Tyson Fury’s unanimous points defeat to unified world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh was branded “nuts” by promoter Frank Warren.
Fury lost 116-112 on all three judges’ scorecards as his bid to avenge his only career loss ended conclusively with the extraordinary Usyk retaining his WBA, WBC and WBO belts.
The 36-year-old from Morecambe left the ring after the decision was read out, leaving Warren to protest over the outcome.
“I’m dumbfounded, they gave him four rounds out of the 12 rounds, it’s impossible, one judge didn’t give him any round from round six onwards,” the Queensbury Promotions boss told DAZN.
“Only four rounds. Each of them gave him four rounds, four different rounds. How can that be? It’s impossible. It’s crazy. It’s a nonsense. What fight were they watching?
“I’m not saying this because I’m biased, but everyone along the front there all thought it went the same way.
“It’s nuts. It’s nuts, I don’t get it. I’m really disappointed with that. I thought he was in control of the fight and boxed extremely well. Usyk was on the back foot for most of the fight, but it is what it is.”
Fury’s future now comes into question following a second successive defeat to Usyk, but Warren declined to speculate on what he might do.
“I don’t know. He’s very disappointed, like I am as well. It’s up to him,” Warren said. “It’s too early, just after a fight. Obviously emotions are running high. We’ll have to wait and see what happens for Tyson in the future. He’ll have to make up his mind.”
Usyk called upon Saudi Arabia’s boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh to arrange a rematch with Daniel Dubois after Britain’s IBF champion entered the ring during the post-fight interviews.
Dubois was knocked out in the ninth round by Usyk in August 2023 but has rebuilt impressively since then, culminating in his explosive defeat of Anthony Joshua in October.
“I want my revenge. I want my revenge Usyk! Well done tonight, well done. God bless. I want my revenge for the robbery last time. Let’s go, let’s go. Make it happen Frank!” Dubois said.
Usyk replied: “Your excellency, make the fight with Daniel Dubois. Thank you so much. I can do more. I’m ready to fight (Dubois), no problem. Next fight no problem. Now I want to go home and rest.”
Usyk paid tribute to Fury having engaged in the second classic encounter of a compelling rivalry.
“He’s a great fighter, a great opponent and it was a great 24 rounds. Unbelievable 24 rounds in my career. Thank you so much,” Usyk said.
