Tyson Fury slammed his split decision defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, suggesting ‘people are siding with him because his country is at war’.
The undefeated Ukrainian was crowned the first undisputed world champion this century after sealing a split decision win over ‘The Gypsy King’ in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.
Usyk proudly wore his country’s colours on his trunks as he made history, immediately dedicating the win to the people of Ukraine after the judges’ decision was read out in Riyadh.
While still heavyweight champion, Usyk briefly returned to his homeland following the Russian invasion in February 2022 before returning to the sport.
A disappointed Fury suggested events in Ukraine may have impacted the judges’ decision.
‘I believe I won that fight, I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority of them,’ Fury said in the ring once the dust had settled.
‘We both put on a good fight. His country is at war, so people are siding with the country at war. Make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion.’
Saturday’s historic fight was agreed with a rematch clause in place with a second battle between the two likely to take place in October.
Fury confirmed his intention to activate that clause.
‘We’ve got a rematch clause. I’ve had a split decision loss to a good little man. We run it back in October. Well done Oleksandr.’
Fury added: ‘Well done to Oleksandr but I believe I won that fight. I believe he won a few rounds but I won more of them.
‘We put on a good show but make no mistake I won that fight and I’ll be back.
“We go back to our families and we run it back in October.
‘I’m not going to sit here and cry and make excuses.’
Usyk becomes the heavyweight division’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis, having already ruled as undisputed king at cruiserweight.
MORE : Fans can’t believe Tyson Fury’s unexpected friendship with Stacey Solomon
MORE : Cristiano Ronaldo spotted making Premier League title prediction at Tyson Fury fight
MORE : Anthony Joshua sits beside Cristiano Ronaldo at ringside to watch Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk fight
