Oleksandr Usyk cracked up the media room on Saturday night with a five-word comment about Frank Warren, who called the margin of the Ukrainian’s victory over Tyson Fury ‘impossible’.
The Gypsy King was only given four rounds by all three judges, leaving Usyk victorious and Warren seething. “How come Tyson only got four rounds in this fight? It’s impossible,” said Fury’s promoter. “He’s very disappointed, as I am as well. Everyone along the front [of the ring] thought it was all the same way.”
The Queensberry Promotions chief continued in an interview with TNT Sports: “I’m dumfounded. I’ve been around a long time, and I know I’m biased, but one judge didn’t give him any round from six onwards. How can that be?
“It’s crazy. I’m calm and collected, I’m not screaming or shouting, but that is a nonsense. What fight were they watching? Oscar De La Hoya and I had [Fury] winning by three or four rounds, and he’s a neutral.”
Warren’s thoughts were put to Usyk during his post-fight press conference, and his response sparked a roar of laughter. He said: “Uncle Frank… I think blind.”
Usyk continued: “I won, that’s enough. How many rounds I win by, now it doesn’t matter. And still!”
The wide margin of Usyk’s victory made it even more resounding than the split decision win he earned over Fury in May. The 37-year-old has now inflicted both of Fury’s professional defeats, and he has the pick of the heavyweight division after retaining his WBA, WBC, WBO and IBO belts.
Daniel Dubois gatecrashed Usyk’s post-fight interview to demand revenge for the defeat he suffered in Poland last year. Dubois has since gone on to secure big wins over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua.
Usyk first wants to rest and recover from two taxing fights against Fury, but he could then give Dubois what he wants. “Yeah no problem,” he said. “I am ready, next fight no problem. Now I want to go back home, a little bit of rest, then I’m ready. Your excellency [Turki Alalshikh], make me a fight with Daniel Dubois.”
Fury’s future is not so certain, and Warren did not rule out retirement after Saturday night’s result. “It’s up to him,” he said. “It’s just after a fight and emotions are running high. We’ll have to see what happens in the future for Tyson.”
