Tyson Fury believes he lost fight to new undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk due to war in Ukraine

Tyson Fury believes he won the much-anticipated fight against Oleksandr Usyk last night.

The fight came down to a split decision, with judges giving the win to Usyk, making him the new undisputed world heavyweight champion. However, Morecambe-born Fury says this decision was made because of the war in his native Ukraine.

Usyk was taken to hospital for a scan on an injury after the fight, something his promoter Alex Krassyuk has refused to disclose. This came moments after the boxer inflicted the first loss of Fury's career, the PA News Agency reports.

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Fury was given a 10 count after reeling from a series of left hands before being saved by the bell. This swung the contest in the new WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO champion's favour.

Usyk won 115-112 and 114-113 on two scorecards while the third judge saw it 114-113 for Fury. However, the Lancastrian thought the decision was given due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

“I believe I won that fight. I think he won a few of those rounds but I won the majority of them,” Fury said. “His country is at war, so people are siding with the country at war. Make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion.

“I’ve had a split decision loss with a little man. Good luck and God bless you. “I want to thank God. We fought a good fight for the fans. I always say it’s about getting paid and getting laid and we did that.

“I want to thank Oleksandr for the good fight. It was a close fight. I thought I’d done enough, but I’m not a judge. I can’t judge a fight while I’m boxing in it.”

The two will meet again in October due to the immediate rematch clause, with the winner then going on to fight Anthony Joshua. Fury said he wanted to take this opportunity to avenge the loss of his WBC title.

“Yes of course – rematch. I am ready. We have more time to do a good fight,” he said.

Since Lennox Lewis in 2000, Usky is the first ruler of the heavyweight division. An even more impressive victory as Fury is three stones heavier and six inches taller.

“I feel good. A lot of people prayed for me. I love you. I’m very happy,” Usyk said before he had gone to hospital.

“My people will be very happy. It’s a big win, not only for me but it’s a big win for my country and for the soldiers who now defend my country.

“Thank you so much to my team. It’s a big opportunity for my family, for me, for my country. It’s a great time, it’s a great day.”

Promoter Krassyuk says the fight should have been stopped in the ninth round. “I’m exhausted, I was backing Usyk the whole fight. I hope to see more in the rematch,” Krassyuk said.

“No disrespect to the referee, I think he stopped the KO in the ninth. It was a tremendous performance, something unbelievable.”