Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk camps divided over judges after last-minute issue
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk square off again on Saturday, seven months after the Ukrainian beat the Briton via split decision
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.There will be a late change to the judging panel for Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, with one judge withdrawing due to illness – a matter that has led to a dispute between the fighters’ camps.
On Saturday (21 December), Fury will fight Usyk in Riyadh, seven months after losing to the Ukrainian via split decision in the same Saudi city.
Usyk’s victory kept him unbeaten and crowned him the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years, while Fury suffered defeat for the first time.
Their rematch, for the unified titles, is set to be scored by US judge Pat Morley and Puerto Rico’s Gerardo Martinez, who were set to be joined by Fernando Barbosa. But Barbosa withdrew due to illness late on Thursday, before he could fly to Riyadh.
Keith Idec reported that the American will be replaced by compatriot Steve Weisfeld, who made the journey to Saudi Arabia on Thursday night. But Sky Sports said another official has also made the trip to Riyadh, and that Fury and Usyk’s teams are split on which judge should replace Barbosa.
Fury’s promoter Frank Warren has reportedly suggested that a coin toss should settle the issue, but the commission must find a way to resolve the matter.
In the first contest between Usyk, 37, and Fury, 36, the Ukrainian earned scorecards of 115-112 (judge Manuel Oliver Palomo) and 114-113 (Mike Fitzgerald), while the Briton snatched the other card (114-113, Craig Metcalfe).
The Independent scored the bout 115-112 to Usyk, and most observers agreed that the former cruiserweight king was a rightful winner. Yet Fury accused the judges of favouring Usyk due to Ukraine’s ongoing invasion by Russia.
Saturday’s rematch will also feature an AI judge, according to Saudi adviser Turki Al-Sheikh, though they will not impact the official scoring.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments