Full Breakdown
Tony Bellew Urges Tyson Fury to Accept Oleksandr Usyk’s Superiority
5/22/2026, 6:55:28 AM
Fury's Defeats to Usyk: The Core Event
In May 2024, Oleksandr Usyk won a split-decision victory over Tyson Fury to claim the undisputed heavyweight championship. A rematch in December 2024 ended in a unanimous decision (116-112 on all three cards) for Usyk, confirming his dominance in the division. Both outcomes left Fury disputing the judges’ scores.
Background: Usyk vs. Fury and Bellew's Past Encounter
Usyk, the former undisputed cruiserweight champion, moved up to heavyweight and defeated Fury twice, establishing himself as the sport’s top heavyweight. Bellew, who held cruiserweight and heavyweight titles, faced Usyk in Manchester in 2018. After leading on two of three judges’ cards through seven rounds, Bellew was stopped in the eighth as Usyk’s footwork and pressure took over.
Key Figures
- Oleksandr Usyk – Ukrainian boxer, undisputed heavyweight champion, noted for footwork and fight IQ.
- Tyson Fury – British heavyweight, former undisputed champion, 6-foot-9, over 270 lb, publicly questioning two decisions.
- Tony Bellew – Former cruiserweight and heavyweight champion, opponent of Usyk in 2018, commentator on the recent fights.
Fight Data and Scores
- May 2024 bout: split-decision win for Usyk (scores 115-113, 115-113, 113-115).
- December 2024 rematch: unanimous decision for Usyk, each judge scoring 116-112.
- Bellew’s 2018 fight: stopped in round 8 after being ahead on two of three judges’ cards through seven rounds.
Official Statements & Responses
Bellew told Sky Sports that Fury must acknowledge Usyk’s superiority, calling the Ukrainian “an elite-level freak.” He said Fury’s pre-fight mockery and post-fight claims of being robbed undermine the sport’s integrity. Usyk has not responded to Bellew’s remarks.
Criticism & Opposition
Fury has repeatedly asserted that he did enough to win the December bout, labeling the decision a robbery. Analysts note that while Fury showed moments of control, Usyk’s technical adjustments and finishing ability dictated the outcomes. Bellew’s criticism centers on Fury’s refusal to credit Usyk’s performance.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The judges’ scores—split-decision in May and unanimous 116-112 in December—contrast with Fury’s personal assessment that he was robbed. No independent scoring or third-party analysis appears in the sources, leaving a gap in objective verification of the contested decisions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Just say it as it is. He was better than you.” — Tony Bellew, former world champion
- “He's the best fighter I've ever faced.” — Tony Bellew
- “He'd downloaded everything I'd done and he used it against me in the end.” — Tony Bellew
- “I’m on my back, flat down… Thankfully the referee saved my life.” — Tony Bellew
What's Next
Usyk is slated to face kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven in a crossover bout in June. Fury is being linked to a potential clash with Anthony Joshua, though no date has been set.
