Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2: Date confirmed for undisputed heavyweight rematch

Tom Gray

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Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2: Date confirmed for undisputed heavyweight rematch image

No time has been wasted in securing a date for the much-anticipated rematch between undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and the man he conquered, Tyson Fury. Per Turki Alalshikh's official Twitter (X) account, the sequel will take place on December 21.

Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) scored a 12-round split decision over “The Gypsy King” on May 18 in Riyadh. The Ukrainian southpaw floored Fury in round nine and got the better of a close and competitive battle that did wonders for the heavyweight division. Fury boxed very well in that fight and his desire to take the rematch was almost immediate.

Originally, Usyk vs. Fury 2 was to take place in October, but that would have been a very quick turnaround. The first bout was punishing and both men had stop-start camps due to postponements. The December date gives the fighters a chance to regroup before commencing a new training camp.

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Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) was a slight favourite to defeat Usyk in the first encounter, but he'll be the underdog this time around. Usyk's ring craft and hand speed trumped the Englishman's size and strength, so a new game plan is required if Fury is to avenge his first professional defeat.

The first fight was a classic and lived up to the hype. If the rematch is half as good, then it'll be worth waiting for.

Tom Gray

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Tom Gray joined The Sporting News in 2022 after over a decade at Ring Magazine where he served as managing editor. Tom retains his position on The Ring ratings panel and is a full member of the Boxing Writers Association of America.