'Got robbed': Controversial Tyson Fury 'slow count' sparks furore
Tyson Fury had the sporting world in awe on the weekend after winning an all-time classic heavyweight boxing bout with rival Deontay Wilder, but some fans are up-in-arms over controversial moment in the fight.
Tyson Fury has maintained his unbeaten heavyweight boxing record with an incredible 11th round knockout victory over Deontay Wilder in their WBC trilogy title fight in Las Vegas.
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Fury knocked out Wilder in the seventh round of their second bout in February last year after the first fight ended in a controversial split draw.
The Brit again reigned supreme in the highly anticipated third bout, putting on a boxing masterclass to hand the American just his second career defeat in an instant classic.
Fury (31-0-1, 22 KOs) finished Wilder for the second-straight time in their trilogy, but only after a wild back-and-forth bout featuring five combined knockdowns.
And Fury was on the receiving end of two knockdowns in the fourth round, which had many wondering if Wilder could pull off a great comeback.
After being floored himself, Wilder delivered a trademark right-hand that wobbled Fury.
Fury tried to regain his feet, but after another punch the 'Gypsy King' went crashing to the mat.
The undefeated heavyweight champion took his time to regain his composure before looking at the referee and getting to his feet.
Fury was then knock down a second time, before regaining his stance and the bell ringing.
However, some boxing fans became incensed and accused the referee of a slow count.
This was a similar accusation from the first fight, which saw many claim Fury was given a slow count to get up in the dying moment of the round.
Boxing world questions 'slow count' for Tyson Fury
Commentator, and boxing great, Andre Ward said they 'extremely slow counts, on both of these knockdowns".
This sparked a flurry of accusations Fury was given the benefit of the doubt.
UFC legend, turned commentator, was one figure that agreed with Ward.
I agree with @andreward the count was crazy slow! He isn’t supposed to stop counting to tell deontay to go to his corner. #FuryvsWilderIII
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) October 10, 2021
Andre Ward complaining that ref calling the 10 count slow on Fury knockdowns.
— Tommy Tran (@TommyTranTV) October 10, 2021
That was a slow count... we gotta fight!!
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) October 10, 2021
When fury got knocked down the second time it was a really slow count
— Jamie Murray (@jamie_murray) October 10, 2021
Andre Ward calling for a slow count on the Fury knockdowns. THIS IS INSANE #FuryWilder3
— Chris Brockman (@chrisbrockman) October 10, 2021
Anyone else feel like that 2nd count for fury was kinda slow??
— djndetheceo (@CheckMyPecs) October 10, 2021
Fury got ANOTHER extremely slow 10 count in the 4th round, just absurd. He was down for at least 15. Absurd.
— Bryan Greer (@Crunch_Tyme) October 10, 2021
Both of these guys were willing to die. Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder left everything in the ring.
I will tell you Wilder got robbed of a KO with that slow ass count x2.— George Wrighster III (@georgewrighster) October 10, 2021
The counts On Fury’s knockdowns were RIDICULOUSLY SLOW
— Gab 🏴☠️🏁 (@Gabesknows) October 10, 2021
Regardless of some pointing to a slow count, Fury left little doubt over who was the better boxer after prevailing in the third bout.
Wilder (42-2-1) absorbed enormous punishment and appeared to be physically drained for much of the bout, but the veteran champion showed his toughness while still throwing power shots on weary legs.
Fury knocked down Wilder again with a concussive right hand midway through the 10th, but Wilder stunned Fury in the final seconds.
Fury finally finished it in the 11th, sending Wilder face-first to the canvas with a chopping right hand fired from high in the air.
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