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Tyson Fury Suggests Oleksandr Usyk Won Championship Fight Thanks to Judges' Feelings About War in Ukraine

Tyson Fury Suggests Oleksandr Usyk Won Championship Fight Thanks to Judges' Feelings About War in Ukraine

Tyson Fury suggested the judges' sympathies for Ukraine influenced his decision to score his fight against Oleksandr Usyk in favor of his opponent in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

Usyk defeated Fury via split decision. He knocked Fury down in the ninth round and earned a narrow victory on two of the judges' scorecards. Usyk became the first undisputed world heavyweight champion in 24 years, adding Fury's WBC title, which already included the WBA, IBF and WBO belts, to his waist.

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Tyson Fury, left, and Oleksandr Usyk exchange blows during their world boxing championship fight at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

“I think I won that fight,” Fury said. “I think he won some of the rounds, but I won most of them, and I think it was one of those 'what can you do' decisions, one of those… in boxing. Good fight, best thing ever. we can do.

“You know, their country is at war, so people take the side of a country at war. But make no mistake, in my opinion, I won that fight and I'll come back. I have a rematch clause.”

Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk celebrates after beating Britain's Tyson Fury at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

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Usyk won the fight 115-112 and 114-113 on two of the scorecards. The third judge gave Fury the victory 114-113.

“It's a great moment. It's a great day,” Usyk said.

The Ukrainian boxer started fast against Fury, but the British star took over Usyk in the middle rounds. It wasn't until late in the fight that Usyk began to ramp up the pressure, leading to the knockdown before Fury was saved by the bell.

“Many thanks to my team,” Usyk said. “It's a great opportunity for me, for my family, for my country. Slava Ukraini!”