The highly anticipated rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is set for December 21 in Saudi Arabia. This announcement follows Fury’s recent defeat to Usyk, where Usyk claimed victory through a split decision, becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion in Riyadh.
Usyk now holds the IBF, WBO, WBA, and WBC titles, making him the first unified heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999. Despite Fury’s belief that he had done enough to win, the judges favored Usyk, particularly after his powerful overhand left in the ninth round, which led to a standing count for Fury.
Initially, there was uncertainty about a rematch as Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, hinted at the possibility of retirement. However, Saudi Arabian sports authorities have confirmed that the rematch will take place at the end of the year.
In related news, Tyson Fury has expressed his desire to fight Anthony Joshua twice – once in Saudi Arabia and once in London. Fury, who will face Usyk on May 18 in Saudi Arabia, emphasized his plan to take on Joshua after dealing with Usyk.
Fury noted that Usyk, who defeated Joshua twice in 2022, was handsomely paid to lose to him on May 18. “If you are Usyk and you are paid a lot of money to lose against me, but you already have the rematch, then why would you not want it?” Fury commented during a press conference.
He added, “Usyk beat Joshua twice – the first was a boxing lesson, and the second was closer, but he lost both fair and square. Now, it’s my turn and Usyk’s turn. After I have dealt with Usyk twice, then I will take on Joshua twice, once in Saudi and once in London.”
The Fury-Usyk fight was initially delayed due to an injury Fury sustained in his bout with crossover boxer Francis Ngannou.
