Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are set to reignite their rivalry tonight, December 21, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as the two heavyweight boxing giants prepare for their highly anticipated rematch. Following their first face-off, which took place seven months ago, Usyk emerged victorious with a split-decision win, marking Fury’s first defeat as a professional boxer and earning him the distinction of being the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis.
Usyk’s victory not only claimed him the titles but also came after he controlled the match, particularly during the latter rounds, nearly stopping Fury at one point. With Fury sporting a record of 34 wins against 1 loss, the 'Gypsy King' is eager to reclaim his status and avenge his only professional setback. The stakes remain high, as Fury aims to avoid consecutive losses for the first time.
Despite Usyk having vacated the IBF title since their first encounter, the rematch will see three titles - the WBA (Super), WBC, and WBO - on the line. Fury is determined to reclaim glory after relinquishing his WBC belt earlier this year, and the pressure mounts as he enters the ring again after months of rigorous training:
“I haven’t even spoken to my wife,” Fury shared, emphasizing his intense preparations. “I’m focused completely on this rematch.”
The fight is set against the backdrop of increased excitement due to additional matches on the undercard, which features notable fighters like Moses Itauma, who aims to showcase his skills against Demsey McKean. With the main event scheduled to begin around 10 PM GMT, Fury will be putting everything on the line for his chance at redemption.
Fury, weighing in at his heaviest ever at 281 pounds, expressed confidence about his performance. “I think he had his best shots to get me out of there and didn’t do it. This time, he’s going to feel the wrath and the menace,” Fury boasted. Meanwhile, Usyk, also weighing heavier this time at 226 pounds, is prepared to defend his titles. “I’ll try again, and I feel good. The 13th round continues,” Usyk asserted, indicating he still feels the momentum from their previous clash.
Fans can watch the action live on DAZN, Sky Sports Box Office, and TNT Sports Box Office, with the event costing around £24.99. The preliminary fights kick off early evening, leading up to the main event. Broadcast coverage starts at 4 PM GMT with the whole boxing card featuring eight matches:
Undercard Matches Include:
- Serhii Bohachuk vs Ishmael Davis - Light Middleweight
- Moses Itauma vs Demsey McKean - Heavyweight
- Johnny Fisher vs Dave Allen - Heavyweight
- Peter McGrail vs Rhys Edwards - Super Bantamweight
- Isaac Lowe vs Lee McGregor - Featherweight
- Daniel Lapin vs Dylan Colin - Light Heavyweight
- Andrii Novytskyi vs Edgar Ramirez - Heavyweight
- Mohammed Alakel vs Joshua Ocampo - Super Featherweight
The tension leading up to the fight has been palpable, marked by moments such as the embarrassing failed pre-fight drug test causing one fighter to withdraw. Nevertheless, the energy remains high as both boxers look to prove themselves.
With intense preparations and dedicated fan interest, the rematch promises to deliver electrifying moments reminiscent of their first bout, with more than just titles at stake; reputations and careers hang in the balance. Who will emerge victorious tonight, and can Fury reclaim his crown as heavyweight champion? Fans are eagerly waiting to find out.
