‘I won that fight’: Tyson Fury dismisses defeat as referees’ ‘Christmas present’ to Oleksandr Usyk | Boxing

Tyson Fury described Oleksandr Usyk’s win over him as a “Christmas present” from the three judges who all scored the fight 116-112 in favor of the champion. The verdict was rightly much more clear-cut than the split decision ruling, which had also given Usyk victory in May.

But Fury offered his conflicting belief in the post-fight press conference: “I thought I won that fight. I thought I won both fights, but I’m going home with two losses on my record. There’s not much I can do about it. I can only fight with my heart.

“I’ll believe until the day I die that I won that fight. I was aggressive, on the front foot all night, landing to the body and the head. Frank Warren (his promoter) had me up three or four rounds. Many people had me up for at least two rounds. But I’m not going to cry over spilled milk. When you don’t get a KO, that’s what happens: you can’t guarantee a win.”

Asked by a Ukrainian journalist if he agreed that Usyk was inspired by the defiant spirit of his war-torn country, Fury ruefully said: “I didn’t feel any spirit. I felt a bit of Christmas spirit in there and think he got a Christmas present from those judges.”

Fury was told that even the experimental use of artificial intelligence had gone against him. The AI ​​”judge” recorded a score of 118-112 for Usyk. Fury reacted in amusement as he considered his view of the AI. “On review of it, absolute crap,” he said. “Fuck all computers, keep people busy. More jobs for people, less jobs for computers. Fuck electric cars too while we’re at it.”

He was asked what he would like to do next. “Go home and have a good Christmas. I have been away for 12 weeks working for this fight. I’m going home now and enjoying it. We are going home for a new year. Let’s see what it brings.”

Usyk is the only man to have beaten Fury, who began his professional career 16 years ago this month, but the British fighter remained reluctant in his praise. He wouldn’t even accept that Usyk is the best man he’s ever met. “Not really. In that fight he never hurt me. I have a few flesh wounds – and they’ll be gone in a few days. I know what happened and that’s it.”

Fury reiterated his belief that “In my opinion it was a Christmas present. It’s not Oleksandr’s fault – congratulations to him and his team.”

Usyk was typically far more gracious towards Fury: “He’s a great fighter. He’s a great opponent. He gave an incredible 24 rounds to my career. Thank you very much.”