Deontay believes that Usik was robbed in the ninth round, depriving him of a knockout
Former WBC World Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder commented on the victory of Ukrainian Oleksandr Usik over Tyson Fury in the fight for the title of absolute world heavyweight champion.
“I think it was a great fight. I took a wait-and-see attitude, I didn’t know who would win. I always thought that the question here was which dog and how it would bite in a fight. Alexander’s bite was more powerful than Fury’s.”
“I think that in the ninth round Usik was probably robbed, depriving him of a knockout. Fury was given a gift, but Usyk ultimately won. Big congratulations to him from me. I wish him nothing but the best in the future.”
On the night of May 19, Usik inflicted the first defeat of Fury in his professional career in a fight that took place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). The victory was awarded to the Ukrainian by a split decision: 115-112, 113-114 and 114-113.
Usik became the first absolute world heavyweight champion in the era of four belts. In the heavyweight division, the last time Lennox Lewis held absolute status was in 1999, but then three titles were enough for this title.
Usyk is scheduled to defend his IBF title against mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic. The Croatian, in turn, will previously fight Daniel Dubois on June 1.
It was reported that an agreement had been reached between Usyk and Fury for a re-fight. The Chairman of the General Authority of Entertainment of Saudi Arabia, Turki Al al-Sheikh, stated that the rematch between Alexander and Tyson is scheduled for October 12-13 in Riyadh.
It is known that Fury has officially activated the rematch option. According to the head of the promotion company Top Rank Bob Arum, the fight will take place either at the end of 2024 or at the beginning of 2025 in Saudi Arabia.
IBF President Daryl Peoples said that Usyk is obliged to defend his title against official challenger Hrgovic before fighting Fury again. At the same time, the Ukrainian team has already contacted the IBF with a request to postpone the fight with Hrgovic: this decision must be ratified by the organization’s board of directors.
Source: Sportarena
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
