Tyson Fury has refused to accept his defeat in the heavyweight championship rematch against Oleksandr Usyk, describing the judges’ unanimous decision as a “Christmas gift” to the Ukrainian champion.
All three judges scored the bout 116-112 in favor of Usyk, marking his second consecutive victory over Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Despite the decision, Fury and his promoter, Frank Warren, insisted that the Briton had done enough to win the fight.
“The judges gave him a Christmas gift,” Fury remarked during the post-fight media session. “I feel like I won both fights. I know I had to knock him out, but it’s boxing, and this happens. There’s no doubt in my mind I won this fight.”
Fury, 36, avoided answering questions in the ring after the fight, opting instead to address the media backstage. “I’m not going to cry over spilled milk, it’s over now,” he said, though he added he felt “hard done by” the decision.
Promoter Frank Warren echoed Fury’s sentiments, expressing disbelief at the scoring. “I’m dumbfounded at how they scored it. His jabbing was superb, his footwork was superb, and he wasn’t slow,” Warren said.
Usyk, whose record now stands at an impeccable 23-0, responded to Fury’s comments with composure, jokingly thanking “God, not Tyson” for the victory. “If Tyson says it is a Christmas gift, then OK, thank you,” he added.
