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Tyson Fury was quizzed on his comments about the Ukraine war in his post-fight press conference following his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night.
The 35-year-old, speaking in the immediate aftermath of his loss, seemed to suggest the ongoing war had influenced the decision of the judges to give Usyk the victory.
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"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.
Tyson Fury seemed to suggest the Ukraine war had influenced the judges and their decisions in his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk
REUTERS
"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."
Fury has since been criticised for his controversial comments, with some fans on social media accusing him of being a bad loser.
"Embarrasing comment from Tyson Fury. Bad loser Fury. Usyk deserved the win," said one user.
A second stated: "If you only lost because Ukraine is at war, what nose doing then Fury?"
A third said: "For Fury to bring the Ukraine Russia War into it, for me was a f*****g disgrace."
And a fourth weighed in by saying: "Fury saying he lost the decision due to Ukraine war politics is ridiculous.
"Horrible look from Fury."
Fury has now been quizzed on his controversial comments.
But the Gypsy King didn't seem to back down and simply said 'it was what it was'.
Speaking at the Kingdom Arena, he said: "It was what it was. It's not up to the fighters.
"One of the judges had me winning, two of them didn't. It was what it was."
While Fury suffered a crushing defeat, it was a memorable evening for Usyk - who remains undefeated in professional boxing.
And the 37-year-old was jubilant after his victory, admitting he was lost for words after reigning supreme.
"Thank you so much my team, my God, Jesus. Mr Excellency, thank you this is a big opportunity for me, for my family. Slava Ukraini," he said.
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Oleksandr Usyk was jubilant after beating Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia to become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world
REUTERS
"It's great. I don't have words."
Fury immediately suggested a rematch would happen once the bout was done.
And Usyk was quick to accept, with the Ukrainian eager to face the Briton for a second time.
"Yes of course, I am ready for the rematch," he said.
Usyk didn't win via knockout - but that doesn't bother him one jot.
Tyson Fury wobbled in round nine of his blockbuster fight with Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night
REUTERS
"We have a winner. There wasn't the knockout but no problem," he added.
"We have a winner."