All products are independently selected by our experts. To help us provide free impartial advice, we will earn an affiliate commission if you buy something. Click here to learn more
Anthony Joshua believes the decision to crown Oleksandr Usyk the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world instead of Tyson Fury was the right call, according to Eddie Hearn.
AJ was in attendance for the big fight in Saudi Arabia, with the boxing star sat alongside Manchester United and Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
- View Deal | Rewatch Fury vs Usyk: Ring Of Fire on DAZN
- View Deal | Rewatch Fury vs Usyk: Ring Of Fire on Prime Video
- View Deal | Rewatch Fury vs Usyk: Ring Of Fire on Sky Sports HD
Fury and Usyk played out a classic in the Middle East, with both men putting on a show for those in attendance at the Kingdom Arena.
In the end it was the Ukrainian who came out on top, with the 37-year-old winning on points.
Anthony Joshua apparently thinks Oleksandr Usyk deserved his victory over Tyson Fury on Saturday night
REUTERS
Judges Mike Fitzgerald and Manuel Oliver Palomo both scored the fight in Usyk's favour, with Craig Metcalfe voting for Fury.
And Hearn claims Joshua agreed with their assessment of the bout.
“I thought Usyk won the fight," he said.
“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.”
Fury was wobbled by Usyk in round nine, though managed to stay on his feet and avoid a knockout.
Hearn added: “In an undisputed fight, when the guy doesn’t touch the canvas, I don’t think [it should be stopped].
“But [Fury] was absolutely gone.
“[Usyk] showed so much bottle to come back [...] I guess when you look back on that, you score it 115-113 to Usyk.
"Some had it wider, I’m not sure anybody had it for Fury. I thought the right man won.
“They’re talking about Usyk retiring? I don’t think so.
"I think he’ll fancy his chances [in the rematch].
"I think Fury has to switch it up on the front foot. I thought Usyk looked a little bit tired at times. Usyk is also a genius.
“He’s so undersized, the disadvantage against a man of that size. To overcome that, you’re talking one of the best fighters of his generation.
“[Joshua] thought Usyk won. He said, ‘Usyk won it easy.’ I had it quite close.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk put on a show in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night
REUTERS
"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.”
Fury disagrees, however.
The Gypsy King showed class by embracing Usyk in the immediate aftermath of their blockbuster clash.
Yet he caused controversy by appearing to say Usyk only won because of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Tyson Fury felt he deserved victory over Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night
REUTERS
"I believe I won that fight, I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority of them," he said.
"We both put on a good fight. His country is at war, so people are siding with the country at war.
"Make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion. We've got a rematch clause.
"I've had a split decision loss to a good little man. We run it back in October. Well done Oleksandr."