Usyk declared undisputed world heavyweight champion to sympathise with Ukraine’s war with Russia: Fury
Tyson ‘Gypsy King’ Fury claimed he won Sunday’s undisputed world heavyweight title fight but his opponent Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk, was declared winner via split decision out of sympathy for his country at war.
“I believe I won that fight,” Fury said in a post match interview. “I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority of them, and I believe it was one of those what-can-you-do, one of them… decisions in boxing.”
Displeased by the outcome of the judges score that saw Usyk emerge undisputed world champion, Fury said his opponent got sympathy due to Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia.
“You know his country’s at war, so people are siding for the country at war,” Fury said. But make no mistake, I won that fight, in my opinion, and I’ll be back. I’ve got a rematch clause.”
Usyk paid tribute to his late father, dedicating the victory to his country in an ongoing war against Russia.
“I think my father now is watching over me and is very happy. Dad, I love you. I can, you told me I can,” Usyk said.
He added, “My people will be very happy I think, it’s a big win, not only for me, it’s a big win for my country, for soldiers who now defend my country.”
Asked if he wants a rematch with Fury, Usyk said “Yes, of course, very much,’’ he said. “I’m ready for a rematch.’’
The trio of Manuel Oliver Palermo of Spain, Craig Metcalfe of Canada and Mike Fitzgerald of United States officiated the fight.
Palermo scored the 12 rounds bout 115-112 in favour of Usyk, Metcalfe scored it 114-113 in favour of Usyk, while Fitzgerald scored it 114-113 in favour of Fury.
The duo of Fury and Usyk came into the undisputed world heavyweight title bout with sterling career records. But Fury suffered his first defeat, losing his World Boxing Council world champion belt.
Since he became professional in 2008, Fury has been unbeaten, winning 33 fights and drawing just one until Sunday.
With Sunday’s victory, Usyk maintained his unbeaten record in 22 fights of his professional career, winning 14 via knockout.
Usyk, 37, now holds the World Boxing Council world champion, World Boxing Association, World Boxing Organisation, International Boxing Federation and the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) belts.
Last undisputed world heavyweight title fight held in 1999 with Lennox Lewis, beating Evander Holyfield, to the title. Both boxing veterans were at Riyadh to see Fury and Usyk traded punches for the title.
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