sportskeeda
TYSON FURY has been granted his own “Christmas present” through a two-fight deal with Anthony Joshua, following his disappointing points loss to Oleksandr Usyk.
The Gypsy King, at 36 years old, faced his second successive defeat against the Ukrainian Usyk. However, both Fury and his promoter Frank Warren maintained that he was the rightful winner in Saudi Arabia, with all three judges scoring Saturday’s bout 116-112.
3
3
Fury noted that unified champion Usyk received an early “Christmas gift.”
However, he now has two upcoming matches against AJ, scheduled to be held at Wembley and Riyadh, as a way to bounce back from this disappointment.
Fury vs Usyk 2 – top stories
READ MORE on an incredible night in Riyadh…
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn commented: “The reality is, the only fight that makes sense for Tyson Fury is Anthony Joshua. It’s the biggest clash in British boxing history, and it’s what fans are eager to see.
“That wasn’t the Tyson Fury who looked finished.
“It wasn’t a lackluster performance; he didn’t seem hesitant or like his punch resistance was questionable.
“Tyson Fury still appears to be at the height of his abilities, just not quite enough to defeat Oleksandr Usyk.
“For me, the match between AJ and Fury is the one. One at Wembley, and then coming back here for Riyadh Season.”
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
3
Fury expressed frustration with the scorecards following his loss, while Warren stated he was “dumbfounded” by the “crazy” decision from the rematch in Riyadh.
The Gypsy King commented: “I sensed a bit of Christmas spirit in the ring, and the judges gave him an early Christmas gift. I genuinely thought I won both matches, yet I’m heading home with two defeats.
Tyson Fury gives a cryptic update on his future after the defeat to Oleksandr Usyk amid retirement rumors
“I will always believe I won that fight. There is no doubt in my mind.
“Frank had me ahead by three or four rounds, and many others had me ahead by at least two rounds.
“I recognize that I needed to secure a knockout. I understand boxing; I’ve been involved in it my entire life, and outcomes can’t be changed.
“I will always feel a bit cheated by this. In fact, I feel quite cheated. If you don’t get the knockout, this is the result. A win can’t be ensured.”
Despite conceding four stone and six inches in height, Usyk landed more effective and well-placed punches.
I’m dumbfounded at how they scored it
Frank Warren
Moreover, the 20st Fury lowered his activity in the second half of the fight.
Recognizing that AJ has opted out of a rematch with Daniel Dubois to pursue a Fury payday, the Mancunian remarked: “We move forward into a new year and see what takes shape.
“I don’t control this. It is what it is; we move on.
“I did my best. If I could have given more, I would have. That’s all there is to say.”
Fury claimed in a video shared by TNT that he was never going to receive a fair decision. He stated: “I was robbed there, screw them. You don’t get anything in these countries.”
Warren added: “I’m baffled by the scoring. His jabs were excellent, his footwork was fantastic, and he wasn’t slow. He was very hard to hit.”
This loss marked the 37-year-old Usyk’s perfect record at 23 wins, reinforcing the notion that he is the best of his era.
In response to Warren’s remarks, Usyk replied: “Uncle Frank, I think he’s blind. If Tyson views it as a Christmas gift, then thank you, God — not Tyson.”
