On 21st December 2024, the boxing world will come to a standstill as Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk meet for the second time in what promises to be a historic showdown for the WBA, IBA, WBO and WBC heavyweight titles.
Fans and pundits are already buzzing about this monumental clash, with both fighters aiming to cement their legacies as two of the greatest heavyweights ever. Here, we look closer at their first encounter, their career histories, and the key statistics ahead of the rematch.
Bet365 Sport are offering the current odds on the fight as follows (correct as of Sunday 15th December 2024).
Usyk’s most likely method of victory, according to the bet365 odds, is a Unanimous Decision on points (3.60), while Fury’s most likely way to win would be a Technical Knockout (5.50).
It is worth noting that bet365 is offering a Bet Builder option for the Fury v Usyk 2 fight, where customers can combine different selections into a single bet.
The first meeting between Fury and Usyk, held on 18th May 2024, was a thrilling and tactical battle that captured the imagination of boxing fans around the globe. The fight, contested in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was a unification bout for all four major heavyweight titles. It marked the first time in over two decades that the heavyweight division had a chance to crown an undisputed champion.
The fight was originally scheduled to take place on the 23rd December 2023, but was moved after Tyson Fury fought MMA star Francis Ngannou in October 2023. The new date was set to February 17th 2024, but a cut Fury sustained in training saw the fight moved to the 18th May 2024.
The match was a clash of contrasting styles: Fury, the towering 6ft 9in “Gypsy King,” utilised his size, reach, and unorthodox movement, while Usyk, the 6ft 3in Ukrainian maestro, relied on his impeccable footwork, sharp counters, and high boxing IQ. The fight lived up to expectations, with both fighters having their moments.
Usyk’s speed and precision saw him dominate the early rounds, landing crisp combinations and frustrating Fury with his elusive movement. However, Fury’s relentless pressure, feints, and ability to adjust mid-fight turned the tide in the latter rounds, especially the final two rounds.
Despite this, many experts felt Usyk was robbed of a knockout in Round 9 when he had Tyson Fury on the floor, with the Gypsy King in real trouble of being knocked out. Despite looking out on his feet, the referee let the fight continue until Fury went down again. He took a standing count at which point the round ended, saving the Gypsy King from a potential knockout.
After 12 gruelling rounds, the judges’ scorecards saw Usyk win by a split decision: 115-112, 114-113 for Usyk on two judges cards, and 114-113 for Fury on the other. While a close fight, the majority of fans and pundits watching on felt that Usyk had dominated the fight and was fully deserving of a unanimous victory.
The stats also bore that out with Usyk landing 42% of his punches compared to 32% for Fury.
The result saw Usyk named the first undisputed heavyweight world champion since Lennox Lewis achieved the feat in 1999. However, a short time later, Usyk declined to fight a mandatory challenger for the IBF belt and relinquished it.
Daniel Dubois defeated Anthony Joshua to claim that vacated IBF bet earlier this year. He may be a potential future opponent for the winner of Fury v Usyk 2.
Tyson Fury, born on 12th August 1988 in Manchester, England, has become one of boxing’s most charismatic and polarising figures.
Fury began boxing at the age of 10, initially trained by his family members Fury didn’t compete in the Olympics but amassed a good amateur record of 31-4 (26 KOs) before he turned professional in 2008.
Fury’s career has been marked by remarkable comebacks, both inside and outside the ring. After capturing the unified heavyweight titles in a stunning upset against Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, Fury took a hiatus from the sport as he battled mental health issues and substance abuse.
He returned to the ring in 2018, embarking on an extraordinary journey that saw him defeat Deontay Wilder twice, drawing the first bout (though many experts feel he won that too) in a historic trilogy to claim the WBC heavyweight title. Known for his unorthodox style, exceptional ring IQ, and ability to adapt, Fury remained undefeated in until he faced Usyk in their first fight back in May 2024.
Oleksandr Usyk, born on 17th January 1987 in Simferopol, Ukraine, is widely regarded as one of the most skilled boxers of his generation. An Olympic Gold Medallist, he amassed a sensational amateur career, ending with a 335-15 record before becoming professional.
