In a highly anticipated bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tyson Fury faced Oleksandr Usyk and experienced a surprising split-decision defeat, resulting in the loss of his WBC title and his undefeated record. Lennox Lewis, a former undisputed heavyweight champion, expressed his disapproval of Fury’s approach during the fight. According to Lewis, Fury seemed to act as if he had already secured the victory, which ultimately led to his downfall.
Lewis shared his perspective on DAZN, stating, “Fury was boxing like he won the fight. No boxer can judge and say they won the fight. Every time a round was close, they should look at it like a loss.” This comment reflects the criticism that Fury’s confidence and showboating may have contributed to his unexpected loss.
The judges’ scores reflected a close contest, with two favoring Usyk and one narrowly siding with Fury at 114-113. The turning point came in rounds eight, nine, and ten, which all went to Usyk. Despite a strong start, Fury’s momentum waned, and Usyk capitalized on the opportunity to stage a comeback.
Fury, known for his flamboyant style, admitted to taunting Usyk throughout the early rounds. He even managed to hurt Usyk in the sixth round before succumbing to a 10-count in the ninth. Reflecting on his performance, Fury believed he was ahead on points going into the final round and felt confident about his standing. “I was having fun in there. I was playing around. I thought I was bossing the fight,” he stated. However, this overconfidence may have led him to underestimate Usyk’s resilience and determination.
In the aftermath of the fight, Usyk was visibly emotional, breaking down in tears when asked about his late father during the post-fight press conference. The victory not only marked a personal triumph for Usyk but also established him as the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era, a historic achievement in boxing.
Lewis’s critique highlights the fine margins in elite boxing and the importance of maintaining focus and strategy throughout the fight. For Fury, this loss serves as a significant lesson and a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport. As Usyk celebrates his monumental victory, the boxing world now looks forward to what lies ahead for both fighters.