Tyson Fury takes on Oleksandr Usyk again tonight
Boxing history is set to be rewritten tonight as heavyweight titans Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury face off for the second time. In their first encounter in May, Usyk made history by becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999, after he became the first to defeat the ‘Gypsy King’ in a professional bout.
With a potential third fight on the horizon, it’s safe to say that tonight’s showdown will once again exceed expectations, serving as an early Christmas gift for boxing fans. The co-main event features Serhii Bohachuk and Ishmael Davis in what promises to be another thrilling match on the pay-per-view card.
Tonight also marks the return of Moses Itauma, who continues to impress every time he steps into the ring. Also on the undercard, rising British star Johnny Fisher will be aiming to maintain his unbeaten record. Here’s all you need to know about tonight’s bouts…
Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk – 11pm UK time.
The main event features a thrilling face-off between two of the world’s top heavyweights. The duo will clash for the second time as Usyk seeks to definitively end the rivalry with another victory over the ‘Gypsy King’. Fury, 36, appears composed in the lead-up to the fight, seemingly aware of the challenge ahead amid rumours of a potential trilogy bout. Given the outcome of their first encounter, boxing enthusiasts can anticipate another electrifying showdown.
Sergei Bohachuk vs Ishmael Davis – 9.30pm
Tonight’s schedule originally included a match between Sergei Bohachuk and Israil Madrimov, which promised to be an exciting clash between two elite fighters. However, due to medical reasons, Madrimov had to withdraw from the fight. Ishmael Davis was quick to step in. The Brit enters the fight following a close loss to Josh Kelly in September, while Bohachuk aims to return to winning ways.
Moses Itauma vs Demsey McKean – 8.30pm
One of the more captivating undercard fights sees Moses Itauma take the spotlight as he aims to demonstrate why he is currently one of the most discussed fighters in the sport. At just 19, the undefeated Brit has only gone the full distance twice in his career and enters the fight on the back of a knockout win against Mariusz Wach. Despite Itauma’s confidence, Demsey McKean is not to be underestimated, with his only career loss coming at the hands of Filip Hrgovic.
Johnny Fisher vs Dave Allen – 7.30pm
Johnny Fisher, who has become somewhat of a national icon in the past year or so, is not only popular on social media but also impresses with his boxing skills. At 25, ‘The Romford Bull’ gets to display his talent on a grand platform. With an unbeaten record of 12-0, the Brit has emerged as a real knockout specialist and is set to challenge the seasoned Dave Allen. After experiencing his sixth career loss to Frazer Clarke last year, Allen enters tonight’s bout with two victories under his belt and aims to leverage his experience in Riyadh.
Peter McGrail vs Rhys Edwards – 6.30pm
Peter McGrail was originally slated to fight Dennis McCann, but McCann was disqualified from the match after failing a drug test just days before the event. Nevertheless, McGrail will stay on the card and is now set to face undefeated star Rhys Edwards. McGrail suffered the first defeat of his professional career last year against Ja’Rico O’Quinn. However, with two victories this year, the Liverpudlian is brimming with confidence as he seeks to hand Edwards his first professional loss.
Isaac Lowe vs Lee McGregor – 5.30pm
Tyson Fury’s long-time friend Isaac Lowe is set to compete on the undercard of tonight’s fight, following a four-fight winning streak. Despite recent victories, including a points win over Hasibullah Ahmadi, his opponent Lee McGregor will be a tough challenge.
Daniel Lapin vs Dylan Colin – 4.30pm
Daniel Lapin, Usyk’s training partner, will also be in action later this evening in Riyadh. The undefeated Ukrainian star impressed on the Fury vs Usyk I undercard and faces Dylan Colin, who is yet to taste defeat.
Andrii Novytskyi vs Edgar Ramirez – 3.30pm
Andrii Novytskyi, another undefeated star, will take on Edgar Ramirez in the heavyweight division. Novytskyi has been impressive since his professional debut last year, with 10 of his 13 wins coming by knockout. Ramirez, however, comes into the clash off the back of a win against Luis Pascual. Mohammed Alakel and Joshua Ocampo are also set to face off.
Mohammed Alakel vs Joshua Ocampo – 3pm
Local boxing sensation Mohammed Alakel is set to participate in his second professional fight on the undercard of Fury vs Usyk II. Alakel, who made a successful debut on the Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol undercard by defeating Jesus Gonzalez from Colombia, is anticipated to deliver another stellar performance against Joshua Ocampo, despite Ocampo’s 33 career losses.