Tyson Fury compares Oleksandr Usyk to 'local amateur boxer' after defeat - 'He knows he didn't beat me'
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ByOli Gent
Published 21/06/2024 at 19:04 GMT
Tyson Fury has likened Oleksandr Usyk to "a local amateur boxer" in the wake of his defeat by the Ukrainian back in May. Fury's undefeated record came to an end in his 36th professional bout, as he lost via a split decision in Riyadh to crown Usyk the undisputed heavyweight champion, as the Ukrainian took Fury's WBC belt. The pair have agreed to a rematch on December 21, back in Saudi Arabia.
Tyson Fury reacts during the IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO and Undisputed Heavyweight titles' fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk at Kingdom Arena on May 18, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Image credit: Getty Images
Tyson Fury has compared Oleksandr Usyk to a "local amateur boxer" as the Briton looked back on his defeat to the Ukrainian in May.
The Gypsy King was dealt a first loss of his career after 36 bouts by Usyk, who took Fury’s WBC heavyweight championship belt off him after a split-decision victory in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Two judges scored the contest 115-112 and 114-113 in Usyk’s favour, while the third judge gave it to Fury 114-113.
Usyk knocked Fury down in the ninth round, with the Briton on unsteady legs and saved by the bell.
The Ukrainian, who had previously beaten Fury’s compatriots Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, maintained his undefeated record, extending it to 22 victories in his professional career.
Fury questioned the result immediately after the encounter, and has re-emphasised his position on his YouTube channel with December's rematch ahead.
"I've watched the fight back lots and still got the same answer - I thought I won," Fury said.
"Usyk knows he didn't beat me. It was actually a lot easier than I thought it'd be.
"My problem was I probably had too much fun. It was too easy. It was like I was in there with a local amateur boxer. I was enjoying it too much, messing around and paid the ultimate price in round nine.
"I've got to get him out of there because I'm not going to get a decision.
“It's unfortunate because it's hard enough to win a fight just by winning it, never mind knowing you've got to knock someone out.
"I'm confident and looking forward to the challenge. I hear he's got a broken jaw and a broken eye socket, so get yourself well and I'll see you in December."
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