Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will fight for the second time in Saudi Arabia in December after the Ukrainian won their thrilling opening encounter in May.
The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh will once again serve as the venue as Usyk puts his four world titles on the line: the WBA, WBO, IBO, and The Ring. The Gypsy King will be shooting for revenge against the man who dealt him the first loss of his career earlier this year, and a change in strategy may be needed to deliver it.
If Usyk manages to secure double success, on the other hand, he could build himself a straightforward path to winning back the IBF title and becoming the undisputed champion across all of the major boxing boards.
Let’s take a look at how the odds markets predict the rematch will go and what both fighters can learn and build on from the first bout.
Usyk is a big favourite
Usyk is thoroughly expected to retain his belts and deal a further blow to Fury’s once-invincible legacy in December, according to odds makers. In boxing betting at BetMGM, he is offered at -200 to make his superiority over the Gypsy King stick.
The Ukrainian’s position as a strong favourite is no surprise following the first meeting between the pair, which saw him get agonisingly close to knockout victory. The duo was expected to be fairly evenly matched going into the fight in May, but Usyk had the better of the proceedings and forced Fury into a reactive approach and out of his usual domineering stature.
BREAKING: USYK WIN
Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury by split decision (115-112, 114-113, 113-114)
Source: YahooSports pic.twitter.com/ZtgZ0NqTwr
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 18, 2024
Usyk could perhaps have the mental edge over Fury in return, as he and his opponent are now well aware that he has superior speed and agility and is quite capable of repeatedly firing significant blows quicker than Fury can respond.
However, there are still areas that the Ukrainian can improve going into the rematch, along with areas to build on, and the same can be said for the Gypsy King.
What can the pair learn from the first fight?
Usyk will not be targeting massive improvements after he controlled the opening fight in May, but he should be prepared for a much more front-footed Fury, who will look to get big blows off from the outset.
The Gypsy King hit several solid body shots that damaged the Ukrainian in the early rounds in May, and that is an area he will undoubtedly be targeting again in December.
Usyk is renowned for his ability to absorb power shots to his head, but he must improve when it comes to taking body shots if he wants to avoid a first career loss. He has few clear weaknesses to his game, but several of his previous victories – including his controversial 2023 win against Daniel Dubois described at Sporting News – were at one point in doubt due to a fierce body blow.
Fury’s most vital ingredients to potential success will come naturally, with revenge potentially on the agenda and his fighting legacy ultimately on the line.
The biggest change he will need to make in the rematch relates to strategy, as he was patient and allowed Usyk space to work in May. In December, he will need to take the initiative and be aggressive from the start in the blockbuster rematch that will commence after an exceptional undercard – listed in full at GiveMeSport – that will feature an all-British affair between Jonny Fisher and Dave Allen.
Fury vs Usyk 1 – Round 9
Battle reignited on December 21 ⚔️#FuryUsyk2 #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/hGfrks8ZP6
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) October 9, 2024
Usyk metaphorically put Fury into his shell in their first-world heavyweight battle, which meant the Gypsy King lacked authority in the ring and had to settle for sub-par reactive strikes. Fury’s uncharacteristic tame approach turned out to be decisive as the Ukrainian landed more blows and was awarded the win via split decision. This showed a marginal end result between the fighters despite Usyk’s control, so a change in approach and mentality could make all of the difference for the Gypsy King in the return.
Ultimately, Usyk is expected to repeat his success against the Gypsy King this December, but fans can expect a much more motivated and aggressive Fury to grace the ring as everything is on the line.
