Judges’ Notes from the Usyk – Fury Fight. Explanation of the Controversial Decision
We already know that Oleksandr Usky became the undisputed heavyweight champ after a judges split decision victory over Tyson Fury. Now let’s look at how it happened.
Boxing has likely had more controversial decision-making than any other sport. Fans from both sides were clearly dissatisfied with the judges’ decision in this match, believing the scoring to have been unfair and questionable at various rounds. Comments like questioning “boxing integrity,” accusing judges as blind morons, and suggesting they be “struck off” all indicate disappointment among fans. Some supported Fury while others believed Usyk would be more suitable results. Overall, there is significant disagreement and criticism of the judge’s decision. What is behind this unhappiness and what are the real referees’ decisions?
Judging panel
A typical judging panel in professional bouts consists of three judges who independently rate the fight according to established criteria like effective punching, defence and ring control. The fight caused quite a stir in the crowd, so let’s see who the officials were and what they were like.
Manuel Oliver Palomo was a Spanish referee, judge and boxing official who had a career that spanned from 2002. Palomo refereed over 105 matches in different weight divisions, including some high-profile matches. He has officiated important title bouts, including WBO Inter-Continental and WBC International matches. Palomo’s judging style has drawn attention; his decisions often spark discussions among fans, as reflected by the critical reaction to his judging in that match.
Mike Fitzgerald is an internationally recognized boxing judge, hailing from Janesville, Wisconsin who has officiated many high-profile bouts in the past. He has been actively involved in professional fighting for decades and still regularly judges major fights. Mike Fitzgerald is well-known for his accuracy and fairness when scoring bouts, which contributes to his reputation as an unbiased figure in boxing.
Craig Metcalfe is a Canadian boxing official who has judged over 374 professional fights since 2005. He has extensive experience in judging high-profile bouts, including heavyweight championship fights and world title bouts. He was a notable judge in the January 2015 match between Deontay Wilder, and Bermane SVierne. In that fight, he scored Wilder clearly as the winner. Metcalfe is also a judge for fights with Oleksandr Usky. In January 2018, Metcalfe scored Usyk’s cruiserweight reunification bout against Mairis Brriedis a 114 – 114 draw. Other judges gave Usyk the win. His scores have been scrutinized many times because they are different from other judges.
Judges scoring the fight
- Manuel Oliver Palomo scored this fight 115-112 in Usyk’s favour;
- Mike Fitzgerald gave Usyk a narrow 114 – 113;
- Craig Metcalfe awarded Fury the win with a score of 114 to 113.
The Usyk vs. Fury fight overview
Gypsy King was stronger in the middle of the fight but lost steam in the last rounds. The Ukranian appeared to dominate the fight towards the end. He used his strength and fitness to unleash a barrage of left-handed punches, leaving the previously unbeaten Fury in a daze. Usyk’s victory was largely due to a knockdown during the ninth round.
| Round | Result | Highlights |
| 1 | Usyk 10-9 Fury | Jabs and with multiple crosses from Usyk and a clean cross upstairs in the end. |
| 2 | Fury 10-9 Usyk | Three right uppercuts – two to the body of Usyk, and the third to the head from Fury. |
| 3 | Fury 10-9 Usyk | Rapid jab and big right uppercut to the body of Usyk. |
| 4 | Fury 10-9 Usyk | Fury hit multiple uppercuts and switched stances |
| 5 | Fury 10-9 Usyk | Now Usyk is retreating in the corner. |
| 6 | Fury 10-9 Usyk | A right uppercut on repeat on Usyk’s body and a shot at the head from Fury. |
| 7 | Usyk 10-9 Fury | Usyk hit crosses and a right uppercut. A hard cross by Usyk ended the round in his favour. |
| 8 | Usyk 10-9 Fury | Right hook by Fury; upstairs combination and crosses from Usyk. Fury cut around the right eye and bleed in his nose |
| 9 | Usyk 10-8 Fury | Usyk’s left hooks left without an answer, he squared his feet. The left-hand hit threw Fury back to the ring ropes and almost knocked him out. |
| 10 | Usyk 10-9 Fury | Usyk presses gradually while Fury is recovering. |
| 11 | Usyk 10-9 Fury | Fury recovered to show some fightback to left overhands from Usyk |
| 12 | Fury 10-9 Usyk | Multiple left hits from Usyk in the first half; Fury fought back with a couple of right hands in the last minutes. |
Additional Fight Statistics
These insights will help paint a clearer picture of each fighter’s state, contributing to a deeper understanding of the fight results and judges’ decisions.
Weight Stats:
- Usyk’s Weight: 105.9 kg (223.5 pounds), heavier than his usual 100.2 kg (221 pounds).
- Fury’s Weight: 118.8 kg (262 pounds), 6.8 kg (15 pounds) lighter than his previous fight – 125.6kg (277 pounds).
Punching Stats:
- Fury had a 32% punch landing rate, delivering 95 power punches.
- Usyk landed 42% of his punches, with a total of 122 powerful shots.
While Fury showed strength in the middle rounds, Usyk’s superior fitness and tactical precision secured him the win, leading to intense debates over the judges’ final decision.
