Tyson Fury Criticizes AI Referees After Loss to Oleksandr Usyk

Tyson Fury suffered his second consecutive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, sparking heated debate over the growing involvement of artificial intelligence (AI) in sports officiating.

Fury’s Loss and AI Referee Controversy

In a much-anticipated rematch, Tyson Fury lost to Oleksandr Usyk with unanimous scoring favoring the Ukrainian champion. The official scores from the three human judges stood at 116–112 in favor of Usyk. However, controversy erupted over a fourth judge—an AI referee—which gave an even wider margin of victory at 118–112 for Usyk.

After the fight, Tyson Fury launched a scathing critique of AI’s role in boxing during a post-match press conference. He expressed frustration, not only with the technology’s involvement in the sport but also its increasing prevalence in daily life. Fury declared:

“Damn those computers. Let humans do their job. We need more human involvement and less reliance on machines. Same goes for those damned electric cars.”

This match was a landmark event, marking the first time in boxing history that an AI referee was introduced alongside human judges.

AI Refereeing: Saudi Arabia’s Experiment

The inclusion of an AI referee was part of an initiative led by Saudi Arabia, under the guidance of Turki Alalshikh, the country’s Minister of Entertainment. Organizers presented the AI system as an experimental fourth referee, stressing that its score wouldn’t impact the official decision.

According to Alalshikh, the goal was to assess the potential of AI technology in providing accurate and unbiased judging. This move aligns with a broader trend of utilizing technology to eliminate human errors and biases in sports.

Despite Tyson Fury’s criticism, the AI-generated score mirrored those of the human judges, indicating the system’s capability to deliver a fair assessment. Throughout the 12-round bout, Oleksandr Usyk displayed superior technique and aggression, leaving little room for doubt about his victory. Usyk even remarked that the rematch felt “easier” than their first encounter, solidifying his dominance.

Mixed Reactions to AI in Sports

The historic use of AI in boxing has fueled a larger debate about the integration of technology into sports. Supporters believe AI referees can reduce controversies and ensure consistent, fair judging for athletes. Critics, however, warn against over-dependence on machines, emphasizing the value of human judgment and the unpredictability that makes sports thrilling.

Tyson Fury’s fierce opposition reflects the broader tension between tradition and innovation in boxing. While AI technology might improve judging accuracy, its acceptance within the sport remains uncertain.