O n December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will fight again, following a classic first meeting back in May. After a back-and-forth battle more than worthy of the hype, Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) was awarded a split decision and became the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield more than two decades earlier. Unfortunately, like Lewis, Usyk’s undisputed reign would not last long, due to politics. Lewis lost his undisputed status just months after beating Holyfield when he elected to fight WBC mandatory Michael Grant next rather than facing John
many fans, especially given that Usyk had already defeated both men rather decisively in prior bouts. Despite the lack of “undisputed” distinction, Usyk vs. Fury II remains perhaps the most globally anticipated rematch in boxing since Canelo Alvarez and Gennadiy Golovkin met for a second time in Las Vegas six years ago. So, can Usyk flip the adage “a good big man always beats a good little man” upside down once again? Or can Fury turn the tide and become a world champion for the third time in his career? Let’s quickly revisit the highlights of the first fight, which also took place in Riyadh earlier this year, and then break down what we learned about both fighters’ strengths and vulnerabilities.
Ruiz, the WBA mandatory. Ruiz took the matter to court, citing a clause in the Lewis-Holyfield contract that stated the winner’s first defense as undisputed champion would be against the WBA’s number one contender. The court ruled in favor of Ruiz, and the WBA subsequently stripped Lewis. Fast-forward to this June. After suffering his first professional defeat to Usyk, Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) enacted the rematch clause written into their contract. Usyk accepted, and the IBF immediately stripped him for not fighting Daniel Dubois, the interim titleholder who was subsequently upgraded to full champion status. Dubois would go on to defend the belt by knocking out Anthony Joshua in September. The situation frustrated
Fury found success with his uppercuts during the middle rounds of the first fight.
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