Ali Bashir: "Usyk Chased Fury All Over the Ring"

Former trainer of the undisputed heavyweight champion (over 90.7 kg) Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs), James Ali Bashir, commented on the Ukrainian's fight against Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) and believes the referee should have stopped the fight in the 9th round.

– When Fury was saved from falling by the ropes, should it have been considered a knockdown?

– All over the world, it is considered a knockdown. If a boxer is leaning on the ropes, if they are helping him to maintain balance, it is considered a knockdown.

– So, the eight count was justified?

– Yes. But the conversation after the "8"... I don't know what that was. It took another 8-9 seconds after the count. The referee just stood and talked to Fury. I don't know what he was trying to achieve, but I think it was wrong. I believe it saved Fury. In my opinion, the referee should have called a technical knockout.

– The fight should have been stopped?

– Yes. I think the fight could have been stopped even before the knockdown count, because Usyk was chasing Fury all over the ring. There was a moment when Tyson turned his head away from Oleksandr – that's a signal that the fight is over.

– Many believe that in fights of such level, fighters should be allowed to fight to the end.

– It doesn't matter. Those who think so don't write the rules. If a boxer even momentarily turns away from his opponent – that's a signal the fight is over, because then it enters a dangerous zone where there is a risk of serious injury.

In the early hours of May 19, Oleksandr Usyk won a split decision over Tyson Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight champion. Usyk is the first undisputed champion in this division since November 13, 1999, when Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield in a rematch.