Fury Accuses Judges of Siding with Ukraine in Usyk Fight Verdict

Tyson Fury has alleged that the judges in his fight against Oleksandr Usyk may have been influenced by sympathies for Ukraine, which is currently at war with Russia. Usyk, a Ukrainian boxer, defeated Fury by split decision in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, becoming the first undisputed world heavyweight champion in 24 years.

Tyson Fury has claimed that the judges' sympathy for Ukraine played a part in their decision to award Oleksandr Usyk the victory in their highly anticipated heavyweight title bout on Sunday. Usyk, a Ukrainian national, emerged victorious via split decision, adding Fury's WBC title to his existing WBA, IBF, and WBO belts.

Fury, who was widely expected to prevail, expressed his dissatisfaction with the outcome, stating, "I believe I won that fight. I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority of them." The British boxer went on to suggest that Usyk's Ukrainian heritage may have swayed the judges' opinions.

"We both put on a good fight, best we can do," Fury said. "You know, his country is at war, so people are siding with a country at war. But make no mistake, I won that fight, in my opinion, and I'll be back. I've got a rematch clause."

Usyk's victory marks a significant milestone in boxing history, as he becomes the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis held the titles in 1999 and 2000. The Ukrainian boxer started the fight with a strong performance, but Fury gradually gained control in the middle rounds. However, Usyk rallied in the later rounds, culminating in a knockdown in the ninth which ultimately proved decisive.

Speaking after the fight, Usyk expressed his gratitude to his team and his country. "Thank you so much to my team," Usyk said. "It's a big opportunity for me, for my family, for my country. Slava Ukraini!"

The judges' decision has sparked controversy, with some observers questioning whether Usyk's Ukrainian nationality and the ongoing conflict in his home country may have influenced their scoring. However, Fury's allegations have not been substantiated, and it remains unclear whether the judges were swayed by such factors.

The fight itself was a thrilling spectacle, with both boxers showcasing their immense skills and determination. Fury's size and power were evident in the early rounds, while Usyk's speed and agility kept him competitive. As the fight progressed, Usyk's stamina and adaptability proved to be key, enabling him to maintain a high level of performance throughout the 12 rounds.

The result has mixed reactions. Some have hailed Usyk's triumph as a major upset, while others have questioned whether Fury was truly defeated. Regardless of the outcome, the fight has undoubtedly elevated the status of both boxers and cemented their legacy in the annals of boxing history.