David Haye slammed referee Michael Griffin for allowing Tyson Fury too much time to recover in his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
The former WBA heavyweight champions believes that Usyk should have awarded a ninth round victory, after a barrage of punches left Fury being propped up by the ropes. The 35-year-old wobbled around the ring before Griffin declared a knockdown and started a standing count.
The Gypsy King beat the count as the round ended, but tasted defeat for the first time in his professional career on Saturday night as Usyk moved his record to 22-0 in unifying the heavyweight titles. The Ukraine national won a split decision in Saudi Arabia after overcoming early pressure from his opponent.
Haye suggested that the undisputed champion was denied an even more glorious victory in the Middle East. The former fighter was unimpressed with the time provided to Fury by Griffin to recover, and believes it was a bad look.
He fumed on TNT Sports: "If Fury was doing that to Usyk it would have been stopped. The referee stopped him and his opportunity.
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"Then gave him 20 seconds to completely recover. It looked really bad from ringside. Even Fury fans said, 'Thanks ref.'"
Haye was not alone in believing that Usyk may have been entitled to a stoppage. Usyk's manager Alex Krassyuk was very impressed with his client's performance.
Tyson Fury was bested by Oleksandr Usyk over 12 thrilling rounds (PA)"No disrespect to the referee but I think he stopped a KO in the ninth but anyway it was a tremendous performance," he said. "It was unbelievable and I hope to see more in the rematch."
Fury can activate a rematch clause following his loss with a bout tipped to be scheduled in October. The Brit could earn another £100million after earning £80m in his defeat.
"You can see my face, it's pretty busted up and he's busted too," said Fury following the fight. "We punched f**** out of each other for 12 rounds.
"I'm going to go home, drink some food, drink some beers, have some family time, walk the dog, go to the tip and me and Frank Warren will discuss the future.vIf there's going to be another fight, I think they're talking about October, then we'll rock and roll.
"I'm not boxing because I've got no money, I'm boxing because I love it. I'm 36 in a few months, I've been boxing since I was a child. Where does it all end?
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"You have 100 fights and you have brain damage and are in a wheelchair? For as long as I'm loving the game, I'll continue to do it, and when I don't, I'll pack it up."
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