Tyson Fury Seeks Redemption in Blockbuster Rematch Against Oleksandr Usyk
…Riyadh Set to Host Unified Heavyweight Title Fight on December 21
In a highly anticipated rematch, Tyson Fury is set to challenge Oleksandr Usyk for the unified WBC, WBA, and WBO world heavyweight titles on December 21 during the Riyadh Season event, broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office. The showdown comes after Usyk delivered a career-defining performance earlier this year, handing Fury his first professional defeat and becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion.
The initial encounter, held in May, saw Usyk clinch a split-decision victory, making him the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era and the first since Lennox Lewis in 1999. Despite Fury’s early dominance, Usyk staged a remarkable comeback midway through the fight. In a dramatic ninth round, the Ukrainian appeared on the brink of stopping ‘The Gypsy King,’ with the referee issuing a count after ruling that the ropes had saved Fury from a knockdown.
Ultimately, Usyk emerged victorious in a bout hailed as a heavyweight classic, marking Fury’s maiden defeat in his professional career. Now, Fury is determined to reclaim his titles and settle the score.
Speaking ahead of the rematch, Fury exuded confidence in his ability to turn the tables. “I always end up knocking them out in the rematch. Whoever I’ve faced more than once, I’ve ended up knocking them out,” Fury told Sky Sports.
“We’ve got to put that behind us, what happened in the fight. I have to be a little bit more focused and a little bit more smart to get the victory. I believe it’s my time this time. I believe that all things that happen, negative or positive, are lessons,” he added.
To facilitate this rematch, Usyk vacated the IBF title, paving the way for Daniel Dubois to claim and defend it against Anthony Joshua. Despite relinquishing the belt, Usyk remains unfazed, expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge.
“Just happy to fight. The second fight will be good. Tyson knows what I do. I know what Tyson does. It’s a great time for me, for my opponent. I’m very happy,” Usyk told Sky Sports.
Acknowledging Fury’s skill, he added, “My fight will be hard because Tyson’s a big man, a very good boxer, good boxing IQ. I see from Tyson Fury’s eyes, it was not easy [for him]. It will be hard, very, very hard. Tyson, don’t be afraid. I will not leave you alone.”
As fans eagerly await this historic clash, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With revenge, redemption, and the coveted unified titles on the line, Fury and Usyk are set to deliver another electrifying chapter in heavyweight boxing history.
