Tyson Fury experienced a significant setback last weekend in Saudi Arabia, where he faced Oleksandr Usyk in an eagerly anticipated bout for the WBC heavyweight world title. Despite a strong start, Fury was ultimately outpointed by Usyk, leading to the first defeat of his illustrious career and the loss of his WBC title.
The fight began with Fury dominating the early rounds, displaying his usual prowess and confidence. However, Usyk’s resilience and tactical acumen allowed him to turn the tide in the latter half of the match. By the end, the judges scored in favor of Usyk, much to Fury’s dismay.
Backstage, a visibly frustrated Fury expressed his disbelief and disappointment, feeling that the decision was unjust. “I was… ripped off in there. I thought I won it by four or five rounds,” he stated in a video taken as he returned to his dressing room. This sentiment was echoed by some fans and pundits who also questioned the scoring.
Despite this setback, Fury is not backing down. He has invoked his rematch clause, setting the stage for another showdown with Usyk in Riyadh this October. His promoter, Frank Warren, is confident in Fury’s ability to reclaim his title, stating, “There will be a rematch, and that will be confirmed and announced in due course. I think it will be better than the original fight.”
Warren emphasized that both fighters now have the experience of facing each other, which will likely make the rematch even more competitive. “Everyone out there thinks Usyk is the best, so let’s see what Tyson does. He’s a fighting man, it’s what he brings to the ring,” Warren added.
In the wake of the bout, Fury received a minor seven-day medical suspension due to the bruising he sustained during the fight, particularly in the ninth round. However, there were no serious injuries reported. Usyk, on the other hand, faced a suspension until June 2 and was taken to the hospital as a precaution. Initial concerns about a broken jaw were later dismissed.
As Fury prepares for the rematch, the boxing world watches with bated breath to see if the Gypsy King can bounce back from this defeat and reclaim his position at the top of the heavyweight division. The upcoming rematch promises to be a thrilling continuation of this high-stakes rivalry, with both fighters aiming to prove their supremacy in the ring.