Boxing fans are eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, set for December 22, 2023, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This showdown not only marks the continuation of their rivalry but also presents Usyk's opportunity to defend his heavyweight titles, having previously claimed victory over Fury by split decision.
Usyk, undefeated with a record of 22-0, aims to cement his status as the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years. The stakes are equally high for Fury, who stands at 34-1-1 and seeks to erase his only professional loss. A considerable prize purse estimated at $190 million, along with the prospect of extending their rivalry to a trilogy, surrounds this event.
The fight card kicks off at 2:30 AM AEDT on December 22, with Usyk and Fury expected to make their ring walks around 9:15 AM AEDT. Fans can catch every moment live at their preferred venues or via streaming on DAZN, with the pay-per-view price set at 29.99 AUD.
Tyson Fury has come prepared, weighing the heaviest of his career at 281 pounds (127.4 kg), which he believes will support his strategy of physically dominating Usyk, who weighed in at 226 pounds. Fury left little doubt about his intentions, single-mindedly declaring to the media, "War." The English heavyweight expressed his readiness to bring aggression and intensity to the match.
The rematch differs from their first encounter, not only due to the stakes involved but also as both fighters have had time to analyze and modify their tactics. Usyk's victory in May 2023 saw him knock Fury down at one point and claimed him the undisputed champion at heavyweight. For this reason, the Ukrainian is viewed as more than just the reigning champion; he is seen as poised to potentially earn accolades as Fighter of the Year with another commanding performance.
Both fighters engaged with the media leading up to the event, and remarks made by them give insight not only to their boxing skills but also to their mental preparation. "The ring is home. It's a special place for me," Usyk stated, emphasizing his intense emotional connection to the sport. He added, "There are many times I wanted to give up, where I came home crying on my pillows... But then I wake up and say to myself, 'You should keep going. You should be a man and just do it.'" Usyk’s potential victory would also resonate deeply across his home nation, as Ukraine continues to endure the impacts of war.
Meanwhile, Fury has shown surprising composure as he prepares to step back inside the ring against Usyk, acknowledging the magnitude of the bout but claiming he feels no pressure. "I don't feel any pressure at all. Just go in there and do what I've got to do and get out of there," he told the media. With confidence emanated from his words, he added, "For the record, I'm going to absolutely annihilate this m-----f----- on Saturday night. No retirement. I'm cleaning them all out, and he's going to be the first." This adds to the electric atmosphere surrounding the bout.
With the pre-fight hype building and fight week reaching its peak, boxing enthusiasts are treating themselves to the prospects of what this rematch will deliver. Usyk's strategic prowess and Fury's natural boxing talent promise to lead to another enthralling match, and boxing aficionados will not want to miss this grand event.
The event not only signifies excitement for fight fans, but it has also become part of Saudi Arabia's ambitious sports portfolio, which aims to host high-profile events and diversify the economy beyond oil. Following their first encounter, this rematch foreshadows the continuing rivalry and legacies of two of the sport's modern titans.
