Tyson Fury told he was "given gift" in Oleksandr Usyk undisputed fight

28 May 2024 , 12:20

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Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury earlier this month (Image: PA)

Deontay Wilder believes Oleksandr Usyk was "robbed" of a stoppage in the ninth round of his fight with Tyson Fury.

Usyk outpointed Fury earlier this month to become the first undisputed heavyweight world champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999. Fury had the better of the first of the fight before his rival roared back after the halfway point, almost stopping Fury in the ninth round.

Referee Mark Nelson stepped in to offer Fury a count after deeming the ropes had held up the Brit. Once the fight resumed, the bell rang, meaning Usyk missed the chance to stop the fight with Fury clinging on to hear the final bell before the judges condemned him to his fate.

And former heavyweight world champion Wilder feels Fury was fortunate not to be stopped. "I thought it was a great fight. I was on the fence of things, I didn’t know who was going to win," he said ahead of his fight with Zhilei Zhang this weekend.

"I always think it’s what dog brings what bite to the fight and Oleksandr’s bite was bigger than his. I think he [Usyk] got robbed in the ninth round of a knockout for sure... gifts, were given."

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Fury has since signalled his intention to trigger the rematch clause in his contract having initially refused to commit to a second fight. "There will be a rematch and that will be confirmed and announced in due course," said Fury's promoter Frank Warren.

“I think it will be better than the original fight. They both know each other, they’ve shared the ring and they’ll be looking to use what they’ve gained from the fight as an advantage to beat their opponent.”

And Warren believes the ‘Gypsy King’ already has a legacy in boxing but a victory against Usyk, who has won all of his 22 fight,s would further cement it. “I think his legacy is there,” he said.

“Of course, he wants to win and he’s got to win. He’s only asking for the rematch because he thinks he can win. He believes in himself and it would cement his legacy. Everyone out there thinks Usyk is the best out there so let’s see what Tyson does. He rang me and he said he wants the rematch so here we are.”

Martin Domin