The much-anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury is set to take place this Saturday night in Saudi Arabia. This fight has captured the attention of boxing enthusiasts worldwide due to Usyk’s previous victory, claiming the title as the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years.
The rematch will see Usyk defending his WBC, WBA, and WBO belts at the Kingdom Arena, the same venue that hosted their intense bout in May. The previous fight saw Usyk winning by a split decision, with scorecards reading 115-112 and 114-113 in his favor, while one judge sided with Fury at 114-113. Although Fury led in the initial rounds, Usyk managed to turn the tables with a significant rally, nearly concluding the match in the ninth round with a knockdown.
Taking place as a pay-per-view event on DAZN, the 12-round match will commence with the ring walk expected at 5 p.m. Eastern, translating to 10 p.m. in London and 1 a.m. in Riyadh. The betting landscape presents Usyk as a slight favorite with 3/4 odds according to BetMGM Sportsbook, while Fury stands at 11/10 odds, showcasing the competitive nature of the rematch.
The stakes of this fight extend beyond the championship belts. For Usyk, who remains undefeated at 22-0, this rematch represents an opportunity to solidify his legacy amidst the ongoing turmoil in his home country, Ukraine. On the other hand, Fury, holding a record of 34-1-1, aims to overturn his sole professional defeat and has expressed his interest in potentially pursuing a third encounter should he emerge victorious. With a staggering purse of $190 million reported, both fighters stand to gain significantly from this event, further amplified by the possibility of a trilogy fight.
In addition to the main event, the undercard features promising matches, including heavyweight Moses Itauma, who will defend his pristine 10-0 record against Australian competitor Demsey McKean. Another anticipated match pits the undefeated British heavyweight Johnny Fisher against veteran David Allen. The opening match kicks off at 11 a.m. Eastern, promising a full day of thrilling boxing action.
As the rematch approaches, the boxing community is abuzz with anticipation. The fight not only promises an intense sporting showdown but also carries immense personal significance for both athletes. With a backdrop of high stakes and considerable financial implications, Usyk and Fury are poised to deliver a memorable spectacle.
Source: Local10
