Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury: The Rematch

In the early hours of December 22nd, at approximately 01:00 Baltic time, the boxing world will witness the highly anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This battle is set to be one of the most thrilling moments in modern boxing, with Usyk looking to defend his WBA, WBC, and WBO heavyweight titles, while Fury seeks revenge for the first loss of his career.

Even the trailer for the fight is a true masterpiece, making boxing fans around the world even more eager to see the highly anticipated rematch. Take a look for yourself:

The pair first met in May, when Usyk defeated Fury by split decision. This victory made Usyk the first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999. It also marked a significant milestone for Usyk, who became the first undisputed champion of the heavyweight division in over two decades.

For Fury, the loss was a bitter one. The “Gypsy King” had been unbeaten throughout his career prior to facing Usyk, and the defeat shattered his perfect record. Now, he returns to the ring with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to avenge his first-ever loss and reclaim the heavyweight throne.

The stakes for this rematch have been raised, but unlike their first encounter, there will be no undisputed title on the line. Usyk was forced to vacate his IBF belt to Daniel Dubois, who is now set to face the winner of this rematch. This time, it will be for the WBC, WBA, and WBO heavyweight titles, with both fighters giving everything to emerge victorious.

The background

Usyk, 37, has long been regarded as one of boxing’s finest talents, earning a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics and establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. He impressed many with his technical skills, and after defeating Anthony Joshua twice, he entered the ring against Fury as the reigning undisputed champion.

Fury, 36, has a career that is nothing short of legendary. Known for his remarkable physicality, unorthodox style, and mental resilience, he has faced some of the biggest names in the sport, including Wladimir Klitschko, Derek Chisora, and a thrilling trilogy against Deontay Wilder. While his loss to Usyk was disappointing, Fury remains confident that he can turn things around in the rematch.

The first Usyk–Fury fight was an exciting contest. The opening rounds were closely contested, with Fury gaining control in the middle rounds. However, Usyk stunned him with a series of blows, including a brutal strike in the ninth round that left Fury visibly shaken. Despite this, Fury’s grit and resilience allowed him to survive the storm and even win the final round. The fight was a spectacle that showcased both fighters’ abilities, and the rematch is expected to deliver even more drama.

The fighters’ perspectives

Fury has been vocal about his preparations and his mindset going into this rematch. Speaking ahead of the fight, he explained that while he felt no fear facing Usyk, he acknowledged that the Ukrainian was a skilled fighter who could not be underestimated. Fury also compared Usyk to his past opponents, specifically Deontay Wilder, noting that while Usyk is a dangerous boxer, he doesn’t possess the same kind of knockout power that Wilder does.

“I don’t feel that much terror,” Fury said. “After he hit me in round nine, he didn’t catch me clean after that. I would have knocked him out in that position, but he’s a good boxer. He’s a heavyweight who can punch hard, but there are different levels to power.”

Fury’s confidence has not waned despite the defeat in their first encounter. He has vowed to come into the fight “a little more focused,” confident that his experience in rematches will help him turn the tide. He has often claimed that his rematches result in knockouts, and he believes this will be no different against Usyk.

Usyk’s challenge

For Usyk, the challenge lies in proving that his win against Fury was no fluke. As the reigning champion, Usyk will need to overcome the psychological pressure of having already defeated Fury and show that he can maintain his elite level of performance. At 37 years old, Usyk is nearing the twilight of his career, and some wonder how much longer he can continue to fight at this level, particularly against giants like Fury.

Usyk has proven his adaptability and skill, notably overcoming heavyweight giants like Anthony Joshua, but some question whether the toll from those gruelling battles has begun to show. While his technique is second to none, the sheer physicality of facing fighters like Fury and Joshua could take its toll. The rematch with Fury will undoubtedly be one of the biggest tests of his career.

What are the odds?

As the rematch approaches, predictions are divided. While Usyk is slightly favoured by most bookies, many are still unsure who will come out on top. Fury has a wealth of experience and a reputation for bouncing back stronger after setbacks, while Usyk’s slick boxing style and intelligence in the ring make him a difficult opponent to break down.

The fight is set to be a twelve-round contest, with both fighters capable of delivering explosive performances. Fury, who is known for his unpredictable nature and resilience, could potentially finish the fight early, as he has done in previous rematches. On the other hand, Usyk, with his superior technique, could outlast Fury in the later rounds and potentially secure a points victory or even a late stoppage.

That being said, OlyBet sportsbook sees Usyk as the favourite, with odds of 1.72, while Fury is rated at 2.20. Furthermore, it is predicted that the fight will go the distance, with the Ukrainian emerging victorious by decision. For full betting options and odds, visit OlyBet sportsbook.

However, it’s clear that regardless of who has their hand raised at the end, this fight will leave a lasting legacy in the sport of boxing. So, let’s just enjoy watching two of the greatest heavyweights of their generation while we still can.