The current Ring Heavyweight, IBF World Heavyweight, WBO World Heavyweight, and WBA Super World Heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, is poised to feature in a blockbuster fight in Riyadh.
Usyk’s most recent bout occurred against Daniel Dubois in August 2023, where he emerged victorious by knockout in the 9th round. Oleksandr Usyk’s next fight will be against the WBC title holder, Tyson Fury, not once but twice, aiming for undisputed heavyweight supremacy.
The fight is scheduled for February 2024 in Saudi Arabia. Given the undefeated records of both Usyk and Fury, this bout is expected to be one of the biggest fights of the year.
Oleksandr Usyk Next Fight Time
Originally set for December 23, 2023, the long-awaited bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk has been rescheduled to February 17, 2024. However, the specific time for the match has yet to be announced.
The fight date was delayed due to Fury’s challenging match against Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion. Ngannou, in his pro boxing debut in Riyadh, showcased unexpected skill and power, knocking Fury down in the third round. Despite securing a split decision victory, Fury suffered a cut on his forehead and swelling around his left eye, necessitating a break.
Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury – What is at Stake?
In the clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, the stakes are high. As the current holder of the WBA, WBO, and IBF championship belts is set to challenge Tyson Fury, the reigning WBC title holder. The outcome of this bout holds the key to not only determining the undisputed heavyweight champion but also consolidating all four belts.
Frank Warren, Fury’s promoter, has officially affirmed that this showdown in Riyadh transcends individual titles; it’s a quest to unify the division and crown a singular champion. In the absence of a draw, this match stands to be boxing’s inaugural undisputed heavyweight title fight since 1999.
The significance of this event is monumental, potentially etching a historic moment in the landscape of heavyweight boxing.
Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury Boxing Record
Usyk, standing at 6’3″ and weighing around 220 pounds, may not be considered small, but the anticipation leading up to this fight suggests that his path to victory will rely more on skillful strategy than brute force.
In his previous bout against Joshua, Usyk, a cunning southpaw, showcased superior hand speed and footwork, outclassing Joshua despite being three inches shorter and 20 pounds lighter. Employing clever angles, Usyk bewildered his opponent and secured a psychological triumph before the official victory.
Facing Fury poses even greater physical contrasts for Usyk, given Fury’s towering height of 6’9″, a weight exceeding 260 pounds in his last four fights, and an impressive 85-inch reach resembling that of a pterodactyl.
Fury could leverage these dimensions by staying on the outskirts, utilizing a jab to make it challenging for Usyk to close in and deliver significant blows, all while unleashing impactful combinations of his own. Alternatively, drawing inspiration from his second fight against the 6’7″, 231-pound Wilder, Fury might adopt an aggressive approach, pressing forward to bombard his smaller opponent without hesitation.
Regardless of the strategy Fury employs, the road ahead appears challenging for Usyk.
Oleksandr Usyk | Details | Tyson Fury |
---|---|---|
Jan 17, 1987 | Born | Aug 12, 1988 |
36 | Age | 35 |
Sep 11, 2013 | Debut | Dec 6, 2008 |
21-0 | Record | 34-0-1 |
10 | Title Fights | 6 |
14 (66.7%) | KOs | 24 (68.6%) |
191 cm | Height | 206 cm |
198 cm | Reach | 216 cm |
7 cm | Ape Index | 10 cm |
Southpaw | Stance | Orthodox |
Aug 26, 2023 | Last Fight | Oct 28, 2023 |
Feb 17, 2024 | Next Fight | Feb 17, 2024 |
Bottom Line
In the looming clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on February 17, 2024, anticipation is high for a historic unification of the heavyweight division. The stakes are high with all four belts on the line. Postponed due to Fury’s taxing battle with Ngannou, this bout transcends individual titles, aiming to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999.
The physical contrasts between the towering Fury and skillful Usyk set the stage for an intriguing battle of styles. As the boxing world awaits, the outcome promises to reshape the heavyweight narrative, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s history.