In the professional ranks, he began as a cruiserweight, becoming an undisputed cruiserweight world champion. After unifying the division, Usyk moved up to heavyweight in 2019 and quickly proved his mettle by defeating top contenders and champions alike.
His career-defining moment came in 2021 when he outclassed Anthony Joshua to capture the WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles, repeating the feat in their rematch in 2022.
Usyk’s success lies in his technical brilliance, exceptional conditioning, and ability to outmanoeuvre much larger opponents. With his clean-cut image and unwavering discipline, Usyk has become a hero in Ukraine and a respected figure in global boxing.
| Attribute | Tyson Fury | Oleksandr Usyk |
| Nickname | The Gypsy King | The Cat |
| Height | 6ft 9in (206cm) | 6ft 3in (191cm) |
| Reach | 85in (216cm) | 78in (198cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox/Switch | Southpaw |
| Age | 36 | 37 |
| Professional Record | 34-1-1 (24 KOs) | 22-0-0 (14 KOs) |
| Titles | None | WBA, IBO, WBC, WBO, The Ring & Lineal Champion |
For Fury, the key to victory in Fury v Usyk 2 lies in imposing his size and reach advantage. At 6ft 9in and with an 85-inch reach, Fury must keep Usyk at bay with his jab and prevent the Ukrainian from getting inside to work his combinations. Fury’s ability to switch stances and utilise his feints will also be crucial in disrupting Usyk’s rhythm. Something he failed to do well in the first fight between the two.
Fury’s stamina and durability are well-documented, and he will likely aim to drag Usyk into deep waters, where his size and power could become decisive. If Fury can establish his dominance early and land his trademark overhand right, he has the tools to stop Usyk or secure a points victory. However, he has to learn from the first fight when he was showboating, that he cannot do that against a quality opponent such as Usyk.
Usyk’s path to victory in Fury v Usyk 2 hinges on his speed, footwork, and ability to control the pace of the fight. As the smaller man, Usyk must stay mobile, using lateral movement to avoid Fury’s power punches and create angles for his own offence. His southpaw stance could also pose problems for Fury, who has struggled at times against left-handed opponents.
Usyk’s conditioning and mental focus will be vital. He cannot afford to lose concentration against a fighter as unpredictable as Fury. If Usyk can maintain a high work rate and land scoring punches consistently, he has the skills to outpoint the bigger man, or even knock him out as he almost did in Round Nine of the first fight.
Fury’s career highlights include victories over Wladimir Klitschko, Deontay Wilder, and Derek Chisora. Known for his resilience and adaptability, Fury has demonstrated the ability to rise from the canvas and turn the tide in his favour. His size and unpredictability make him a tough opponent. However, Usyk did find weaknesses in Fury’s defence in the first fight, which the Gypsy King will need to have resolved.
Usyk’s impeccable record features wins over elite fighters such as Anthony Joshua, Murat Gassiev, Daniel Dubois, Dereck Chisora, Tyson Fury and Tony Bellew. His mastery of the sweet science has made him a nightmare for opponents of all sizes. Perhaps only Saul Canelo and Terence Crawford can claim to be pound-for-pound the equal of Usyk at present.
The rematch between Fury and Usyk is about more than just titles; it’s about legacy. Both fighters have achieved extraordinary feats in their careers, but the winner on 21st December will etch their name in history as one of the best heavyweights ever.
For Fury, victory would see him gain revenge for his sole career loss back in May and affirm his claim as the greatest heavyweight of his generation.
For Usyk, a second win over Fury it would solidify his status as the best heavyweight of the current generation bar none, and one of the all-time pound-for-pound greats.
The stakes could not be higher, and the boxing world will be watching intently as these two titans collide once more. Whether it’s Fury’s power and unpredictability or Usyk’s precision and discipline, this rematch promises to be a fight for the ages.
Much will depend on how both fighters prepare and approach for the fight. Usyk v Fury 2 promises to be a Christmas cracker! Who are you betting on to land the win?
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