Frank Warren Requests for a “Very Strong” Referee for the Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Uysk Fight

Published 04/14/2024, 8:29 PM EDT

Was the referee fair in Usyk’s last fight? Frank Warren doesn’t think so. After a controversial low blow call during Oleksandr Usyk’s bout against Daniel Dubois, Warren, co-promoter of Tyson Fury, is demanding a “very strong” referee for the next big event. The stage is set for a historic showdown: Tyson Fury versus Oleksandr Usyk, competing for the undisputed heavyweight title.

Scheduled for May 18, this clash will crown the first four-belt heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999. With the stakes sky-high, can the right referee handle the pressure and ensure fairness?

Will Tyson Fury get a fair shake?

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Frank Warren, fuming over a perceived injustice, is throwing punches before the bell even rings for Tyson Fury’s upcoming undisputed heavyweight title fight against Oleksandr Usyk.

Warren, who co-promotes Tyson Fury, was clearly troubled by the officiating in Usyk’s last fight against Daniel Dubois. Recall that Dubois thought he landed a fight-ending body shot, only to see it ruled as a low blow by referee Luis Pabon. Usyk was given ample recovery time, much to Dubois’s frustration. “I didn’t think that was a low blow,” Dubois contested after the fight. “I thought that landed, and I’ve been cheated out of victory tonight.”

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Moreover, Warren believed the call was a joke and wants stricter officiating for Fury’s upcoming clash against Usyk. “We want to get all these things done,” Warren declared to Sky Sports. “We want no controversy. We want somebody in there who everybody respects and will be very, very strong.” He didn’t mince words when criticizing the referee in Usyk’s previous fight, calling him “just a joke” and the whole situation “completely ridiculous.”

Warren’s concerns extend beyond that one call. He worries that Usyk might employ rough tactics to exploit a potential vulnerability – the cut Fury sustained in training above his eye. “I’m sure they’re going to use every trick in the book,” Warren said, “and that’s boxing isn’t it?” Despite these anxieties, Warren maintained his confidence in Fury’s ability to “exploit” Usyk’s weaknesses and emerge victorious. But what is Usyk’s weakness?

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Usyk’s body – Friend or foe?

Sugar Hill Steward, Tyson Fury’s trainer, offers a nuanced perspective on the debate surrounding Oleksandr Usyk’s vulnerability to body shots. Steward acknowledged Usyk’s past troubles, noting, “Obviously, the man was hurt with two body shots on record that we’ve been able to see.”

This statement suggested an awareness of Usyk’s potential weak spots, though Steward is careful to emphasize that these instances don’t necessarily indicate a consistent weakness. Broadening his strategy, he added, “But obviously, you want to make sure that you cover everything. It’s not just go to his body, his body, his body.” Highlighting the tactical fluidity essential in boxing, Steward explains, “You take whatever’s open. That’s supposed to be the art of the game.”

Will the choice of referee and the tactical preparations significantly impact the outcome of the fight? What are your thoughts on how this crucial match will unfold?

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Written by:

Mrinal Mishra is a senior writer for Boxing at EssentiallySports. With over 1300+ articles to his name, Mrinal’s articles often find congratulatory mentions from boxing greats like Mia St. John.

Edited by:

Arijit Saha

Frank Warren Requests for a “Very Strong” Referee for the Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Uysk Fight

Will Tyson Fury get a fair shake?

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Usyk’s body – Friend or foe?