Conor McGregor believes Tyson Fury should NOT take up his rematch clause to fight Oleksandr Usyk. The Gypsy King was defeated in Saturday night’s undisputed world heavyweight title fight by Usyk, losing via split decision in Saudi Arabia.
In an enthralling clash that surpassed expectations, Fury suffered the first loss of his professional career and was given a 10 count in an explosive ninth round. He was left reeling from a series of left hands before then being saved by the bell swung the contest in the new WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO champion’s favour.
Ultimately, it was a deserved win for Usyk, despite Fury claiming his split decision defeat was a result of the judges siding with the new undisputed world heavyweight champion because of the war in his native Ukraine.
“I believe I won that fight. I think he won a few of those rounds but I won the majority of them,” Fury said. “His country is at war, so people are siding with the country at war. Make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion.
“I want to thank Oleksandr for the good fight. It was a close fight. I thought I’d done enough, but I’m not a judge. I can’t judge a fight while I’m boxing in it.”
An immediate rematch clause means the rivals are set to meet again in October, with the winner then going on to fight Anthony Joshua. Fury insisted he would take the opportunity to avenge the loss of his WBC title.
“Yes of course – rematch. I am ready. We have more time to do a good fight,” he said.
Tyson Fury lost by split decision to Oleksandr Usyk
However, controversial former UFC champion reckons that Maybe Fury would be best served looking elsewhere – namely, towards the ‘Battle of Britain’ against Anthony Joshua. Writing on Instagram, McGregor said: “A mad hiding! What next, who knows.”Usyk is incredible. He has beat both soundly.
“Whatever moves towards Tyson AJ I am for. If Fury wishes to go a second try at the wheel, AJ had two attempts so why not. Tall ask. Not impossible also. If not, AJ Usyk III last hoorah, and then win lose or draw go Tyson AJ”.
He added: “What a time to be alive thank you to the fighting gods and to God.”
Usyk is now the first ruler of the heavyweight division since Lennox Lewis in 2000 and his stunning victory against a man almost three stones heavier and six inches taller was watched by his illustrious predecessor. His promoter, Alex Krassyuk, believed his man should have had a KO victory, thinking the fight should have been stopped in the ninth round.
“I’m exhausted, I was backing Usyk the whole fight. I hope to see more in the rematch,” Krassyuk said. “No disrespect to the referee, I think he stopped the KO in the ninth. It was a tremendous performance, something unbelievable.”
