Frank Warren fumes at 'stupid' Tyson Fury remark after Oleksandr Usyk defeat

Frank Warren has staunchly defended Tyson Fury after he received criticism for his recent loss to Oleksandr Usyk.

The much-anticipated duel to crown the heavyweight division's first undisputed champion since 1999 marked The Gypsy King's first pro defeat. Boxing superstar Usyk, 37, emerged victorious via split decision, which has led to plans for a rematch in December.

Speaking out on BoxNation (via the Daily Express), Warren dismissed claims that Fury must accept the rematch to solidify his status in the sport: "The result is what it is, you can't change. But Tyson then to be said that the first bit of adversity he has in his life, that he's got to now take the rematch otherwise he won't be considered to be basically a good fighter if he doesn't face up to that.

"Adversity? He's come through all those mental problems. He went to Germany and beat [Wladimir] Klitschko in front of his adopted country at the time. He got off the floor, having taken a fight where he was a big underdog [against Deontay Wilder], lost a lot of weight against the hardest punching heavyweight out there."

Warren, 72, further highlighted Fury's resilience during his third fight with Wilder, adding: "That last round, how he got off that floor, because I thought it was all over and everybody in the world did, I don't know. The third fight he had with Wilder on the floor twice, gritted his teeth, got up, and then the fight you've just watched a couple of weeks ago, which was an absolute classic of a fight between two great gladiators."

The boxing promoter hit back at critics of Tyson Fury, defending the heavyweight champion's reputation and achievements. "What has he got to prove, that he's not a fighter? I mean, it's just ridiculous to even say that.