Tyson Fury reacted angrily in his post-fight press conference (Image: Sky Sports boxing)
Tyson Fury launched a tirade against the scoring of his bout with Oleksandr Usyk by an artificial intelligence judge, bluntly stating: “F*** all computers.”
Despite a previously unblemished record, The Gypsy King suffered a second defeat to the 37-year-old Ukrainian in Saudi Arabia. Usyk successfully defended his collection of WBA, WBO, and WBC belts after the three judges declared a unanimous points decision victory, with each scorecard coming in at 116-112 in Usyk’s favour.
Even though the AI judge had no influence whatsoever on the official result, it reinforced Usyk’s win, indicating a wider margin at 118-112.
Fury, upon hearing the AI verdict, lashed out at this: “F*** all computers,” he remarked. “More jobs for humans.”
Fury’s frustration wasn’t reserved for computers alone as he hit out at the verdict from the judges.
The British heavyweight was convinced of his victory as the fight concluded, asserting to Sky Sports: “I swear to God, I thought I won by three rounds!”
He also added to ESPN: “I thought I won the fight again, I was Larry Holmesed again. I was on the front foot the entire time. When you don’t get the knockout, this is what can happen.”
In the lead-up to the highly-anticipated rematch between Fury and Usyk, Turki Alalshikh promoted the experimental use of AI. “For the first time ever, an AI-powered judge will monitor the fight,” he announced. “Free from bias and human error brought to you by The Ring.”
He also shared similar words in a video, saying: “For years boxing has been defined by its glory but sometimes that glory is clouded by doubt and controversy. Isn’t it time for fairness to step into the ring?” The promotion further enthused” “This isn’t just AI, it’s revolutionizing boxing. It’s fairness powered by technology and human expertise.”
Fans were maid to wait for Fury’s immediate reaction after he left the ring abruptly on Saturday evening. However, his dissatisfaction was clear during a press conference where he lamented: “The judges gave him a Christmas gift. I feel like I won both fights. I know I had to knock him out but it’s boxing and this happens. There is no doubt in my mind I won this fight.
“Frank [Warren] had me three or four rounds up and a lot of people had me up by at least two.
“I’m not going to cry over spilt milk, it’s over now.” He added. “I’ve been in boxing my whole life but I’ll always feel a little bit hard done by – not a little bit, a lot.”