Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk became the unified heavyweight champion, capturing six titles (WBC, WBA [Super], IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring) by defeating British fighter Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia on May 19th. The bout, billed as the “biggest of the 21st century,” concluded after 12 rounds with Usyk winning by a split decision (115-112, 113-114, 114-113). 

Tyson Fury is contemplating retirement after narrowly avoiding a knockout loss to Oleksandr Usyk. If the referee had been more precise, Fury might have lost by knockout in the ninth round.

After the match, there were opinions that if the referee hadn’t delayed and given Fury extra time to recover in the ninth round, the British boxer would have been knocked out. Former WBA champion David Haye expressed dissatisfaction with referee Michael Griffin for allowing Fury too much time to recover after being floored by Usyk in the ninth round.

Haye believed that Usyk deserved a knockout victory. He commented, “If Fury had done that to Usyk, the fight would have ended early. The referee denied Usyk the chance for a knockout and gave Fury 20 seconds to fully recover, which is poor from my perspective. Even Fury’s fans must admit that.”

Usyk’s manager, Alex Krassyuk, agreed with Haye’s assessment. Krassyuk shared, “No disrespect to the referee, but I think he prevented a knockout in the ninth round. Nevertheless, it was a fantastic fight, and I hope to see more in the rematch.”

As for “The Gypsy King” Fury, after his first career defeat, he is reflecting on his future. Fury said, “I’m going home, eating some food, drinking a few beers, spending time with my family, walking the dogs, and Frank Warren and I will discuss the future. I don’t box for money; I fight because I love the sport.

In a few months, I’ll be 36. I’ve been boxing since I was a child. We’ll see where it goes. Do you fight 100 matches, suffer brain damage, and end up in a wheelchair? As long as I still love it, I’ll continue. If not, I’ll pack up and leave.”