Boxing Rematch Stokes Intrigue: Usyk-Fury II Set for December 21 in Riyadh
On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh announced that the highly anticipated rematch between heavyweight champions Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will take place on December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The boxing world is now eagerly anticipating whether the rematch will be a repeat of Usyk’s previous victory or if Fury can exact his revenge.
In their first bout on May 18, Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) held a three-point lead on two scorecards after seven rounds, but Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) rallied in the later rounds, rocking Fury and scoring a knockdown en route to a split-decision triumph.
“Tyson Fury is damaged goods” and no longer trusts his own chin, pointing to the knockdowns he has suffered in recent fights.
Analysts and former world champions Timothy Bradley Jr., Paulie Malignaggi, and Chris Algieri weighed in on the potential strategies and outcomes for the rematch. Bradley was blunt in his assessment, stating that “Tyson Fury is damaged goods” and no longer trusts his own chin, pointing to the knockdowns he has suffered in recent fights.
Malignaggi and Algieri echoed concerns about Fury’s punch resistance, suggesting that the wear and tear from his trilogy with Deontay Wilder may have “dented the chin.” As a result, they believe Fury’s best path to victory is to maintain a safe distance and relax, using his physical advantages of size, height, and reach to his benefit.
Conversely, Algieri expressed confidence that the savvy “Gypsy King” will make the necessary adjustments, potentially by packing on more weight to enhance his physical edge. Bradley, however, believes Fury must focus on improving his conditioning to avoid the “mental drain” he experienced in the first fight.
Eagerly Awaited Rematch
Ultimately, the boxing world eagerly awaits the December 21 rematch in Riyadh, as the debate continues over whether Usyk’s triumph will be repeated or if Fury can exact his revenge.
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