British heavyweight Tyson Fury expressed frustration over his split decision loss to Ukrainian fighter Oleksandr Usyk, suggesting that sympathy for Usyk’s war-torn homeland may have influenced the judges’ decision. The closely contested fight in Saudi Arabia saw Usyk become the first undisputed world champion of the century.
Donning his national colors, Usyk dedicated his historic win to the people of Ukraine in Riyadh, following the judges’ announcement. He had briefly returned to Ukraine after the Russian invasion in February 2022 before resuming his boxing career.
Fury, visibly disappointed, stated, “I believe I won that fight. He won a few rounds, but I won the majority of them.” He added, “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.”
The fight’s outcome has set the stage for a rematch, giving Fury an immediate opportunity to reclaim his title.
