten professional record to 23 wins with this victory, further solidified his status as one of the greatest heavyweights of his generation. Responding to Fury’s comments about the decision, Usyk dismissed the criticism with characteristic humility and humor. “Uncle Frank, I think he is blind,” Usyk joked. “If Tyson says it is a Christmas gift, then OK, thank you God, not Tyson. Thank you to my team.”
The fight was a historic occasion, with the IBF, IBO, WBA, WBC, and WBO undisputed heavyweight titles on the line. Both fighters entered the contest with much to prove, and the rematch lived up to the pre-fight hype. Fury, known for his brash personality and unorthodox fighting style, sought to reclaim his standing in the division, while Usyk aimed to solidify his dominance.
Throughout the fight, Usyk showcased his technical brilliance, utilizing his footwork and ring IQ to outmaneuver Fury. The Ukrainian’s precise punching and ability to control the pace of the fight earned him the edge on the scorecards. Fury, despite his size and strength advantage, struggled to land clean shots consistently and was unable to dictate the fight’s tempo.
The loss marks a significant moment in Fury’s illustrious career, raising questions about his future in the sport. Known for his resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity, Fury will undoubtedly analyze the fight and consider his next steps carefully. His rivalry with Usyk has captivated boxing fans worldwide, and speculation about a potential trilogy bout is already swirling.
For Usyk, the victory cements his legacy as one of the all-time greats. The former cruiserweight king has seamlessly transitioned to the heavyweight division, conquering some of the biggest names in the sport. His win over Fury reinforces his claim to the title of the undisputed heavyweight champion, a feat few fighters have achieved.
The rematch has also reignited debates about judging in boxing, with Fury’s camp calling for greater transparency and accountability. Warren’s comments about the scoring highlight the ongoing controversy surrounding close fights and the subjective nature of judging. While some fans and analysts supported the decision, others sided with Fury, pointing to the competitive nature of the bout.
As the dust settles, both fighters will reflect on a night that will go down in boxing history. For Fury, the focus will be on regrouping and possibly seeking redemption in a third fight with Usyk. For Usyk, the challenge will be maintaining his unbeaten record and continuing to dominate a heavyweight division filled with hungry contenders.
The rematch in Riyadh was not only a spectacle of elite boxing but also a testament to the spirit of competition. Both fighters gave their all, leaving no doubt about their commitment to the sport and their desire to be recognized as the best.
While Fury’s disappointment is palpable, his comments underscore the unpredictability of boxing and the fine margins that often separate victory from defeat. His determination to continue competing at the highest level will undoubtedly endear him to fans who admire his resilience and fighting spirit.
Usyk, on the other hand, remains a model of consistency and professionalism. His calm demeanor and focus have made him a fan favorite, and his performances in the ring continue to elevate the sport. The Ukrainian’s journey from undisputed cruiserweight champion to undisputed heavyweight champion is a testament to his exceptional talent and work ethic.
As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, the impact of this rematch will be felt for years to come. The rivalry between Fury and Usyk has brought renewed attention to the sport, drawing in fans from around the world and setting the stage for future blockbuster fights.
For now, Usyk basks in the glory of another hard-fought victory, while Fury looks ahead to the challenges that lie ahead. The road to redemption is never easy, but if anyone can navigate it, it’s Tyson Fury.
