John Fury has been slammed by boxing fans for shouting over his son Tyson Fury’s trainers in between rounds before being defeated by Oleksandr Usyk in the heavyweight unification fight. Fury Sr. could be heard barking orders at the Gypsy King as Sugar Hill and Andy Lee tried to talk their fighter through the fight, which he went on to lose via split decision.
Ahead of the final two rounds, Steward could be seen offering advice by saying: “Don’t cross your god damn legs, be ready to punch. Don’t be afraid to slide in, quit pulling back or you’ll get caught”. However, John Fury’s voice was also heard between rounds, saying “light punches, light punches” and appearing to talk over Steward at one stage by telling his son to “box and move”.
“Fury’s corner consisted of 2 incredibly intelligent boxing people in Sugar Hill and Andy Lee trying to impart some astute tactical game plan, only to be repeatedly drowned out by John Fury shouting ‘Use the jab, we’re fighting men,'” a fan fumed on X.
“John Fury shouldn’t be anywhere near this, constantly over talking 2 guys who actually know what they are talking about,” a second added. A third tweeted: “What an absolute shambles. John Fury shouting over Sugar Hill, Andy Lee telling him he was winning and interrupting Sugar Hill. Complete mess. Embarrassing at any level. Usyk’s corner was controlled, concise and clear.”
Fury will get a shot at the unified heavyweight champion again in October this year, with a rematch clause included in the contract. However, it hasn’t stopped him from voicing his displeasure at the result, believing he won the fight. “I believe I won that fight,” Fury said.
“I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority of them, and I believe it was one of those what-can-you-do, one of them… decisions in boxing. We both put on a good fight, best we can do. But make no mistake, I won that fight, in my opinion, and I’ll be back. I’ve got a rematch clause.”
Usyk is ready for a rematch too. “Yeah of course. I am ready for rematch,” he said. “I feel good. A lot of people prayed for me, I love you. I’m very happy. My people will be very happy I think, it’s a big win, not only for me, it’s a big win for my country, for soldiers who now defend my country. I think my father now is watching over me and is very happy. Dad, I love you. I can, you told me I can.”
Anthony Joshua, who lost to Usyk twice, but is on a mission to reclaim the heavyweight titles, gave his verdict. AJ believed Usyk was the rightful winner. “[Joshua] thought Usyk won,” Eddie Hearn revealed. “He said, ‘Usyk won it easy.’ I had it quite close. Again, scoring is subjective. I thought Fury boxed fantastically well in the first six rounds. I thought he was well on his way to boxing to a stoppage or a decision, but Usyk is incredible.”
Hearn continued: “I thought Usyk won the fight. I thought it was close. I struggled to give Usyk any of the first six [rounds]. I thought Fury was in control and looked fantastic in seven, eight. Nine was obviously massive, how he survived I don’t know.”
