Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury II Tips & Preview
The highly anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury is nearly upon us and fans should be in for a treat in Riyadh.
Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) made history in May during the first fight, as he became the modern era's first four-belt heavyweight champion.
The Ukrainian produced a boxing masterclass to win via a split decision and he will now look to build on that display when the two men head to the Kingdom Arena for a second time.
Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) was in charge for most of the first fight before getting hurt and he has vowed to send the former undisputed cruiserweight world champion into retirement.
Tip 1 - Oleksandr Usyk to win by decision @ 15/8
Boxing fans will have been treated to two brilliant matchups by the end of 2024 as Fury and Usyk prepare to meet for a second time.
Experts could not split the pair ahead of their first fight and, while many are on the fence this time, it is Usyk who is the 8/11 favourite.
Usyk became the first man to unify the heavyweight division in 25 years in May, while he also handed Fury his first defeat as a professional.
While his performance deserved special praise, there were some close rounds that could have gone either way and Fury left the ring with his reputation intact.
Usyk used his boxing IQ and fast hands to unsettle Fury and the 37-year-old has proved too good for every one of his professional opponents.
The former Olympic gold medallist has also beaten the likes of Marco Huck, Mairis Briedis, Murat Gassiev, Tony Bellew, Derek Chisora, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois – and that list of names exemplifies the quality that Usyk possesses.
As a cruiserweight he was strong and powerful while, at heavyweight, he has proven too quick and clever for some of his bigger rivals.
Fury was Usyk's toughest test at heavyweight as the Manchester fighter is fast and awkward and carries power throughout the 12 rounds.
Usyk, like he has with previous opponents, managed to work his way into the fight and hurt Fury badly with a quickfire one-two. While the bell saved the Briton, Usyk could have put his foot on the gas and gone all out for the stoppage.
In the rematch both men have vowed to learn their lessons and improve and that is what makes this contest so fascinating. The two men are two of the best fighters of their generation and they will once again put on a show for the fans.
Fury looked to tire in the first fight and he has vowed to be more aggressive but Usyk is arguably the smartest fighter on the planet and, if he needs to adjust his gameplan, he can do just that to win.
Tip 2 - Under 1.5 knockdowns @ 1/2
The first fight will be remembered for Fury's refusal to quit and touch the canvas – but he was hurt and he will need to be wary of Usyk's speed.
Usyk gave away two stones in weight, six inches in height and seven inches in reach and still won but he is not known for his concussive power at heavyweight.
While Usyk clearly had the Gypsy King rocked, he failed to stop him and he has only recorded one stoppage win at heavyweight, against Daniel Dubois in August 2023.
Fury has the power to hurt Usyk and in the early stages of the first fight he did seem to have him in trouble.
At 36, Fury is not the fighter he once was and the question is will he be unable to pin down Usyk regularly? The Ukrainian dances around the ring and he is able to tire his opponents out with his relentless pressure.
Fury's biggest wins have come against slow and big targets, the likes of Dillian Whyte, Chisora and Deontay Wilder.
Usyk is harder to hit and, because of that, Fury will not be able to land with full power.
The Ukrainian should face a fitter and more focused Fury, so it is also unlikely the Manchester boxer will be hurt as badly as he was in the first fight when he let his guard down.
Overall, Saturday's matchup promises to be another fascinating chess match between two of the best in the modern era, but Usyk's ring IQ and speed should see him have his hand raised after 12 pulsating rounds.