Trial AI judge scores Fury vs Usyk bout as 118-112 Usyk victory
An AI judge, which was being trialled for the Usyk vs Fury fight, scored the bout 118-112 in Tyson Fury’s favour. This adds further controversy to the Ukrainian’s unanimous victory.
Oleksandr Usyk secured a controversial victory over Tyson Fury. While the victory itself can be debated, as the bout was a closely contested affair, the manner in which Usyk won – unanimously, with a score of 116-112 – has caused the most uproar on social media. Interestingly, an AI scoring system proposed by Turki Alalshikh scored the fight even wider, giving Usyk a 118-112 advantage.
The recent rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury has sparked significant debate following Usyk’s unanimous decision win. Held on 21 December 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the fight crowned Usyk as the undisputed heavyweight champion, but controversy surrounds the verdict. Many fans and analysts deemed the 116-112 scorecards contentious, given the close nature of the fight. Conflicting perspectives, including the divergent AI scores, have only intensified the public discussion, raising questions about the consistency and fairness of boxing’s scoring systems.
Fury, renowned for his size, unorthodox style, and previously undefeated record, faced a tactically astute opponent in Usyk. The 6ft 3in Ukrainian southpaw, celebrated for his footwork and relentless work rate, used precision and speed to frustrate the larger Fury. Despite Fury’s attempts to leverage his size and power, Usyk’s superior tactics and stamina ultimately earned him the judges’ decision.
Social media erupted after the decision, with fans and boxing pundits expressing dissatisfaction with the unanimous verdict. Some argued the fight was much closer than the scorecards suggested, while others felt Fury had done enough to retain his WBC title. The introduction of AI scoring, which presented contrasting outcomes, has further divided opinions regarding the fight’s true result.
Usyk’s victory cements his legacy as one of boxing’s finest, following his earlier triumphs over Anthony Joshua to claim multiple heavyweight titles. However, the controversy surrounding his win over Fury may overshadow this achievement for some. Fury, meanwhile, is expected to push for a rematch to reclaim his status at the top of the division.
Following the fight, Fury did not give a post-fight interview. Promoter Frank Warren branded the result a “disgrace,” while Daniel Dubois entered the ring to issue his own challenge to Oleksandr Usyk.
