Tyson Fury was uncertain about pursuing a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk after suffering his first career defeat in a historic boxing showdown on Saturday night.
In their highly anticipated heavyweight bout, Fury initially dominated the early rounds but ultimately lost by split decision to the Ukrainian champion, who came close to knocking him down in the ninth round.
This marked Fury’s first loss in 36 professional fights, as he vied for the heavyweight unification title, the first of its kind since 1999 and the inaugural fight of the four-belt era.
The bout, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, included a rematch clause. Usyk emerged victorious as the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Following the fight, Fury, who relinquished his WBC belt to Usyk, adding to Usyk’s collection of IBF, WBA, and WBO titles—stated he would discuss the possibility of a rematch, tentatively set for October, with his family.
“I’ll have a holiday, go home, put it to the wife and kids I’ll see what I want to do,” the self-styled ‘Gypsy King’ told newsmen
“I’m 36 in a few months. I’ve been boxing since I’ve been a child so it is what it is,” he added.
“Where does it all end? A hundred fights and brain damage, in a wheelchair? I’m not sure.
“But the one thing is, all the time I’m still loving the game — and I was having fun in there, I was really enjoying myself — then I’ll continue to do it.”
The unpredictable Fury has twice retired from boxing before making comebacks. Beyond a potential rematch with Usyk, another enticing matchup on the horizon could be against British rival and former world champion Anthony Joshua.
“I thank Oleksandr for the good fight. It was a close fight, you know,” Fury said.
“I believe that I just did enough but I’m not the judge.”
