Tyson Fury reacts to gut-wrenching second loss to Oleksandr Usyk: ‘He got a little Christmas gift from the judges’
by Dan Hiergesell · MMAmania.comDan Hiergesell is an expert voice who serves as MMAmania.com's weekend editor, covering mixed martial arts (MMA) for more than 15 years, getting featured on programs such as Countdown to UFC and SiriusXM Fight Club, among others.
Tyson Fury is understandably upset following his second decision loss to heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk earlier today (Sat., Dec. 21, 2024) LIVE on DAZN pay-per-view (PPV) from inside Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and that’s because “Gypsy King” believes he won the high stakes rematch by “at least three rounds.”
There were many people who thought a much-heavier Fury will be able to do enough against the smaller Usyk after having seven months to prepare for the rematch. Remember, Usyk beat “Gypsy King” via split decision just this past May. They are very familiar with one another and that’s why Saturday’s rematch was such a great scene to watch.
While Usyk’s output, footwork, and precision allowed him to dictate the fight from the opening bell, Fury certainly got his shots in. He didn’t rely on clinching as much as some would have thought given his massive 55-pound weight advantage, but the former WBC king utilized a stiff jab and hooks to keep Usyk honest.
Unfortunately for Fury, Usyk did more than enough on the judges’ scorecards to walk away with a unanimous decision win. It’s something that really bugged Fury, who refused to stick around for an in-ring interview. Instead, the English superstar waited for the post-fight press conference to speak his mind.
“I was quite confident. I though I had won that fight again,” said Fury. “I thought I won both fights, but then again I’ve gone on with two losses on my record. There’s not much I can do about it. I can just fight my heart out and do the best I can.
“Again, I’ll always believe until the day I die that I won that fight.”
“Didn’t feel no spirit,” responded Fury when asked if he felt Usyk’s late-round charge. “I felt a little bit of Christmas spirit in there and I think he got a little Christmas gift from the judges.”
“It is what it is,” he later added. “I’m not going to cry over spilt milk. It’s happened now. I’ve been in boxing my whole life. You can’t change no decisions. When you don’t get the knockout this is what happens. You can’t guarantee a win.”
For complete Usyk vs. Fury 2 results, coverage, and highlights, click HERE.