Tag: boxing

‘Didn’t He Rob Ngannou In Saudi?’ – Fans React After Footage Emerges Of Tyson Fury Blaming Location For Oleksandr Usyk Loss

Tyson Fury seems to be having a hard time coming to terms with being outclassed by Oleksandr Usyk in both of their meetings. “The Gypsy King” challenged Usyk for his WBC, WBO, and WBA heavyweight titles in their rematch at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this past Saturday. However, despite his best efforts, […]

Tyson Fury seems to be having a hard time coming to terms with being outclassed by Oleksandr Usyk in both of their meetings.

“The Gypsy King” challenged Usyk for his WBC, WBO, and WBA heavyweight titles in their rematch at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this past Saturday. However, despite his best efforts, Fury fell short in his attempt to avenge his previous defeat to the undefeated Ukrainian.

Although Fury had moments of success, he ultimately suffered a unanimous decision loss as “The Cat” showcased his exceptional footwork and perfectly timed punches, keeping the Englishman at a distance throughout most of the fight. Usyk’s dominance earned him a 116-112 score from all three judges.

Fury wasted no time leaving the ring after his defeat, bypassing a post-fight interview. And during the post-event press conference, he adamantly stated that he believed he had won the fight convincingly, insisting that the judges had erred in giving the victory to Usyk.

With “The Gypsy King” now facing back-to-back losses — the only two setbacks of his professional career — to Usyk within just seven months, he is claiming that the venue itself may have played a role in his setbacks.

A video capturing Fury returning backstage, visibly agitated after his defeat, has surfaced on social media. In the footage, the former WBC heavyweight champion is heard asserting that many believed he was narrowly outpacing “The Cat.” Fury goes on to suggest that the location itself may have had something to do with the outcome of the fight.

“[Got] robbed there, f**k ’em,” Fury said. “I swear to God I thought I won it by at least three rounds. I bossed the fight on the front foot all night and had that work put on him… I’ll tell you what it is, you’re not getting nothing in these countries.”

The combat sports world has responded with a variety of reactions to Fury’s insinuation that the fight taking place in Saudi Arabia played a role in his losses.

Numerous observers have implied that the 36-year-old Brit is exhibiting a sense of resentment, struggling to reconcile with the reality of his defeat in both bouts.

Fury suffered the first loss of his illustrious career when he faced Usyk in their initial showdown this past May. After a hard-fought battle, “The Cat” emerged victorious via split decision.

This triumph solidified Usyk’s legacy as the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era, a distinction not seen since Lennox Lewis achieved the feat in 1999.

Tyson Fury: I’ll Believe I Beat Oleksandr Usyk ‘Until The Day I Die’

Former WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury doesn’t look set to change stance on the result of his rematch against unified titleholder Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday. Fury was back in Saudi Arabia this week in pursuit of redemption against Usyk, who narrowly got the better of him in their blockbuster first clash this past May. On […]

Former WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury doesn’t look set to change stance on the result of his rematch against unified titleholder Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday.

Fury was back in Saudi Arabia this week in pursuit of redemption against Usyk, who narrowly got the better of him in their blockbuster first clash this past May.

On that occasion, “The Gypsy King” was frustrated to fall on the wrong side of a split decision verdict that saw “The Cat” crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champ sine Lennox Lewis was stripped of that status in 2000.

And despite all three scorecards going the way of the Ukrainian second time around — and in a much more convincing fashion — the Brit is once again calling robbery.

During his post-fight press conference after another 12 rounds in the ring with Usyk, Fury questioned the trio of 116-112 scorecards and stated that he believed his hand should have been raised.

“I was quite confident,” Fury said. “I thought I won that fight again. I think I’ve got ‘Larry Holmes’d’ here. I thought I’ve won both fights, but then again I’ve gone home with two losses on my record now, so there’s not much I can do about it. I can just fight my heart out and do the best I can.

“But again, I’ll always believe until the day I die I’ve won that fight,” Fury added.

It remains to be seen what will come next for “The Gypsy King,” who entered the year undefeated in professional boxing and will leave it on a two-fight skid.

While some pundits and former fighters have already backed the idea of retirement for Fury following an illustrious career, plenty were quick to pitch a long-awaited UK showdown with Anthony Joshua, who is also coming off a difficult setback.

Oleksandr Usyk Praises Tyson Fury as ‘Best Friend’ After Thrilling Rematch Victory

Oleksandr Usyk Praises Tyson Fury as 'Best Friend' After Thrilling Rematch VictoryOn December 21, 2024, Oleksandr Usyk retained his position as one of boxing’s all-time greats with a unanimous decision…

Oleksandr Usyk Praises Tyson Fury as 'Best Friend' After Thrilling Rematch Victory

On December 21, 2024, Oleksandr Usyk retained his position as one of boxing’s all-time greats with a unanimous decision victory over Tyson Fury in a thrilling rematch held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Despite securing a second consecutive win against the towering Briton, Usyk spoke with deep respect for his opponent.

Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury Best Friends

Oleksandr Usyk said in the post-fight presser:

“He is my best friend. Tyson Fury makes me strong. Motivated me. But Tyson is a great opponent. Very respect Tyson Fury. 24 rounds. Now, it’s already history.”

The bout was a spectacle of skill and endurance, with Usyk successfully defending his WBA (Super), WBO, and WBC heavyweight titles. Judges scored the fight 116-112 across the board in Usyk’s favor, cementing his status as an undefeated champion (23-0).

@frankwarrenofficial

“Tyson Fury is my best friend!” ? #UsykFury2

? original sound – Frank Warren

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2

Tyson Fury entered the match weighing over 280 pounds. He then leveraged his size and reach to land powerful jabs and right hands. Usyk, meanwhile, relied on his southpaw stance and relentless body shots to wear Fury down. As the fight progressed, Usyk’s accuracy and conditioning became the decisive factors.

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RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 21: Oleksandr Usyk punches Tyson Fury during the IBF, IBO, WBA, WBC and WBO Undisputed World Heavyweight titles’ fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury as part of Oleksandr Usyk v Tyson Fury 2, Reignited card at Kingdom Arena on December 21, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Usyk landed 179 punches out of 423 thrown, outpacing Fury’s 144 of 509. His sharp left hand and ability to adapt allowed him to gain control of the bout. By the closing stages, Usyk was dictating the pace, frequently backing Fury into the ropes with well-timed combinations.

The fight’s conclusion was unforgettable, with both fighters exchanging heavy blows in the final moments. However, Usyk’s consistency and tactics carried him to victory.

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RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 21: Oleksandr Usyk punches Tyson Fury during the IBF, IBO, WBA, WBC and WBO Undisputed World Heavyweight titles’ fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury as part of Oleksandr Usyk v Tyson Fury 2, Reignited card at Kingdom Arena on December 21, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

For Tyson Fury, this marked his second straight loss to Usyk after an undefeated run spanning over a decade and 35 professional fights. Yet, both clashes between the two have been hailed as masterpieces of heavyweight boxing, with their intense rematch expected to be a contender for “Fight of the Year” honors.

While their rivalry in the ring is now history, the pair delivered two unforgettable battles that will be celebrated in the annals of boxing.

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‘Judges Weren’t Corrupt For Once?’ – Fighters & Fans React To Oleksandr Usyk’s Convincing Decision Win In Tyson Fury Rematch

The final major boxing fight of 2024 saw a lot of unity from fans, pundits, media, and fighters — it was a close, competitive fight but the right man won. Oleksandr Usyk edged out Tyson Fury in a unanimous decision to retain the WBA, WBC, and WBO heavyweight championships in the main event of a […]

The final major boxing fight of 2024 saw a lot of unity from fans, pundits, media, and fighters — it was a close, competitive fight but the right man won.

Oleksandr Usyk edged out Tyson Fury in a unanimous decision to retain the WBA, WBC, and WBO heavyweight championships in the main event of a Riyadh Season card in Saudi Arabia on Dec. 21.

Usyk worked his jab well in the opening frame, which proved to be a bit of a feeling-out process. The Ukrainian came out with a strong combination to start the second round, but Fury seemed to start to gain control, working his jab as the round went on.

“The Gypsy King” got on the front foot in the third round after a shot that Usyk thought was illegal but was not called such. The champ looked to land the big shots late in the round, which saw plenty of utilization of the jab by Fury. Usyk cracked the Brit with a couple of strong left hands during the fourth round, troubling Fury, who tried to use his reach and keep his opponent back. The former WBC titleholder fired back in the fifth, however, as he showed his physical prowess and landed strong, inside shots, especially to the body.

After a bit of a slower start to the sixth round, Usyk continued to land well on the inside. The seventh and eighth remained particularly quiet, though the Ukrainian remained in control, working over the challenger’s body.

And he appeared to open up a cut above one of Fury’s eyebrows late in the ninth frame, as he remained in control and forced “The Gypsy King” to need to answer quickly. Fury threw power from the get-go, looking to bully the champion with his own back to the scorecard wall seemingly. He appeared to gas out in the later portion, however, backing up to “The Cat’s” attacks.

Usyk landed a couple of strong left hands throughout the 11th, still backing Fury up. Both men emptied the tank in the 12th round, with the challenger landing some strong punches but the champ landing a rocking combinations in the closing seconds.

