Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will fight in a highly anticipated rematch on December 21, 2024, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The fight comes just seven months after Usyk handed Fury his first professional defeat, winning by a split decision in May to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era.
Although the stakes are high, Usyk is defending his WBC, WBO, and WBA titles against Fury, who is eager to reclaim his championship.
The bout, billed as “Reighnited,” will see Fury (35 years old) aiming to avenge his earlier loss and regain the titles he lost.
In the first encounter, Usyk knocked Fury down in the ninth round and outlanded him significantly, landing 170 punches compared to Fury’s 157. Usyk’s accuracy was also notable, connecting 42% of his total punches to Fury’s 32%.
The rematch promises to be an intense showdown as both fighters have vowed to come back stronger. “I’m going to inflict a lot of pain.” Fury declared during a recent press conference, emphasizing a more aggressive approach this time around.
The fight night is expected to commence with undercard bouts starting at 5 PM GMT, while the main event ring walks are anticipated around 10 PM GMT (1 AM local time) on December 22.
Analysts suggest that Fury needs to maintain pressure on Usyk and target his body effectively to disrupt the Ukrainian rhythm.
The boxing expert Richie Woodhall said, “He has to hold the center of the ring a lot better.”
In preparation for this critical rematch, both fighters have undergone rigorous training camps. Fury has reportedly bulked up in weight to make him prepare against Usyk, who is known for his speed and agility.
“When a 20-stone man hits you on the jaw…it’s a bit different,” Fury remarked about his increased mass.
Meanwhile, Usyk has expressed confidence in maintaining his unbeaten record but acknowledges the challenges posed by Fury’s size and experience.
The psychological warfare between the two has also intensified leading up to this fight. An 11-minute faceoff during a recent press conference captured significant media attention, showcasing their fierce rivalry.
As both fighters prepare for battle, fans and experts alike are eager to see who will emerge victorious in this pivotal moment for heavyweight boxing.
With only three of the four championship belts on the line, Usyk vacated the IBF title. This rematch not only represents a chance for Fury to reclaim his legacy but also solidifies Usyk’s status as one of boxing’s elite if he can secure another victory.
The outcome of this bout could set the stage for future high-stakes matchups in the heavyweight division.