Tyson Fury has retracted his claim that Oleksandr Usyk won their undisputed heavyweight clash back in May due to judges sympathising with the Ukrainian's home nation being at war.
Fury suffered a split-decision loss to Usyk in the first defeat of his career earlier this year in one of the biggest boxing fights of the century.
The 'Gypsy King' was seen as the favourite for the fight and appeared in control in the early rounds, but Usyk came back and came close to forcing a stoppage in the ninth.
The judges narrowly gave the fight to Usyk in the end and Fury was not happy in the ring, insisting he felt he deserved to have his hand raised.
Tyson Fury will be looking to win back his heavyweight belts
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“I believe I won that fight,” Fury said in the ring. “I believe he won a few of the rounds but I won the majority of them.
“We both put on a good fight, best we could do. His country is at war, so people are siding with the country at war.
“Make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion and I’ll be back. I’ve got a rematch clause."
Fury and Usyk were back in the same room on Wednesday for the pre-fight press conference at Guildhall in London.
The former heavyweight champion walked out first as the challenger to 'Barbie Girl' by Aqua and was all smiles as he took to his chair.
And he appeared to change his tune from five months ago as he admitted Usyk won the fight 'fair and square'.
"I'm just looking forward to a fantastic fight," he said.
"Last time in May it was a fantastic fight. Oleksandr won the fight fair and square.
Oleksandr Usyk arrived to the press conference dressed as Agent 47 from the film franchise Hitman
PA
"Just looking to put on a great fight again. It was very close last time, he got it by a point.
"A little bit more focus and a little bit lack of complacency and I should do the job I need to do.
"Nothing drastic needs to change, bit more the same and a little bit more focus and I will be victorious."
Tyson Fury kept it short and sweet
PA
Usyk drew plenty of attention when he walked out to the stage, dressed as Agent 47 from the film franchise 'Hitman'.
The unified heavyweight champion was also carrying a briefcase, which he opened and pulled out two large photos for Fury to sign.
Usyk refused to turn the pictures around to reveal what they were, but Fury said they were both from their first fight in May.
Usyk's manager, Alex Krassyuk, also joked that the pictures would soon be availabl to purchase.
"You will find it on eBay tomorrow," he said.
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