Usyk vs. Fury Rematch Set for December

The much-anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury has been confirmed for December 21, according to Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. This announcement follows Usyk’s victory over Fury by split decision on May 18, where he became the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era.

A Shift in Dates

Originally, the rematch was slated for October, but it has now been pushed back to December. Alalshikh shared the news on social media, emphasizing the significance of the upcoming fight: “The world will watch another historical fight again,” he stated. Although the exact venue has not been disclosed, the fight is expected to take place during Riyadh Season, an entertainment festival that has become a hub for major boxing events since its inception in 2019.

Usyk’s Accolades and Titles:

  • Undisputed Heavyweight Champion: First since Lennox Lewis in 1999.
  • Current Belts: WBA, WBO, IBF, and now WBC.
  • Undefeated Record: 22-0 in professional boxing.
  • Olympic Gold Medalist: 2012 London Olympics in the heavyweight division.
  • Former Undisputed Cruiserweight Champion: Held all four major belts at cruiserweight before moving up to heavyweight.

The Stakes and Challenges

Usyk, who is 37 years old and has won all 22 of his professional fights, added Fury’s WBC belt to his WBA, WBO, and IBF titles after their first encounter in Riyadh. However, the rematch may not include all four belts, as the IBF is considering stripping Usyk of his title due to his failure to face its mandatory challenger. Usyk has requested an exception to keep the belt, with the IBF’s board of directors set to discuss the matter.

For Tyson Fury, the rematch offers a chance to reclaim his lost title and avenge the first defeat in his 16-year professional career. Despite being in control during the initial stages of their previous bout, Fury could not maintain his advantage against Usyk’s strategic brilliance. Many believe that with the right adjustments, Fury could potentially become a three-time world champion.

Expectations Rising

Should Usyk be forced to vacate the IBF title, the winner of the upcoming Filip Hrgovic vs. Daniel Dubois fight in Riyadh might face Anthony Joshua for the vacant belt. This development raises the possibility of a future clash between Fury and Joshua, which could unify all titles in 2025.

As the world awaits this December showdown, boxing fans are bracing for what promises to be another epic chapter in heavyweight history.