Usyk v Fury 2: Tyson Fury says 'I never, ever give him the decision’ in first fight despite 'highlight' round from champ
By Ben Southby
Updated 09/12/2024 at 09:13 GMT
After rewatching the fight "hundreds of times", Tyson Fury insisted that he "never, ever" gives Oleksandr Usyk the decision the Ukrainian got in Saudi Arabia earlier this year. Usyk won the first bout by split decision, and ahead of Usyk v Fury 2, 'The Gypsy King' said that the call was already made in the "highlight" ninth round. "That’s what probably swung him the fight," Fury said.
'I have to be more focused' - Fury sets sights on victory over Usyk
Video credit: TNT Sports
Tyson Fury believes a decision had already been made during his first bout against Oleksandr Usyk after he was “knocked around” in the “highlight" round of their fight in May.
All three judges scored the ninth round 10-8 to Usyk after he rocked a shaky Fury with a brutal left hand, which left the Brit relying on the ropes to stay on his feet before collapsing into the corner of the ring.
He shook off the damaging round to battle through to the end in Saudi Arabia, before Usyk was given the victory via a split decision.
'The Gypsy King', who faces a blockbuster rematch against Usyk on Saturday, December 21 - live on TNT Sports Box Office and discovery+ - feels the fight was won in the ninth round.
“At the end of the day, he won by a split decision, so fair play to the guy,” Fury told iFL TV.
“He didn’t make a judging decision, did he? If I’d have got the decision, fair play to me. He won it by a fraction of a f****** cat’s whisker, and that’s it, what can I do?
“At the end of the fight, I thought I was getting it, there were no ifs, buts, or maybes in my mind. At the end of the day, it was what it was. He got his 10-8 round in round nine, and that’s what probably swung him the fight.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/10/23/4054362-82224893-2560-1440.jpg)
Usyk wears Hitman outfit in face-off with Fury
Video credit: TNT Sports
“I think whatever I would have done after that, after round nine, it wouldn’t have been any different. I know they gave him round 11, and they gave me round 12.
“If I had won round 11, it still wouldn’t have been a draw, he would have got the decision anyway because round nine was a 10-8 and the highlight of the fight.
“If you watch highlights online, all you see is me getting knocked around sideways for about 30 seconds. And that wasn’t the fight. But, that’s what they’re using, so fair play to them, fair play to Usyk and his family and everybody else.
“Congratulations. If I were to be beaten by anybody, I’m happy it’s Usyk because he’s a God-fearing Christian and he’s a family man, so fair play.”
- Joshua will fight Dubois or Fury next, insists Hearn
- ‘My rematches always end up one way’ - Fury ‘envisaging’ KO win over Usyk
- 'Dubois will retire AJ, I need that fight first' - Miller eyes Joshua before rematch
Fury added that he had re-watched the fight “hundreds of times” but still could not understand how Usyk was given the decision.
The judges scored the fight 115-112 for Usyk, 114-113 for Fury and 114-113 for the Ukrainian.
“I never, ever, ever [give Usyk the win]. I’ve scored it loads of times as well, individually, and I never, ever give him the decision, ever,” Fury said.
“But I’m not here to complain about decisions. I couldn’t give a t*** what happened six months ago, I’m here to talk about December 21. The Christmas special boxing bonanza.”
---
The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination.
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement