Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk face off (Image: Getty Images)
has backed to emerge victorious against his old adversary in their rematch.
Their initial bout back in May saw Usyk notch up a historic win over Fury with a highly contested split decision—the first professional defeat for ‘The Gypsy King’. The pivotal moment unfolded during the ninth round when Usyk landed a series of powerful punches on Fury, almost flooring him; the ropes were all that saved Fury from a knockout.
Watch Fury vs Usyk 2 for £24.99 on DAZN
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are set to lock horns again on December 21 with the Brit attempting to avenge his defeat by the Ukrainian in May.
You can watch the fight for £24.99 with DAZN pay-per-view.
Despite surviving the ordeal until the bell, Fury, 36, couldn’t reclaim control of the match, culminating in a loss on points. The judges were divided in their views with one favouring Fury whilst the other two deemed Usyk the clear conqueror. This forthcoming rematch has prompted commentary from many boxing legends.
Joshua, no stranger to Usyk having faced him twice before, has predicted another triumph for the Ukrainian fighter on Saturday. In his words: “I think it’s going to be a tough fight early on and then I feel like Usyk will edge it again,” acknowledging Usyk as a top-notch contender.
“He’s a class operator and I feel like Usyk’s one of the best out there. That’s why I think he’ll win.” Joshua is eager to finally face Fury in the ring and put an end to their long-standing rivalry. Yet, his aspirations took a hit when Frank Warren, Tyson Fury’s promoter, disclosed that Fury is obligated to a third bout with Usyk should he triumph in their upcoming clash.
Speaking to Boxing News, Warren confirmed, “Oh it does because it’s contracted. And whatever happens, that would be the case if Tyson wins… providing nobody retires.” Meanwhile, ‘The Gypsy King’ himself has played down the chances of a fight with Joshua, focusing instead on a trilogy with Usyk following a victory this Saturday. In a conversation with Al Arabiya, Fury stated, “When I win on Saturday night, I think there’s got to be a trilogy next year for sure,” adding, “Joshua’s in tatters at the moment. He has got to pick up the pieces from his last fight. But the fight with Usyk – one on Saturday and the one afterwards – would be fantastic for me.”
And in interview about the boxing game ‘Undisputed,’ Fury opened up about his intentions in the ring. He stated, “I needed to get Wilder out of there or he got me out of there and that’s the type of fight it had to be. It had to be a 50/50 gunsling with the biggest puncher in history or else he’d have chinned me in round nine. Going into the rematch with Usyk, it’s going to be the same. I’m going to roll the dice and it’s going to be you or me… best foot forward and swing away.
“I’ve never been afraid to get knocked spark out. I’ve always put it on the line every time. There’s no secret! I’m going in there to knock you out because I don’t think I’m going to get a decision no matter what I do. I don’t think I’m going to get a boxing decision, so I’m going to have to take it out of the judges hands like I did in America that time and I’ve got to get him (Usyk) out of there. Hand on heart, I have to get him out of there to see victory.”