Boxing Figures React to Usyk’s Rematch Victory Over Fury

Oleksandr Usyk solidified his legacy with a points victory over Tyson Fury. Among the many spectators, former world champions Lennox Lewis, Tony Bellew, and Anthony Crolla were among those who found Oleksandr Usyk’s unanimous points win over Tyson Fury to be controversial. The Ukrainian boxer had previously secured a victory in their initial world heavyweight title bout in May 2024 through a contentious split decision. However, the outcome of their rematch, held in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, was more definitive. All three judges awarded the undefeated 37-year-old the fight with scores of 116-112. “I didn’t score it, but it was close. He [Fury] should have got more rounds in there,” stated Lennox Lewis, a former undisputed heavyweight champion, to BBC Radio 5 Live. Anthony Crolla, also a Briton and former WBA lightweight champion, commented: “I have no problem with Usyk getting it. I thought it was very close, I didn’t think it was that far apart.” Tony Bellew, a former world cruiserweight champion who was knocked out by Usyk in November 2018, posted on X: “Too wide, but I did have him winning.” He added, “I understand why, it’s the pressure and the consistency of his work-rate that just takes rounds down – it really is. “Tyson Fury is a warrior who deserves so much respect for going back in with him.”” Oleksandr Usyk maintains an undefeated professional record with 23 victories. Fury, weighing in at a career-high 20st 1lb, aimed to avenge the sole defeat of his professional career and appeared to have the advantage during the initial rounds. As the fight progressed through the rounds, Usyk gained control by increasing the pace of the contest. Johnny Nelson, a former WBO cruiserweight champion, stated on Sky Sports that he scored the fight “a little bit closer” than the official judges. He remarked, “Usyk initiated almost everything in the fight and Tyson had to react.” Nelson continued, “Yes, it was close, I don’t think the scorecards were like that, but I understand that Usyk did a great job. “Frank [Warren] was saying he thought Tyson won – that’s being a promoter. There’s no way in a million years he thought Tyson won.”The best man won on the night and got the job done.”” The promoters for Fury and Usyk held significantly different perspectives on how the fight should have been scored, with the Queensberry chief supporting the British boxer. “How come Tyson only got four rounds in this fight? It’s impossible,” Warren commented. He added, “He’s very disappointed as I am as well. Everyone along the front [of the ring] thought it was all the same way.”” Conversely, Alex Krassyuk of Team Usyk believed that awarding Fury only four rounds was appropriate. He stated, “I had Fury three or four rounds. The judges gave him four. That’s the fairest score it could be.”” “No doubt I won the fight,” declared Fury.