Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury are set to step into the ring again on December 21. The two top heavyweights will battle for three of the four major world titles in a rematch that fans can't wait to see.
Their first fight in May didn't disappoint. Fans saw a great display of boxing skill, ring smarts, and athleticism from both men. Usyk came out on top after 12 rounds, landing a big shot in the ninth that helped seal the deal.
Fury claims he wasn't at his best in that fight, saying he took his eye off the ball and was coasting. Now, he's got a chance to prove it was just an off night.
Former world champion Shawn Porter thinks Fury will do just that. In a recent interview, Porter said:
"I expect him to win this rematch. He's bigger than Usyk, and that size advantage that he has, he, unlike most fighters, knows how to use that size, that reach, that speed, I think the whole fight will play out how the first half of the first fight played out. A very focused and determined Fury is a quiet and relentless Fury."
Porter points to Fury's size advantage and his skill in using it. He also believes we'll see a more focused version of "The Gypsy King" this time around. Porter reminds us of how Fury dominated his rematches with Deontay Wilder, showing he knows how to adjust and improve.
But Porter added a word of caution for the British heavyweight: "Fury has to dominate this fight and he can't afford to let himself get caught off guard."
The stakes are high, but not quite as high as before. Usyk gave up the IBF belt, so now they're fighting for three of the four major world titles instead of all four.
Both Usyk, the fleet-footed southpaw from Ukraine, and Fury, Britain's larger-than-life champion, have proven they're at the top of their game. Their clash on December 21 will show who's truly the king of the heavyweight division.