Anthony Joshua believes the judges made the right call in declaring Oleksandr Usyk the winner over Tyson Fury, making Usyk the undisputed heavyweight champion. Usyk triumphed with scores of 115-112, 113-114, and 114-111 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 2000. This victory adds to Usyk’s impressive resume, which includes an undisputed cruiserweight title and an Olympic gold medal, keeping the Ukrainian fighter unbeaten. Meanwhile, the bout marked Fury’s first professional loss.
Joshua, interviewed by TNT Sports immediately after the fight, confidently named Usyk as the winner. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, also shared Joshua’s reaction, stating, “[Joshua] thought Usyk won. He said, ‘Usyk won it easy.’ I had it quite close. Scoring is subjective. I thought Fury performed exceptionally well in the first six rounds and was on track for a win, but Usyk is incredible.”
Hearn elaborated on his perspective, noting, “I thought Usyk won the fight. It was close. I struggled to give Usyk any of the first six rounds; Fury seemed in control and looked fantastic in rounds seven and eight. Nine was obviously massive, how he survived, I don’t know.” Hearn referred to a moment in round nine when Usyk hurt Fury badly, with Fury arguably saved by a controversial standing count from the referee.
“In an undisputed fight, when the guy doesn’t touch the canvas, I don’t think it should be stopped,” Hearn said, “but [Fury] was absolutely gone. Usyk showed tremendous resilience to come back. Looking back, you score it 115-113 to Usyk. Some had it wider; I’m not sure anybody had it for Fury. I thought the right man won.”
Addressing rumors of Usyk retiring, Hearn added, “They’re talking about Usyk retiring? I don’t think so. I think he’ll fancy his chances in the rematch. Fury will need to be more aggressive. Usyk looked a bit tired at times, but he’s also a genius. Overcoming the size disadvantage against Fury, you’re talking about one of the best fighters of his generation.”
Joshua’s final word on the fight was clear: “Usyk won it easy. I had it quite close. Scoring is subjective. Fury boxed fantastically in the first six rounds, but Usyk is incredible.”
