Date: Saturday, December 21, 2024.
Venue: Riyadh Kingdom Arena, Saudi Arabia
Undercard Time: 17:00 WAT
Main Event Time: 23:00 WAT
Fight Preview
The world of boxing braces for a colossal heavyweight rematch as Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury prepare to lock horns once again on December 21 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Following their riveting first encounter, where Usyk edged out Fury via split decision, the stakes for the unified world heavyweight championship couldn’t be higher. This rematch is not just a battle for titles but a defining moment for legacy.
The Fighters
Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs), the reigning champion, remains undefeated and continues to dazzle with his technical brilliance and movement.
His triumph in the first bout not only marked him as the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the “four-belt era” but also as a man capable of outmaneuvering the 6’9″ giant, Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs).
The Ukrainian southpaw dominated the latter rounds of their first fight, landing an impressive 41.8% of his punches, including a decisive left hook in the ninth round that swung the momentum in his favor.
Fury, nicknamed “The Gypsy King,” enters this rematch with revenge on his mind and the lessons of his first professional loss etched in memory.
Known for his resilience and adaptability in rematches, Fury has promised a more aggressive and focused approach this time. “My rematches always end in knockouts,” he declared, signaling his intent to reclaim his WBC title and the heavyweight throne.
The Stakes
Beyond the personal vendetta, the fight is steeped in history.
Fury’s weight adjustments, rumored to exceed his previous 262 lbs, suggest a strategy centered on overpowering Usyk.
Meanwhile, Usyk’s movement and precision will once again be key weapons against Fury’s reach and size advantage.
The rematch will also be pivotal for the future of the division, potentially setting up a trilogy or opening doors for other challengers.
With bookmakers slightly favoring Usyk, the underdog status adds fuel to Fury’s fiery pursuit of redemption.
How the Experts View Usyk vs. Fury II:
As the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury approaches, boxing experts offer diverse opinions on what the outcome might be.
- Joseph Parker (former heavyweight champion): Parker believes Fury’s mindset will be sharper this time, stating he’s “more focused, more motivated,” and confidently backing Fury to bounce back and secure the victory.
- Wladimir Klitschko (former heavyweight champion): Klitschko feels that Usyk will repeat his success, emphasizing the importance of strategy and technique, and predicting another win for the Ukrainian.
- Dillian Whyte (former Fury opponent): Whyte is torn but leans towards Usyk, acknowledging that while Fury is known for his resilience, “you can’t write him off.”
- Martin Bakole (heavyweight contender): Bakole, who was surprised by Fury’s lack of focus in their first encounter, insists that if Fury enters the ring with the same intensity he showed against Deontay Wilder, he could stop Usyk.
- Shane McGuigan (trainer): McGuigan suggests that Fury needs to be more aggressive this time, but he also thinks Usyk’s stamina could win him the fight in the later rounds.
- Kalle Sauerland (promoter): Sauerland sees this as another close contest, but expects Tyson’s increased weight to give him the edge, predicting that the fight won’t go the distance this time.
The experts agree on one thing: this rematch will be a thrilling and tactical battle between two boxing minds at the top of their game.
Undercard Highlights
The rematch headlines a packed undercard, featuring intriguing matchups like Johnny Fisher against Dave Allen and rising star Moses Itauma clashing with Demsey McKean.
Other notable bouts include Peter McGrail versus Rhys Edwards at super-bantamweight and a WBC international title fight between Andrii Novytskyi and Edgar Ramirez.
