Usyk will fight again for the WBA, WBC, and WBO titles on December 21 after winning a split decision on points in their May first meeting.
After losing his undefeated record to the Ukrainian, Tyson Fury declared he would defeat Oleksandr Usyk in a rematch of their undisputed heavyweight champion of the world bout.
Oleksandr Usyk (L) fights against Tyson Fury during a heavyweight boxing world championship fight at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on May 19, 2024. Photo: Fayez NURELDINE / AFP
Usyk will fight again for the WBA, WBC, and WBO titles in Riyadh on December 21 after winning a split decision on points in their May first meeting.Before taking on Usyk in the Saudi capital, Fury had gone 35 professional fights undefeated and, if his record in rematches is any indication, he vowed to exact revenge in a spectacular fashion.After going the full 12 rounds against both in his first fight, the Englishman knocked out Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder when they faced each other for the second and third time in his career.During a press conference in London on Wednesday, Fury stated, “I need to be a little bit more focused and smart to get the victory.”
“I am hoping for something similar against Usyk because I always knock people out in my rematches.”In front of the cameras, Usyk, who has gone undefeated in his 22 professional fights, used the occasion to make fun of Fury.The 37-year-old, wearing a black suit, red tie, and black leather gloves, pulled out a picture of himself punching Fury from a suitcase and had his opponent sign it.As he reaffirmed his conviction that he has learnt from the shock of defeat, Fury, however, spoke the most.
“I think it is my time this time,” Fury continued. “Everything that happens, whether good or bad, is a lesson that we as humans must learn from.””What we know is to perform for the paying customer and to go out there and knock each other out.”All four heavyweight title belts are not up for grabs, unlike their first fight, since Usyk gave up the IBF title in June to Daniel Dubois, who defeated Anthony Joshua at Wembley last month.