Tyson Fury described Oleksandr Usyk’s victory over him as a “Christmas present” from the three judges, who all scored the fight 116-112 in favor of the champion. The verdict was rightly much clearer than the split decision verdict that helped Usyk win in May.

But Fury expressed his opposite opinion at the post-fight press conference: “I thought I won that fight. I thought I won both fights, but I’m going home with two losses. There’s not much I can do about it. I can just fight my heart out.

“I will believe until the day I die that I won this fight. I was aggressive on the front foot all night, landing to the body and head. Frank Warren (his promoter) gave me a three or four lap lead. Many people made me freak out at least twice. But I won’t cry over spilled milk. I can’t change the decision. If you don’t get the knockout, here’s what happens: You can’t guarantee a win.”

Asked by a Ukrainian journalist whether he agreed that Usyk was inspired by the defiant spirit of his war-torn country, Fury said sadly: “I didn’t feel any spirit. I felt a little bit of Christmas spirit and I think he got a Christmas present from those judges.”

Fury was told that even the experimental use of artificial intelligence was directed against him. The AI ​​“judge” gave Usyk a score of 118-112. Fury replied amusingly as he pondered his view on AI. “The way I see it, absolute crap,” he said. “Fuck all the computers, keep the people working. More jobs for people, fewer jobs for computers. Fuck electric cars while we’re at it.”

He was asked what he wanted to do next. “Go home and have a merry Christmas. I was away for 12 weeks working for this fight. I’ll go home now and enjoy it. We are going home to a new year. Let’s see what it brings.”

Warren later spoke about his confusion over the judges’ scorecards. “How did Tyson only get four rounds in this fight? It’s impossible,” he told Dazn. “Just four laps. Each of them gave him four rounds, four different rounds. I don’t say this because I’m biased, but everyone at the front felt it was the same way.

“It’s crazy. It’s crazy, I don’t understand it. I’m really disappointed with this. I thought he had the fight under control and boxed very well. Usyk was behind most of the fight, but that’s how it is.”

Fury’s future is now in question after the second loss to Usyk, but Warren declined to speculate on what he might do. “I don’t know. He’s very disappointed, as am I. It’s up to him,” Warren said. “It’s too early, just after a fight. Obviously emotions are running high. We’ll have to wait and see what happens in the future for Tyson happens. He has to decide.”

Usyk is the only man to have beaten Fury, who began his professional career 16 years ago this month, but the British fighter was reserved in his praise. He wouldn’t even accept that Usyk is the best man he’s ever faced. “Not really. He didn’t hurt me once in this fight. I have a few flesh wounds – and they’ll be gone in a few days. I know what happened and that’s all.”

Fury reiterated his belief: “In my opinion it was a Christmas present. It’s not Oleksandr’s fault – congratulations to him and his team.”

Normally, Usyk was far more gracious to Fury: “He’s a great fighter. He is a great opponent. He gave an incredible 24 rounds for my career. Thank you.”