Fury claims sympathy for war-torn Ukraine influenced Usyk victory
Heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury claimed that sympathy for Ukraine influenced the judges’ decision to award Oleksandr Usyk a split-decision victory in their title fight on Sunday, calling for an immediate rematch.
Fury, who struggled after a standing eight count in the ninth round, felt he had done enough to win. However, the judges ruled in favor of Usyk, making him the first undisputed heavyweight champion in nearly 25 years.
“I believe I won that fight. I believe he won a few of the rounds but I won the majority of them… His country’s at war, and people are siding with the country at war, but make no mistake, I won that fight,” Fury said in a post-fight interview.
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Ukraine has been in conflict since the Russian invasion more than two years ago.
“I’ll be back. I’ve got a rematch clause,” added the previously undefeated Fury, with promoter Frank Warren confirming another fight was likely.
“That’s what the contract says. It’s what he wants. It’s his call, it’s Tyson’s call. So whatever he wants to do, it’s up to him,” Warren stated.
The 12-round battle saw both fighters have their moments, and many boxing fans are eager for a rematch after Usyk’s comeback.
“We’ll go back to our families and I’ll see him again in October. We’ll go back, rest up. I believe I won the fight but I’m not going to sit and cry and make excuses. We’ll run it again in October,” Fury said.
Usyk, who did not respond directly to Fury’s claims, confirmed his readiness for another bout. “Yes, of course,” the 37-year-old Ukrainian said.
