Former lineal and undisputed heavyweight champion Tyson Fury suffered his first loss as a professional to Usyk.
Now, on December 21st in Saudi Arabia, he gets a chance to put that right against new champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Speaking with IFL TV Fury went into detail:
“Fury: Very well, thank you! And I was going to say, a bit colorful today—a Halloween vibe, very orange, almost pumpkin-like.
Interviewer: Is that the theme?
Fury: Yeah, I’m fully in Halloween mode. I’m a big Halloween person; I love it. I’ve been watching horror movies all month.
Interviewer: Any particular favorites?
Fury: I’ve been lighting candles at night and watching all kinds of horror movies. I think I’ve watched at least 15 this month!
Interviewer: Which horror movie best describes your career?
Fury: I don’t think any horror movie could describe my career, to be honest.
Interviewer: So, your name is first on the poster. What are your thoughts on that?
Fury: Well, it was out there that my name was first, but they may have changed it. Either way, it’s a big fight with two big names, so Usyk is entitled to the billing he’s earned with his win.
Interviewer: After the Usyk fight, what was the morning after like for you?
Fury: The next day, we just got up, went for breakfast, and hung out by the pool. I think we went to a smokehouse later. Once the fight’s over, it’s out of your hands. Win, lose, or draw, you just move on. There’s no going back, so I don’t dwell on it.
Interviewer: Were you more disappointed with the Wilder draw or the loss to Usyk?
Fury: Not really. Both fights were close. Usyk won by split decision, so good for him. After the fight, I thought I had it, but he managed to secure that big round nine, which probably tipped the scales in his favor.
Interviewer: You’ve watched the fight back?
Fury: A hundred times. I score it the same way every time—I still think I won, but I’m not here to make excuses. I’ve moved on. I’m focused on the December 21st fight; it’s the “Christmas Boxing Bonanza.”
Interviewer: You’ve never made excuses for any of your fights. You simply thought you won.
Fury: Why make excuses? I’m not blaming anyone. I went in there, fought a great fight, the Saudis were happy, and everyone enjoyed the show. Sure, I’ll do what it takes to win next time, but I’m not an excuse-maker. Even after a rough performance against Ngannou, I took responsibility. In boxing, you get caught sometimes; it’s just part of the game.
Interviewer: People say you were knocked down by Usyk, but it was more of a standing count. Can that really count as a knockdown?
Fury: It was a standing count. I didn’t go down to the canvas, so I’d say I’ve only been officially knocked down seven times, not eight.
Interviewer: You seem in great spirits, Tyson. Speaking of adjustments, you mentioned you don’t feel the need to change anything specific going into the rematch. Could you elaborate?
Fury: Right. I had a solid performance; it was just that round nine where he scored big. If I can avoid that round being a 10-8, I win the fight. So, no drastic changes, just minor improvements—a bit more focus, a little less clowning around. It’s all about small margins at this level.
Interviewer: Some questioned your corner, asking if you plan to change anything.
Fury: No changes there. The corner did great. In a fight, you’re going to make your own calls in the moment. It’s not about what advice you get; it’s about what you do instinctively. I trust my team going into the December fight.
Interviewer: After the AJ fight, you joked about losing £150 million. With all the money at stake for fights like this, how do you feel about it now?
Fury: Yeah, I said it in jest, but the money isn’t everything. When it comes to rematches, if someone beats you, you go back and face them again. That’s how it is, and it shows character. Not everyone wants to rematch the person who beat them.
Interviewer: What are your thoughts on the IBF situation?
Fury: It’s disappointing. The IBF has taken plenty of money from me, yet I’m not even rated in their top 15 after a split-decision loss to arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter. It feels biased, like they just don’t like me. It doesn’t add up otherwise, does it?
Interviewer: Do you still have plans to reclaim the IBF belt?
Fury: Not really. I’d rather box for the British title than for their belt at this point. It feels like they don’t respect me, so I’m not interested.
Interviewer: Lastly, what do you think of the undercard for December 21?
Fury: I think there are some good fights lined up. Fisher vs. Allen is a solid matchup—it’s a fan favorite, a bull versus a rhino! And I think Low vs. McGregor will steal the show. That one’s going to be an all-out war.
Interviewer: Thank you, Tyson. Any final words for the fans?
Fury: Yes! And a shout-out for Halloween—cheers, everyone!”
Interesting above on how he scored some of the key rounds himself above.
And that he’s watched the fight back over a hundred times already this year.
That shows you how much he is up for this rematch and although is a big underdog to most, is still a very live dog in the fight given his ability, size and unquantifiable ability to do the impossible in his boxing career and live.
It is hard to right Fury off in this one.
