Controversy and Clarification: Did Tyson Fury Get a Long Count in His Third Fight with Deontay Wilder?
In the third fight between Controversial figure, Tyson Fury, and unyielding powerhouse, Deontay Wilder, which took place on October 9, 2021, there was a significant disagreement regarding the count after Fury was knocked down for the second time in the fourth round. Many fans and analysts were left questioning whether Fury received an unfair long count.
When Wilder connected, Fury went down and managed to get back up. However, the main controversy arose from the time the referee, Russell Mora, took to start counting. Many observers felt that Mora took more than the typical 10 seconds to begin the count. In response, Fury claimed he had gotten up in time and that the count was extended.
Some of Wilder's supporters dismissed this argument as a "crybaby excuse," but the reality is more nuanced. The official rules clearly state that the count does not necessarily have to follow actual seconds, but rather it is to the count of 10. As can be seen from the referee’s fingers, Fury was already up by the count of 7. The key figure here is the referee, not a timekeeper. It is important to factor in the time it takes for the referee to inform the standing fighter about the need to move to a neutral corner, which can take around 2-3 seconds.
The Verdict
Given these factors, it is clear that Fury was up by the count of 7, which effectively resolved the controversy. There is no evidence to suggest he received an unfair long count. The idea that a 10-count is a 10-second count is a common misconception. The purpose of the count is simply to ensure the fighter has had sufficient time to recover, as seen in previous fights such as Buster Douglas's against Mike Tyson in 1990.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the referee's decision is based on ensuring fair play and that the standing fighter moves to a neutral corner. Fury did not receive an unfair advantage. He simply moved to a neutral corner as required, prompting the referee to start the count from 1. Wilder’s fans should stop focusing on this controversy and accept that Fury won the fight. It is the way the referee officiated the match and it is time to move on from baseless accusations.
FAQ
Q: What is the official count duration?
A: The official count duration in boxing is to the count of 10, not necessarily 10 seconds.
Q: How long does it typically take for a referee to inform a standing fighter?
A: It generally takes around 2-3 seconds for a referee to inform a standing fighter to move to a neutral corner.
Q: Can a referee's count be excessively long?
A: The count should be based on the referee's discretion to ensure fair play, and there is no strict adherence to a 10-second count. As long as the standing fighter is ready by the count of 10, the count is considered fair.