Kotelnik - on the fight between Usyk and Fury: "If not for the referee, everything could have ended with an early victory of the Ukrainian"

Former world champion in the first welterweight Andrei Kotelnik commented on the victory of Oleksandr Usyk over Tyson Fury in the fight for the title of absolute champion in the super heavyweight division, held on May 18 in Riyadh.

- Before the confrontation in Saudi Arabia, I estimated the chances of the opponents as 50/50. In the end, it turned out that way, the fight was equal, although, in my opinion, Usyk won three rounds more than Fury. But, I repeat, this is my subjective opinion.

- Many experts say that if not for Alexander's outburst of activity in the 9th round, everything could have ended in favor of the Briton.

- This topic can be debated for a long time. And what if in the 9th round after knockdown of the Briton the Ukrainian in the next attack had applied 2-3 more powerful shots? Would it have ended in a knockout? Although really up to the middle of the fight, most likely, Tyson had a slight advantage on points.

- Maybe that's what Usyk felt and that's why he added sharply in the 8th round?

- I'm sure Alexander himself will tell us about it. The main thing is that he endured when it was difficult after Fury's "guns", proving that not only physically, but also psychologically he is ready to the maximum. And after his sensitive series in the 9th round already Fury staggered and if not for the referee, everything could have ended with an early victory of the Ukrainian.