Hearn: «Fury Sometimes Says Stupid Things»

On the night of May 19, Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) defeated Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) by split decision to become the undisputed heavyweight champion (over 90.7 kg). After the bout, the British boxer claimed that the judges sided with Usyk because of the war in Ukraine, which outraged many fans and experts.

However, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn explained that such statements should be seen as promotion for the upcoming rematch.

«I feel like sometimes we’re merchants of laughter, and there are people who want someone to lose. I’m probably getting soft in my old age. I never particularly got along well with Tyson Fury, and this would have been a great opportunity to pounce on him. We brought these fighters in to promote the fight. Tyson sometimes says some stupid things, but he’s a character.

Tyson’s job is to say that; he’s an entertainer, and we use his words to sell the fight. But after a defeat, we use it against him. When you’re beaten, everything from the past is brought up and used against you,» said Hearn.