Lennox Lewis insists Tyson Fury ‘WILL be back’, while Johnny Nelson says he could retire… how boxing icons react after Oleksandr Usyk’s split decision win over Gypsy King
Boxing legends have voiced their opinions on Tyson Fury’s fight with Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night – and opinions are divided.
Usyk became the first undisputed world heavyweight champion of the four-belt era with his split decision victory over Fury, scoring 115-112, 113-114, 114-113.
Billed as the Ring of Fire, this courageous clash in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was arguably the greatest of the 21st century.
Fury lost his impeccable record of 35 wins without defeat and although he claimed he wanted to activate the rematch clause, the reaction to his prospects was mixed.
Lennox Lewis, the former undisputed champion until his retirement in 2004, wrote on X: “Fury will learn from this and he will come back!” Losing is also part of the game, it’s how you react to defeat that makes all the difference.
Is Tyson Fury (right) in decline or will he bounce back? Boxing legends had their say after his split decision loss to Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.
Former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis believes Fury will learn from this
Gervonta Davies said, “One good round doesn’t win a fight,” likely referring to the ninth round, where Usyk had Fury reeling and almost counting after a devastating flurry of punches.
However, Johnny Nelson believes this could be the end for Usyk. He told Sky Sports: “Tyson’s team will have serious conversations about his motivation after this and allow him to come to his senses.
“Don’t be surprised if Tyson leaves.
“What more can he do?” How can he improve from this? This defeat would have broken his head and his heart.
Perhaps Fury will have a few choice words about this hold and know exactly how he can improve – by beating Usyk in October.
After the fight, he expressed his desire to have a rematch and told Prince Turki to “show me the money, baby”.
Manny Pacquiao would like to see a second confrontation. “Congratulations to Usyk on becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years! Incredible fight from Fury and Usyk. Fights like these deserve a rematch,” he wrote.
Terence Crawford said: “You better respect Usyk, man. He is definitely a contender to be the #1 P4P fighter in the world. I’m not a hater. He beat the man who beat the man in a bigger division, giving what he already did. Hello my brother !’
Johnny Nelson is unsure if Fury will continue his career, although he has said he wants a rematch.
Barry McGuigan believes Fury’s recovery skills are fading after Saudi defeat
Usyk (left) produced a stunning comeback to beat Fury (right) on Saturday in Riyadh
This victory allows Usyk to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of this century
Barry McGuigan thinks Fury refused. He told Sky Sports: “Tyson is starting to fall. His shooting ability is not as good as before, his recovery skills are not as good as before, and he is getting older.
Meanwhile, Conor McGregor has advised Fury to avoid a rematch.
“A crazy hiding place!” And then, who knows. Usyk is incredible. He beat both soundly (Fury and Anthony Joshua),’ he wrote on Instagram.’
“Anything that happens towards Tyson AJ, I’m for it. If Fury wants to have a second try behind the wheel, AJ has had two attempts so why not. Great demand. Not impossible too. Otherwise, AJ Usyk is the last hurray, then win, lose or draw, Tyson AJ.
It was a tale of two halves at the Kingdom Arena, after Fury dominated the early rounds before Usyk came back to control the fight with a flurry of punches in the ninth round, leaving the Gypsy King floundering.
After the final round, there was mutual respect between the two fighters who exchanged kisses and hugs while waiting for the result.
Usyk extended his record to 22 wins in 22 fights, with 14 knockouts, and he could have had another if the bell hadn’t saved Fury in the ninth round.
However, Fury’s mood soured when Usyk was named the winner, with the British fighter telling an interviewer that “people are siding with Usyk because of the war in Ukraine.”
The Ukrainian troubled Fury in the ninth round and nearly knocked out the Gypsy King
Fury started the fight well, but began to fade as the heavyweight title fight continued.
Fury stunningly said ‘people are siding with the country at war’
It was an all-out war for the final round, with the judges scoring 115-112 Usyk, 114-113 Fury and 114-113 Usyk.
After the fight, Fury claimed that “people are siding with Usyk because of the war in Ukraine” after his split decision loss.
“I believe I won this fight,” he said during the fight’s live broadcast on TNT Sports Box Office.
“And I think he won a few rounds, but I won the majority of them. I think we both fought well – the best we could do.
“And, you know, his country is at war. People side with the country at war. Make no mistake, I won this fight in my opinion.
