Tyson Fury receives backlash for controversial 'Ukraine war' comment after losing to Oleksandr Usyk

Tyson Fury has been criticised over a comment he made about Ukraine following last night's fight against Oleksandr Usyk.

It was victory for Usyk in Saudi Arabia on Saturday (18 May) when he defeated Fury by split decision (115-112 Usyk 114-113 Fury 114-113 Usyk).

The result takes the Ukrainian's boxing record to 22-0-0 with 14 wins by KO, following up on a win against Derek Chisora, back-to back wins against Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois in consecutive bouts.

Usyk is now the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, having become the undisputed cruiserweight champion earlier in his career before making the weight-class jump.

But it seems Fury wasn't satisfied that the judges got it right, after he told press following the fight that he believed he had won.

During the interview, he also claimed the conflict in Ukraine could have been a contributing factor.

"I believe I won that fight," he told DAZN. "And I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority of them.

"I believe we both put on a good fight - best we could do. And, you know, his country is at war. People are siding with the country at war.

"Make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion."

"I believe I won that fight!" 💢

Tyson Fury reacts to defeat against Oleksandr Usyk 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/OIwO3w3EGs

— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) May 18, 2024

People were pretty shocked at the comment, with many accusing Fury of 'making excuses'.

One wrote: "Stop making excuses Fury the guy won the fight fair and square."

While another said: "Fury saying Usyk won because Ukraine are at war? The shamelessness and arrogance is unbelievable."

And a third added: "Tyson fury lost fair and square. Trying to blame the invasion of Ukraine on the reason he lost is disgusting.

"Have some class and just admit you lost."

A fourth added: "Saying Usyk only won because Ukraine is fighting a war against Russia is bonkers."

Dubbed by experts as one of the most entertaining boxing matches of the 21st century, both Usyk and Fury were tipped to win at varying times in the fight.

Usyk came out aggressively in the early rounds, but the Brit looked completely unfazed when he got hit by Usyk, smiling and egging his opponent on to hit him more.

Ultimately, it all seemed to backfire, as despite coming out on top in some of the middle rounds, Usyk rallied and even managed to knock the Mancunian down in the ninth during a true sporting spectacle.

LADbible has contacted Fury's rep for comment.