South China Morning Post

Fury unsure of rematch after Usyk inflicts first loss

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Tyson Fury was undecided about a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk after losing his unbeaten record in one of the biggest fights in boxing history.

Britain’s Fury dominated the early rounds of their undisputed heavyweigh­t clash but lost a split decision to the Ukrainian maestro, who nearly sent him to the canvas in the ninth round.

It was the only loss in 36 profession­al bouts for Fury, who was contesting the first heavyweigh­t unificatio­n fight since 1999 and the first in the fourbelt era.

There was a rematch clause in the contract for the fight, which took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and saw Usyk crowned as undisputed heavyweigh­t champion.

Afterwards Fury, who gave up his WBC belt to Usyk who already held the IBF, WBA and WBO titles, said he would discuss the potential rematch, loosely scheduled for October, with his wife and children.

“I’ll have a holiday, go home, put it to the wife and kids, then I’ll see what I want to do,” the selfstyled “Gypsy King” said.

“I’m 36 in a few months. I’ve been boxing since I’ve been a child so it is what it is,” he added.

“Where does it all end? A hundred fights and brain damage, in a wheelchair? I’m not sure.

“But the one thing is, all the time I’m still loving the game – and I was having fun in there, I was really enjoying myself – then I’ll continue to do it.”

The unpredicta­ble Fury has twice retired from boxing before returning to the sport. Apart from Usyk, another tempting fight would be against British rival and former world champion Anthony Joshua.

“I thank Oleksandr for the good fight. It was a close fight, you know,” Fury said.

“I believe that I just did enough but I’m not the judge.”

 ?? Photo: AFP* ?? Tyson Fury in action against Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh.
Photo: AFP* Tyson Fury in action against Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh.

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