20 May

Ex-Champion on Fury's War Comments: "Worst Excuse"

Former European bantamweight champion Spencer Oliver responded to Tyson Fury's (34-1-1, 24 KOs) comments made after his loss to undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs).

"Around big fights, there are always controversies. I mean, there was controversy about Usyk supposedly using an inhaler. Look, there will always be debates—that's why we love this sport, we talk a lot after fights.

Tyson Fury spoke about how he felt he won the fight and that the only reason Usyk got the victory is because his country is at war, because of what's happening in Ukraine. And I was like, 'Whoa, don't say that, mate!' That's the worst thing to use as an excuse.

I understand emotions run high, and fighters say things they shouldn't. It happened with Anthony Joshua when he threw the belts out of the ring after his second fight with Oleksandr Usyk. Those were emotions. But what Tyson said was horrible. I don't think he won the fight; I had Oleksandr Usyk winning quite convincingly. I think it was 116-112 for Usyk. I find it hard to understand how Fury thinks he won that fight," said Oliver.

Let's remember that immediately after his defeat, Fury stated that he wants a rematch and that the judges sided with Usyk "because his country is at war."

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