Tyson Fury makes astonishing 'war' claim after Usyk defeat and it sparks burning anger among his OWN fans

Dethroned Tyson Fury has been slammed for bringing up the war in Ukraine moments after rival Oleksandr Usyk became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.

His verdict that 'people are siding with the country at war' caused genuine anger inside the arena in Saudi Arabia and on social media. The Gypsy King lost an absorbing heavyweight classic by split decision after a disastrous ninth round saw him turn into a spinning top with the referee calling a knockdown. And that was what sparked the momentum shift to see Usyk become heavyweight boxing's first undisputed king since Lennox Lewis.

Speaking after the defeat, Fury told DAZN: "I believe I won that fight. And I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority of them. I believe we both put on a good fight - best we could do. And, you know, his country is at war. People are siding with the country at war. Make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion."

But those comments were utterly condemned – even by those who identified themselves as lifelong supporters of the Englishman – after the fight. And celebrity Youtuber turned boxer KSI kicked things off. He said: "F*** OFF YOU T***. You're actually deluded."

TV presenter George Clarke weighed in: Fury I thought you would be humble in defeat, but you weren't, that’s so disappointing, you were completely out boxed, don’t blame sympathy for the war!" And that was followed up by Des Kelly. He said: "What a shame Tyson Fury tried to blame his defeat against Usyk on a ludicrous claim the fight judges "sided with the country that’s at war”. What a shame the slur wasn't challenged on TV, too. Usyk is a true champion."

Fury insists he will activate his rematch clause for an October contest but Usyk headed straight to the hospital over fears of a suspected broken jaw.