Tyson Fury Ponders Future After Narrow Loss to Oleksandr Usyk for Heavyweight Title
(Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) – In a highly anticipated heavyweight clash, Tyson Fury suffered his first career defeat, losing a split decision to Oleksandr Usyk to relinquish his WBC title and undefeated record at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The 35-year-old Fury, who was almost stopped in the ninth round, initially insisted he had won the fight and wanted an immediate rematch in the autumn of 2024. However, in his post-fight press conference, the British boxer expressed uncertainty about exercising his contractual rematch clause, stating he needed time to regroup and discuss his future with his family.
“I’ve just had a fight; I’ve just come out. I don’t want to think about having a boxing fight. I’ve been in camp seven months, don’t forget. Cut; back in camp; back in camp. It was what it was. I’m here to get paid, get laid, go home.”
The 37-year-old Usyk, who now holds the undisputed heavyweight championship, had agreed to a two-fight deal with Fury for 2024. Fury acknowledged that the bout was close, with one judge scoring the fight in his favor, but ultimately came up short against the Ukrainian champion.
“I believe – I thought – I did enough, but I’m not a judge. I can’t judge a fight while I’m boxing it. If they would have said to me in the last round, ‘You’re down – go out and try to finish him’, I would have done that, but everyone in the corner believed we were up.”
Fury’s trainer, Sugarhill Steward, addressed the pivotal ninth round, where his fighter was nearly stopped, stating that Fury’s experience and intelligence as a fighter allowed him to navigate the situation and continue the bout.
Despite the defeat, Fury expressed pride in his performance and acknowledged the quality of his opponent, Usyk. He also emphasized the importance of getting paid, spending time with his family, and enjoying the sport he has been a part of since childhood.
“I’m not gonna cry over spilled milk. I’ve had plenty of victories and I’ve gave God the glory – I’ve had this one loss, close fight, with a good man like Usyk, and it was what it was. I tried me best in there.”
The boxing world eagerly awaits Fury’s decision on whether he will exercise his rematch clause and attempt to regain the heavyweight crown later this year.
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