Former world champions Lennox Lewis, Tony Bellew, and Anthony Crolla were among many to react to Oleksandr Usyk’s unanimous points win over Tyson Fury. The Ukrainian claimed victory in the first encounter in May 2024 via a contentious split decision, but the result was more conclusive the second time around.
Controversial Decision Sparks Debate
All three judges scored the bout in favor of the undefeated 37-year-old Usyk, causing controversy in the boxing world.
“I didn’t score it, but it was close. He should have got more rounds in there,” former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis told BBC Radio 5 Live.
Crolla also shared his thoughts: “I have no problem with Usyk getting it. I thought it was very close. I didn’t think it was that far apart.”
Tony Bellew, another former world champion who was knocked out by Usyk in November 2018, agreed with Lewis and Crolla. Writing on X, Bellew said: “Too wide, but I did have him winning. I understand why. It’s the pressure and the consistency of his work-rate that just takes rounds down – it really is. Tyson Fury is a warrior who deserves so much respect for going back in with him.”
Fury’s Performance and Usyk’s Mastery
Fury, who weighed in at a career-high 20st 1lb, looked strong in the opening exchanges as he aimed to avenge the only defeat on his professional record. However, as the rounds progressed, Usyk’s boxing IQ and relentless pace began to take over.
Former WBO cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson said on Sky Sports he had the fight “a little bit closer” than the judges:
“Usyk initiated almost everything in the fight and Tyson had to react,” he said. “Yes, it was close. I don’t think the scorecards were like that. But I understand that Usyk did a great job. Frank [Warren] was saying he thought Tyson won. That’s being a promoter. There’s no way in a million years he thought Tyson won. The best man won on the night and got the job done.”
Promoters Clash Over Scoring
Fury and Usyk’s promoters had starkly different perspectives on the scoring. Queensberry Promotions’ Frank Warren backed Fury:
“How come Tyson only got four rounds in this fight? It’s impossible,” Warren said. “He’s very disappointed as I am as well. Everyone along the front [of the ring] thought it was all the same way.”
In contrast, Team Usyk’s Alex Krassyuk believed the judges’ decision was fair:
“I had Fury three or four rounds,” Krassyuk said. “The judges gave him four. That’s the fairest score it could be.”
External Links for Context
- Learn more about Tyson Fury’s career.
- Explore Oleksandr Usyk’s fight history.
- Follow the latest boxing news and updates.
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