Tyson Fury could lose half of 80 million purse after defeat to Oleksandr Usyk

Tyson Fury could lose half of his prize money following his fight with Oleksandr Usyk last night.

Usyk claimed victory in Saudi Arabia on Saturday (18 May) when he defeated Fury by split decision in what some experts are calling one of the most entertaining fights of the 21st century.

Usyk is now the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, having become the undisputed cruiserweight champion earlier in his career before making the weight-class jump.

Regardless of who won and lost, both fighters are thought to be in for a big pay out.

According to promoter Bob Arum, Fury could have earned in excess of £80m.

However, tax and national insurance laws in the UK could see a large chunk of that lost.

According to Stocklytics, Fury would have to pay over £44m in income tax and around £2m in national insurance if he was to earn £100m from the boxing match.

This would leave him with just over half, around £53m. Still a pretty tidy sum, of course.

Oleksandr Usyk claimed victory in Saudi Arabia when he defeated Tyson Fury by split decision. (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

“If you are a resident in the UK you have to pay tax on overseas earnings in the same way, and that remains the same no matter how much someone might earn,” a Stocklytics spokesperson said.

“Good tax advice is always important and in this case you can be sure the Fury camp will have looked at an agreement that would be the most beneficial.”

Donating to charity can offset this slightly, with the spokesperson adding: “You can offset some money by making a charitable donation, and there is a suggestion Tyson Fury will be making a £1million gift to support Ukraine charities, which would reduce his liability a little.”

Following Saturday's fight, Fury made a rather controversial comment about Ukraine, explaining that he didn't believe he had lost the fight.

He also claimed the conflict in Ukraine could have been a contributing factor.

"I believe I won that fight," he told DAZN. "And I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority of them.

Both fighters are expected to receive a hefty pay out. (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

"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."

People were pretty shocked at the comment, with many accusing Fury of 'making excuses'.

One wrote: "Stop making excuses Fury the guy won the fight fair and square."

While another said: "Fury saying Usyk won because Ukraine are at war? The shamelessness and arrogance is unbelievable."

And a third added: "Tyson fury lost fair and square. Trying to blame the invasion of Ukraine on the reason he lost is disgusting.

"Have some class and just admit you lost."

Topics: News, Sport, Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk

Lucy Devine