Tyson Fury voiced his frustration after suffering the first defeat of his career to Oleksandr Usyk in their undisputed world heavyweight title fight in Saudi Arabia.

Usyk won by split decision to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis, and the first to unite all four belts.

The scorecards read 115-112 and 114-113 in favour of Usyk, while a third judge scored 114-113 to Fury.

After an even start, the momentum shifted in a brilliant ninth round for the Ukrainian as he caught Fury with a left hook, forcing the referee to give him a standing count before the bell saved him from a further onslaught.

A defiant Fury was not happy with the result, suggesting that Usyk received a sympathy vote from the judges.

"I believe I won that fight," he said in the ring. "I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority.

"His country is at war, so people are siding with the country at war. Make no mistake, I won that fight, in my opinion.

The Greatest HW Fight in The Modern Era!
What a fight, what a moment, what Kind of Warriors!@usykaa defeats Tyson Fury via SD.
SHOUT OUT TO BOTH FIGHTERS.#RiyadhSeason#RingofFirehttps://t.co/1w6I776Fck pic.twitter.com/GdTlJktnQl

— World Boxing Council (@WBCBoxing) May 18, 2024

"It was one of the daftest decisions in boxing. We run it back in October. I'm not going to sit here and cry and make excuses."

Usyk remained undefeated as he took Fury’s WBC belt to add to his WBA, WBO and IBF collection.

"Thank you so much for my team. It's a big opportunity for my family, for my country," an emotional Usyk said afterwards. "I'm very happy.

"My people will be very happy. I think it's a big win, not only for me, it's a big win for my country, for soldiers who now defend my country.

"I think my father now is watching over me and is very happy. Dad, I love you. I can, you told me I can."