Tyson Fury claimed he was “robbed” after losing a unanimous decision to Oleksandr Usyk in their heavyweight world title rematch.
Having beaten Fury by split decision in May to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis, the Ukrainian retained his WBO, WBA and WBC titles on Saturday as all three judges scored the fight 116-112 in his favour.
Fury, who was unbeaten in 35 professional fights before facing Usyk, celebrated as though he had won at the final bell and looked shocked as the scores were read out.
Having chosen not to do an interview in the ring after the fight, Fury shared his immediate thoughts with some reporters as he made his way back to the dressing room, saying: “Robbed there.
Highlights as Oleksandr Usyk used his scintillating boxing skills to beat Tyson Fury on the judges’ scorecards and retain his heavyweight world titles
“I swear to God I thought I won it by at least three rounds. I bossed the fight, on front foot all night.”
Speaking in a press conference less than an hour after the fight, Fury provided more measured comments but still insisted the result had been unfair, using his promoter Frank Warren’s opinion to back up his position.
“Frank had me three or four rounds up, a lot of people had me at least two,” Fury said.
“It is what it is, I am not going to cry over spilt milk, it has happened now.
“I have been in boxing all my life and you can’t change any decision, but I will always feel hard done by. When you don’t get a knockout, you can’t guarantee a win.
“I think I won both fights. There is no doubt in my mind I won this fight. I think Usyk got a Christmas gift but it’s not Oleksandr’s fault.”
Tyson Fury entered the arena to Mariah Carey’s famous hit ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ before his huge rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.
Speaking in the ring straight after the fight, Warren added: “How come Tyson only got four rounds in this fight? It’s impossible.
“He’s very disappointed, as I am as well. Everyone along the front [of the ring] thought it was all the same way.
“It’s nuts. Did you only give him four rounds out of eight? I don’t get it.”
‘You may see me fight again, you may not’ – Fury casts doubt over future
With a trilogy fight seemingly off the cards after Usyk’s second win over Fury, it is unclear whether the 36-year-old will continue competing or end his career.
Fury suggested that he himself has not made a decision on what he’ll do next.
“I want to go home and have a good Christmas,” he said.
“I have worked hard for this fight. Thanks to everyone who came and supported.
Tyson Fury looked stunned when the judges scores were read out
“You may see me fight again, you may not.”
Warren suggested the Fury camp will take some time to come to a decision over his next move.
“We’ll have to see what happens in the future for Tyson,” Warren said.
“I thought he was in control, boxed really well and had Usyk on his back foot.”
“It’s up to Tyson [if he fights again]. It’s just after a fight and emotions are running high.”
Nelson: No way in a million years Fury won
Sky Sports pundit Johnny Nelson dismissed the claims of a ‘robbery’ from the Fury camp, but did admit he was surprised all three judges scored the fight so clearly in Usyk’s favour.
Nelson said: “I had it a little bit closer. Usyk initiated almost everything in the fight and Tyson had to react.
“Usyk was the one that was working to a plan, Tyson was the one that was having to try to deal with one.
Johnny Nelson reflects on Tyson Fury’s defeat and believes his next move won’t be a fight with Anthony Joshua
“Yes, it was close, I don’t think the scorecards were like that. But I understand that Usyk did a great job.
“At times, I’d say Tyson looked more fragile out of the two when the shots were landing either way. Tyson was the one that was more hesitant, Tyson was the one that just had a lot more reacting to do.
“Frank was saying he thought Tyson won. That’s being a promoter. There’s no way in a million years he thought Tyson won.
“The best man won on the night and got the job done.”
Repeats of Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury’s huge heavyweight rematch will be shown at 8am and 6pm on Sunday December 22 on Sky Sports Box Office. Book Usyk vs Fury 2 repeats now!
