Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are set to face off again in a heavyweight championship rematch on December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The fight follows Usyk's split decision victory over Fury in May, where he became the undisputed champion.
Eddie Hearn, a prominent boxing promoter, has changed his prediction for the upcoming bout. Initially, Hearn favored Usyk to win, citing his victory in the first fight and Fury's underdog status. He even stated, "My money, especially when he's won the first fight, will always be on Oleksandr Usyk."
However, Hearn recently revealed a shift in his perspective. During a new interview, he said, "If Fury wins ā and I'm actually leaning towards him, I've had a little bit of a [switch]." This change in opinion has caught the attention of boxing fans and analysts alike.
The first encounter between Fury and Usyk was a closely contested affair. Usyk managed to wobble Fury during the fight, ultimately securing a split decision victory and the undisputed championship. Fury, known as "The Gypsy King," wasted no time in activating the rematch clause after the loss.
Both fighters bring unique strengths to the ring. Fury, hailing from Morecambe, Britain, is known for his smart fighting style and high boxing IQ. He also benefits from a smart corner team. Usyk, the Ukrainian champion, matches Fury's boxing intelligence, making for an intriguing tactical battle.
Hearn's change of heart stems from more than just analysis. He admitted to a personal desire to see Fury win, primarily to set up a potential fight between Fury and Anthony Joshua. Hearn believes a Fury-Joshua matchup could be the biggest fight ever in the sport, potentially taking place at Wembley or in Riyadh.
"I want to see Tyson Fury win because I want to make AJ against Fury," Hearn explained during an interview with IFL TV. "That's the biggest fight out there in boxing."
However, Hearn's plans face a potential roadblock. If Fury wins, he's committed to a trilogy bout with Usyk, which could delay any potential showdown with Joshua. Despite this, Hearn remains determined to make the Fury-Joshua fight happen, regardless of the outcome of the Fury-Usyk rematch.
The boxing world will be watching closely on December 21 as Fury and Usyk step into the ring once again. With both fighters' high-level skills and the added intrigue of potential future matchups, this rematch promises to be a thrilling encounter for fight fans around the globe.
