Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury are set to clash once more in a highly anticipated rematch. Despite a slight delay, the undisputed heavyweight championship bout is confirmed for December 21, 2024, at the same venue as their initial bout: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, announced, “The rematch… is now scheduled on the 21 of December 2024 during Riyadh Season. The world will watch another historical fight again. Our commitment to boxing fans continues.”
The First Encounter: An Instant Classic
In their first fight on May 18, Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) narrowly defeated Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) via split decision to unify the heavyweight titles. The bout was a thrilling twelve-round contest where Usyk, the Ukrainian champion, overcame an early deficit and delivered a crucial knockdown in the ninth round, securing his victory on two of the three scorecards. This win crowned Usyk as the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the 21st century.
Fury's Rematch Clause
Following the memorable bout, Fury, The Ring’s No. 1 rated heavyweight, exercised his contractual rematch clause. Usyk also filed an exception with the IBF, postponing his mandatory title defense to proceed with the rematch.
Delay Due to Usyk's Injuries
Concerns arose about the physical toll on Usyk after the fight, which prompted a delay from the initially planned mid-October date. The two-month postponement ensures that the championship fight aligns with the Riyadh Season, allowing both fighters ample recovery time.
Potential Changes to the Stakes
A significant question looms over whether all titles will be on the line for the rematch. Usyk was expected to face IBF mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic (17-0, 14 KOs). Pre-fight rumors suggested the Usyk-Fury winner might be stripped of the IBF belt, allowing it to be contested between Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois (20-2, 19 KOs) this Saturday in Riyadh. The IBF has yet to make a final ruling, which may come after this weekend’s fight.
Interim Titles and Future Implications
There is a possibility that an interim IBF title could be awarded for the Hrgovic-Dubois bout. This would enable Usyk to retain his status as the undisputed champion going into the rematch on December 21.
Usyk's Distinguished Career
Usyk, The Ring pound-for-pound king, is a former undisputed cruiserweight champion and has joined an elite group of two-division undisputed champions in the four-belt era. His victory over Fury marked his sixth win as a heavyweight, and his title reign began with a victory over Anthony Joshua in September 2021.
Fury's Championship Legacy
Before his loss to Usyk, Fury was undefeated in championship fights, with a record of 5-0 spanning two reigns. The December rematch will be a pivotal moment for the British heavyweight as he seeks to reclaim his titles.
Boxing fans around the world eagerly await this high-stakes rematch, set against the backdrop of Riyadh’s vibrant sports season. The outcome will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the heavyweight division and the legacies of both fighters. Stay tuned for further updates and coverage as we approach this monumental event.