By In a highly anticipated rematch set for December 21 at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena, Tyson Fury will look to reclaim his WBC world heavyweight title from Oleksandr Usyk, who claimed victory in their last bout in May. The original fight in Saudi Arabia marked Fury’s first career loss and saw Usyk become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era and the first since Lennox Lewis in 1999. The close contest ended with Usyk winning by a split decision, though Fury’s promoter Frank Warren believes Fury showed he could still “hurt” Usyk, recalling a powerful seventh-round uppercut that left Usyk visibly shaken.
Warren described Fury’s seventh-round attack as pivotal, noting that Fury’s momentum faltered after Usyk landed a solid counter in the following round, affecting Fury’s performance.
Despite this, Warren sees potential for Fury to succeed in the rematch, as he claims Usyk’s vulnerability was evident, especially when pressured to the body.
Reflecting on the rematch, Warren predicts another thrilling fight, calling the original contest “the best fight of the 21st century at that level.” Both fighters, undefeated until now, have gained insights into each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and Warren is confident that Fury can capitalize on this experience.
The Fury camp has made adjustments, with Warren hinting that there may be a more streamlined corner presence this time, following concerns about the clarity of instructions during the May fight. Warren emphasized the importance of a calm, strategic approach, especially after emotions flared in Fury’s corner during the previous bout.
With their initial face-off leaving many fans divided on the outcome, the December showdown is expected to provide final answers on which heavyweight will emerge as the ultimate champion.
