Lennox Lewis interrupted Frank Warren mid-rant as Tyson Fury’s promoter became furious at the prospect of Oleksandr Usyk winning. The Gypsy King lost 116-112 on all three scorecards, and his attempt at revenge for the only defeat of his career ended with Usyk defending his WBA, WBC and WBO titles.
Both Fury and Warren strongly criticized the decision, which leaves huge doubts about the 36-year-old’s future. Fury said Usyk was given a “Christmas present” by the judges, while his longtime promoter was “stunned”, calling it “crazy”.
Fury said: “I was sure I won that fight again. I thought I won both fights, but on the other hand I came home with two defeats on my account. I will always believe, until the day I die, that I won this fight.
“I will always feel a little tired. Not a little, but actually a lot. When you don’t get a knockout, that’s what happens. You can’t guarantee victory.”
Warren complained about the result in various post-fight interviews, including one with the BBC. He said: “This is crazy. Everyone who sat where I sat, including neutrals [thought Fury won].
“Oscar De La Hoya, like me, was one round away. We both thought he won it, that’s a crazy result! It’s a split decision and I’m very disappointed. I know people will say I’m biased and I probably am, but I temper myself with bias.
Lewis then joined the conversation and Warren asked the heavyweight legend about the verdict. He replied: “I didn’t score, but it was close, definitely close.”
Warren then highlighted the fact that one of the judges didn’t give Fury a single round in the second half of the fight, fuming, “What kind of fight are they watching?”
Apparently not seeing the result the same way, Lewis simply added: “Yes, yes, should have given him a few rounds [in the second half of the fight]”
Lewis then shared his thoughts on the future of Usyk, who may decide to reunite the four heavyweight belts. A rematch with the holder of the second belt, Daniel Dubios, has already been suggested, although everything depends on his fight with Joseph Parker on February 22.
Lewis believes the 37-year-old could hang up the gloves and say: “He can do whatever he wants. He can retire if he wants, he can have a rematch, he can have another fight.