Tyson Fury post fight

On Saturday, December 21, live from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, it was a rematch of former British world champion Tyson Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) against unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs). 

Much like the first fight, it was close. Usyk won and Fury (naturally) didn’t agree with the 116-112 scorecards across the board.

Understandably Fury promoter Frank Warren was also adamant that Fury had done enough to win. (Promoters love a good business opportunity so a 1-1 stalemate would set up a great trilogy).

In fairness, it was a very close fight. Some claim Fury did enough to get the win, many say Usyk clearly did enough to win and some have said a draw would have been fair.

In close fights, someone is always disappointed they didn’t get themselves over the line. But, it’s called a close fight - it can go either way.

It is hard to know how Usyk would react in defeat because he has never lost. 

But, he certainly has been classy in victory.

"Tyson Fury makes me strong. Tyson Fury continues to motivate me, he is a great opponent," Usyk said post-fight. "A big man, a big boxer. He is a great man. I respect Tyson Fury”, he said.

For Fury, a frustrating loss is an opportunity to show a humble side that shows respect to his opponent and the game that has made him rich beyond his wildest dreams. 

However, Fury, still stinging from his back-to-back defeat at the hands of Usyk, is saying things that just aren’t a good look.

"The judges gave him a Christmas gift," Fury said. “I feel like I won both fights”.

While people can sympathize with a frustrating loss, he won’t do himself any favors playing the victim card.

That stance never resonates with people, especially in a sport littered with decisions that are way more offside than this one.  

"I’m not going to cry over spilled milk, it’s over now," Fury added, but cry he did. "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."

Despite back-to-back losses, Fury said he will continue. Don’t feel too sorry for him - the talk is a 250m pound clash with Anthony Joshua. Reacting to this frustrating loss was a perfect opportunity to choose your road - take the high road Tyson.