Some people will reach for any excuse they can find when their favorite fighter loses, which is probably why a large collection of boxing fans are claiming that Oleksandr Usyk used an illegal inhaler during his title fight win over Tyson Fury on Saturday night.
It turned out to be his cross.
This weekend was a massive opportunity for both Usyk and Fury to claim all four major heavyweight belts and become the first undisputed champion in over 25 years. That’s a big deal, which is why Saudi billionaires paid a hefty price to host the Ring of Fire main event. Luckily for all involved, the 12-round affair didn’t disappoint for one second.
Usyk had to take a beating to the body and head in the middle rounds, but he recovered nicely in the later frames and ended up nearly ending the fight in the ninth. He clobbered Fury — who was stumbling around the ring like a drunk dancer — and scored a huge knockdown that ultimately won him the fight on the official scorecards.
But did Usyk use an inhaler prior to Round 8 to gain an unfair advantage?
At first look, fight fans did seem to capture Usyk putting something to his mouth in his corner after the seventh round concluded. Naysayers and Usyk-doubters immediately claimed it was an inhaler, which is illegal and could have disqualified the Ukrainian champion (just ask Greg Hardy). Fortunately, smarter heads prevailed and the video was slowed down to show Usyk kissing his cross. It seems silly, but this type of stuff is what causes rumors to start.
Check out the video footage below and let us know if you see anything out of the ordinary:
Speculation on boxing twitter about what looks to be an inhaler Oleksandr Usyk uses in between rounds 7 and 8. Did Usyk use an inhaler? NO!!! pic.twitter.com/xalETwogxM
— MVO Uncensored & Brunch Boxing Cohost (Matt) (@izdatyofaceee) May 19, 2024
Another video shows Usyk asking for his crucifix. See below:
For the inhaler crowd:
??#BOXINGnBBQ #Boxing#FuryUsyk
— BOXING n BBQ (@BOXINGnBBQ) May 19, 2024
For complete Fury vs. Usyk results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.