Fury began the fight well but was given a standing 10 count and saved by the bell after an Usyk onslaught in the ninth round
By Kehinde Okeowo
British heavyweight boxer, Tyson Fury has claimed he won the bout against Ukrainian fighter Oleksandr Usyk, insisting the war in his opponent’s country influenced the judges’ verdict.
Usyk became the first undisputed world champion of the century after a closely contested fight against Fury in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.
The Britton began well but was given a standing 10 count and saved by the bell after an Usyk onslaught in the ninth round.
Two of the judges gave scorecards of 115-112 and 114-113 to the Ukrainian, while a third judge opined Fury won the fight 114-113.
The undefeated Usyk, donning his national colours, dedicated his historic win to the people of Ukraine in the aftermath of the judges’ announcement in Riyadh.
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He had temporarily returned to Ukraine following the Russian invasion in February 2022 before resuming his boxing career.
Fury, visibly disappointed, suggested that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine may have swayed the judges.
Speaking in the ring after the fight, he said: “I believe I won that fight. He won a few rounds, but I won the majority of them.
“We both put on a good fight. His country is at war, so people are siding with the country at war. Make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion.”
