Hasim Rahman, the former heavyweight champion, believes Oleksandr Usyk will knock out Tyson Fury in their rematch. The two heavyweights are set to face off again on December 21 in Saudi Arabia, with three of the four world title belts on the line.
Usyk won their first fight in May. The Ukrainian took the lead in the ninth round and landed a big shot that sent Fury reeling around the ropes, resulting in a 10 count. Usyk won the close fight, securing his place in heavyweight history.
Since then, Usyk vacated the IBF belt to honor the rematch clause. Daniel Dubois picked up the vacant title and defended it against Anthony Joshua last month.
The boxing world can't agree on whether Fury can improve in the rematch. Lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson backs the bigger man, Fury. But Rahman, who famously knocked out Lennox Lewis as a huge underdog, sees it differently.
In an interview with FightHype, Rahman said:
"Well, I think that Deontay Wilder got a big play in this Uysk and Tyson Fury rematch. I believe that Wilder and Fury took everything out of each other. I think they're both shells of their former selves and I believe that Usyk will win this rematch by stoppage. I know he can drop him and hurt him and now the confidence is there. I think he can win by stoppage."
Rahman points to Deontay Wilder's impact on Fury as a key factor. He thinks their fights took a toll on both men, leaving them shadows of their former selves. The former champ also noted that Usyk has proven he can hurt Fury and now has the confidence to finish the job.
The winner of this much-anticipated rematch will likely face Daniel Dubois in the new year, with the chance to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
