Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk (L) fights against Britain’s Tyson Fury during a heavyweight boxing world championship fight at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on May 19, 2024. Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury by split decision to win the world’s first undisputed heavyweight championship in 25 years on May 19, 2024, an unprecedented feat in boxing’s four-belt era. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP)
Tyson Fury was undecided about a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk after losing his unbeaten record in one of the biggest fights in boxing history on Sunday.
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 four-belt era.
READ: Usyk edges Tyson Fury to become undisputed heavyweight champion
"I believe I won this fight" – @tyson_fury #FuryUsyk | #RingOfFire | #RiyadhSeason | @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/o8fPfn1VyP
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) May 19, 2024
There was a rematch clause in the contract for the fight, which took place in the early hours 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 I’ll see what I want to do,” the self-styled ‘Gypsy King’ told reporters.
“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.
READ: Tyson Fury meets Oleksandr Usyk for undisputed title in Saudi Arabia
“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.”