Oleksandr Usyk Retains Heavyweight Championships In Decision Win Over Tyson Fury

This was a rematch from their initial encounter in May, which saw Usyk edge out Fury in a split decision to win the WBC heavyweight title, becoming boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era. This reign was not for long, however, as the IBF stripped him of the title not long after the win as a result of taking tonight’s rematch.

The IBF title was awarded to Daniel Dubois, who retained the championship with a knockout of Anthony Joshua in September.

Dubois was knocked out by Usyk in their August 2023 title fight. He called “The Cat” out following Saturday’s fight for a rematch of his own, which could realistically happen and give boxing another undisputed heavyweight champion, pending Dubois successfully defending the IBF title against Joseph Parker in February.

Tyson Fury’s Wife’s Isolation Sparks Debate: Oleksandr Usyk Rejects Cutting Off Family for Boxing

Oleksandr Usyk wife Tyson Fury Paris WifeOleksandr Usyk has made it clear he has no interest in Tyson Fury’s unconventional training methods ahead of their…

Oleksandr Usyk wife Tyson Fury Paris Wife

Oleksandr Usyk has made it clear he has no interest in Tyson Fury’s unconventional training methods ahead of their highly anticipated heavyweight rematch on December 21, 2024, in Saudi Arabia.

Oleksandr Usyk Fires Back at Tyson Fury’s Isolation Tactics

Tyson Fury, former heavyweight king, recently revealed that he hasn’t spoken to his wife, Paris, or their children for three months as part of his “beast mode” preparation. Fury’s decision to isolate himself entirely from his family has drawn attention as he seeks to reclaim the undisputed heavyweight championship from Usyk, who defeated him in May 2024.

Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk, however, sees things differently. Speaking in an interview with Frank Warren Boxing, the Ukrainian champion dismissed Fury’s approach and highlighted the importance of his own family in his daily routine. He said:

“No, I speak to my wife every day. Every time. Every second. Every minute. My children too. It’s helped me because it’s my family,” Usyk said. “Listen, for me, it doesn’t matter what Tyson does. For me, it matters what I do.”

@frankwarrenofficial

“I speak to my family EVERY day.” ? Usyk takes a different approach in camp to Tyson Fury… #UsykFury2 | Dec 21st | #RiyadhSeason

? original sound – Frank Warren

‘The Gypsy King’ Tyson Fury is determined to regain his titles and reassert his dominance in the heavyweight division. Meanwhile, Usyk remains focused on defending his position as the undisputed champion, seemingly unfazed by Fury’s psychological ploys.

Oleksandr and Yekaterina Usyk
Oleksandr and Yekaterina Usyk

Their rivalry has been fueled by dramatic moments, including an 11-minute staredown during the final press conference. With both fighters adopting vastly different strategies, the rematch is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing bouts in heavyweight history.

Tyson Fury and Paris Fury
Tyson Fury and Paris Fury

Oleksandr Usyk Reveals His Top Song to Karaoke—And It’s a Classic

Oleksandr Usyk Reveals His Top Song to Karaoke—And It’s a ClassicOleksandr Usyk, the unified heavyweight boxing champion, recently shared his appreciation for “Low” by Lenny Kravitz, calling it one…

Oleksandr Usyk Reveals His Top Song to Karaoke—And It’s a Classic

Oleksandr Usyk, the unified heavyweight boxing champion, recently shared his appreciation for “Low” by Lenny Kravitz, calling it one of his favorite songs for Karaoke. This was revealed shortly before his world title match against Tyson Fury.

Oleksandr Usyk’s Surprise Playlist: Why ‘Low’ by Lenny Kravitz Strikes a Chord

@matchroom

The Champ Oleksandr Usyk in fine form On The Ground in Riyadh ? ???????? #UsykFury2 #RiyadhSeason #Champ #OleksandrUsyk #Boxing

? original sound – Matchroom Boxing

Known for his colorful personality, Usyk incorporates music and dance into his public appearances. He is often dancing and singing in training. His interest in Kravitz’s soulful track shows what impressive taste the Ukranian athlete has. “Low,” from Kravitz’s Raise Vibration album blends rock and soul elements.

Oleksandr Usyk’s love of music has been a consistent part of his public persona. From singing patriotic anthems like “Oi u luzi chervona kalyna” to dressing in eye-catching costumes during fight promotions, he has become known for his theatrical approach outside the ring. Earlier this year, he dressed as Agent 47 from The Hitman video game series.

If you ever see Oleksandr Usyk at the karaoke his first choice will be a Lenny Kravitz classic, as revealed in an interview with Matchroom Boxing.

As Usyk prepares for his December 21 rematch against Tyson Fury, fans are watching closely to see how the champion performs against his greatest rival.