In the aftermath of Tyson Fury’s recent fight against Oleksandr Usyk, controversy has erupted regarding the count Fury received in the ninth round. Some spectators are claiming that Fury benefited from a “long count” after he endured a brutal onslaught from Usyk towards the end of the round. As the referee, Mark Nelson, administered a standing-eight count to Fury, critics argue that the count was prolonged, resulting in Fury being “saved” from a potential knockout.
Upon reviewing the footage of the ninth round, it is evident that Fury was severely dazed and leaned on the ropes for support as Nelson intervened. The time elapsed between Nelson’s intervention and the resumption of the fight, coinciding with the round’s end, is estimated to be around 15 to 16 seconds. Former boxer David Haye and Derek Chisora have been vocal in their criticism of the referee, alleging that Fury received an extended count that favored him in the fight.
Haye expressed his belief that the fight should have been stopped during the ninth round, questioning the referee’s decision to issue a count to Fury. He argued that if the roles were reversed, and Fury was dominating Usyk in a similar manner, the referee would have likely intervened to end the fight promptly. Haye’s remarks suggest a bias in the officiating that potentially favored Fury and prolonged the bout unnecessarily.
The debate surrounding whether Fury was “saved” from a knockout remains inconclusive, leaving room for speculation and differing opinions. However, the recurring theme of controversy and criticism following Fury’s fights raises questions about the fairness and integrity of the sport. The inconsistencies in officiating and perceived favoritism towards certain fighters undermine the credibility of boxing as a competitive and regulated sport.
The controversy surrounding Tyson Fury’s alleged long count in the ninth round of his bout against Oleksandr Usyk highlights the contentious nature of professional boxing. The discrepancies in officiating, coupled with subjective judgments and fan biases, create an environment ripe for scrutiny and criticism. As the sport continues to grapple with these challenges, addressing issues of fairness and transparency in decision-making remains essential to upholding the integrity and credibility of boxing as a sport.