Tyson Fury's furious backstage response to AI score of Oleksandr Usyk fight
by Mathew Davies, Scott Trotter · Wales OnlineTyson Fury has expressed his frustration at the scoring of his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk by an artificial intelligence judge, exclaiming: "F*** all computers."
The Gypsy King suffered another loss against his 37-year-old opponent in Saudi Arabia, adding another mark to his previously unblemished record. Usyk successfully defended his WBA, WBO and WBC belts following a unanimous points decision from the judges, leaving Fury disgruntled.
The scorecards all displayed 116-112 in favour of Usyk, indicating that the Ukrainian had outperformed his rival in a closely contested match. Adding insult to injury, an AI judge also ruled that Fury was defeated.
Although this fourth judge's decision did not affect the outcome, Turki Alalshikh promoted what has been dubbed a 'groundbreaking experiment' to revolutionise boxing with fair assessment. On this occasion, the AI suggested an even larger margin of victory for Usyk, scoring the fight 118-112.
"F*** all computers," Fury retorted upon hearing the result. "More jobs for humans," reports the Mirror.
Fury was almost as dismissive of technology's human counterparts. The British fighter believed he'd clinched victory at the final bell.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "I swear to God, I thought I won by three rounds!"
''I thought I won the fight again, I was Larry Holmesed again," he added to ESPN. "I was on the front foot the entire time. When you don't get the knockout, this is what can happen."
Ahead of the highly anticipated rematch between Fury and Usyk, promoter Alalshikh had been vocal about the innovative use of AI in the fight, following a split-decision outcome in their first encounter.
Alalshikh announced: "For the first time ever, an AI-powered judge will monitor the fight," adding that it would be "Free from bias and human error brought to you by The Ring."
He also shared his thoughts in a video: "For years boxing has been defined by its glory but sometimes that glory is clouded by doubt and controversy. Isn't it time for fairness to step into the ring?"
The promotion further stated: "This isn't just AI, it's revolutionizing boxing. It's fairness powered by technology and human expertise."
Post-fight reactions from Fury were delayed as he made a swift exit from the ring on Saturday evening. Expressing his discontent later at a press conference, Fury remarked: "The judges gave him a Christmas gift," and firmly believed, "I feel like I won both fights. I know I had to knock him out but it's boxing and this happens. There is no doubt in my mind I won this fight."
Fury continued, sharing insights from his camp: "Frank [Warren] had me three or four rounds up and a lot of people had me up by at least two."
Despite the outcome, Fury resolved: "I'm not going to cry over spilt milk, it's over now," yet admitted, "I've been in boxing my whole life but I'll always feel a little bit hard done by - not a little bit, a lot."