Heavyweight Tyson Fury (35) suggested that sympathy for Ukraine influenced the judges’ decision to award a split-decision victory to Oleksandr Usyk (37) in their heavyweight title fight on Sunday. The Briton immediately called for a rematch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After dominating the middle rounds, Fury struggled to recover from a standing eight count in the ninth round, resulting in the judges’ decision in favor of Usyk, making him the first undisputed heavyweight champion in nearly 25 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I believe I won that fight. He won a few rounds, but I won the majority. His country’s at war, and people are siding with the country at war, but make no mistake, I won that fight,” Fury said in a post-fight interview in the ring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ukraine has been embroiled in conflict following a Russian invasion that began more than two years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I’ll be back. I’ve got a rematch clause,” the previously undefeated Fury added, with promoter Frank Warren affirming in the ring that another fight between the two was inevitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“That’s what the contract says. It’s what he wants. It’s his call, it’s Tyson’s call. So whatever he wants to do, it’s up to him,” Warren said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n