Tyson Fury insisted Oleksandr Usyk received an early Christmas present after he challenged the Ukrainian’s unanimous points victory in the rematch in Riyad.
Fury lost 116-112 on all three judges’ scorecards, and his bid for revenge for the only defeat of his career ended permanently, with the extraordinary Usyk retaining his WBA, WBC and WBO titles.
Promoter Frank Warren said he was “stunned” by both the result and the vast margin of victory – and Fury agreed.
“I felt a bit of a Christmas atmosphere there and I think he got a little Christmas present from the judges. An early Christmas present,” said Fury, who lost his first fight in May by split decision.
“I was sure I won this fight again. I thought I won both fights, but on the other hand I came home with two losses under my belt. I will always believe, until the day I die, that I won this fight.
“I won’t cry over spilled milk. It’s already happened. I know boxing, I’ve been involved in it all my life and you can’t change any decision.
“I will always feel a little tired. Not a little, actually a lot. When you don’t get a knockout, that’s what happens. You can’t guarantee victory.”
Fury said he would take time to consider his future, which is now in doubt after successive defeats, even if the all-British clash with Anthony Joshua continues to attract mass interest.
When asked if we would see him fight again, he replied: “You may do it, you may not. Who knows. We’ll talk about it next year.
“What’s next for me? I’m going home and will have some time off. Glowing. I’m going home and wish you a good Christmas. I was away for 12 weeks working on this fight.
“I’m going to go home now and enjoy it. We’re having a nice Christmas at the Fury house and thank God we both made it out of the ring in one piece.”
Usyk urged Saudi boxing broker Turki Alalshikh to arrange a rematch with Daniel Dubois after the British IBF champion entered the ring during post-fight interviews.
Dubois was knocked out in the ninth round by Usyk in August 2023, but has since bounced back impressively, culminating in an explosive victory over Anthony Joshua in October.
“I want revenge. I want revenge Usyk! Good job today, good job. God bless you. I want revenge for the last robbery. Let’s go, let’s go. Make it happen, Frank!” – Dubois said.
Usyk replied: “Your Excellency, fight Daniel Dubois. Thank you very 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 for taking part in a second classic clash in a fascinating rivalry.
“He’s a great fighter, a great opponent and it was a great 24 rounds. An unbelievable 24 rounds in my career. Thank you very much,” Usyk said.