'Usyk got a Christmas gift' – Fury feels 'robbed' after losing heavyweight title rematch

Tyson Fury claimed Oleksandr Usyk was handed a Christmas gift by the judges after the Ukrainian won by unanimous decision in their heavyweight title rematch.

Usyk, who won by split decision in May, claimed another close-points triumph in Riyadh on Saturday, retaining his WBA (Super), WBC and WBO titles after inflicting just a second defeat on Fury.

All three judges scored the fight 116-112 in favour of Usyk.

Fury found success in the first half of the fight after a cagey opening round with some of the more eye-catching shots, even wobbling Usyk at the end of the second.

However, Usyk soon settled in, landing important shots in the fourth and sixth as Fury struggled. The 36-year-old showed signs of turning it around late on, only to finish on the back foot.

Fury refused an initial interview, though told reporters on his way back to the dressing room: "Robbed, there.

"I swear to God, I thought I won it by at least three rounds. I bossed the fight, on [the] front foot all night."

In his post-fight press conference, Fury said: "[Promoter] Frank [Warren] had me three or four rounds up, a lot of people had me at least two.

#AndStill Undefeated Heavyweight Champion Of the World @usykaa What's Usyk’s Spot In the Hw History? Undisputed Cruiserweight Undisputed Heavyweight #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/X9kMFcbWpN

— World Boxing Council (@WBCBoxing) December 22, 2024

"It is what it is, I am not going to cry over spilt milk, it has happened now.

"I have been in boxing all my life, and you can't change any decision, but I will always feel hard done by. When you don't get a knockout, you can't guarantee a win.

"I think I won both fights. There is no doubt in my mind I won this fight. I think Usyk got a Christmas gift, but it's not Oleksandr's fault.

"I have worked hard for this fight. Thanks to everyone who came and supported."

As he often has done after his recent fights, Fury hinted this bout may well have been his last.

"You may see me fight again, you may not," he said.

Usyk, meanwhile, extended his undefeated record to 23 pro wins.

"He [Fury] is a great fighter; he is a great opponent," Usyk said.

"An unbelievable 24 rounds for my career."