The highly anticipated rematch between boxing heavyweights Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is just around the corner, and the anticipation is palpable. Their first encounter, an extremely close split decision victory for Usyk, left many questioning what the next chapter holds. Now, promoter Frank Warren is shedding light on Fury’s path to victory in their December 21st showdown, airing live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Warren, who co-promotes Fury, believes the first fight, though a loss for his fighter, provided invaluable insights. He points to the grueling nature of the contest, noting its impact on both fighters. “I went to both fighters’ dressing rooms afterwards,” Warren revealed to Sky Sports. “Tyson was disappointed, feeling he’d won. It was a close fight, but there was a lot of life in him.” The contrast was stark when he spoke to Usyk’s camp: “Oleksandr knew he’d been in a tough fight…his manager told me an implanted tooth was impacted into his gum. That was a grueling fight for both of them.” The high-pace, punch-filled battle left its mark, a testament to the ferocity of the competition.
Warren’s assessment extends beyond the physical toll. He astutely observes that the first fight took a greater toll on Usyk, leaving him vulnerable in the rematch. While acknowledging Usyk’s exceptional skill and the need for him to improve on his previous performance, Warren emphasizes Fury’s strategic advantage: “He [Fury] knows what he’s got to do. He’s been in the ring with him. He’s seen the guy’s strengths and weaknesses.” This intimate knowledge of Usyk’s fighting style, gained through firsthand experience, gives Fury a significant edge.
Warren goes beyond strategy, predicting a potential knockout for Fury. “I thought he came close to doing that in the seventh round,” Warren stated. “He caught him a couple of times and wobbled him. I do believe he has the wherewithal to do it. I’ve seen Usyk hurt in his two previous fights, body shots and also Tyson with the uppercut. He can be hurt.” This insight underscores the potential for a decisive victory for Fury, capitalizing on Usyk’s vulnerabilities.
The stakes are exceptionally high. A win for Fury, particularly a knockout, would solidify his legacy: “Winning, especially in that manner, would make Fury a world legend and certainly a British legend,” Warren emphasized, acknowledging Fury’s existing legendary status. “He’s a phenomenal fighter… This fight will be the same, because Usyk’s not coming to make up the numbers, that’s for sure.” The rematch promises to be a clash of titans, a fight that will undoubtedly leave its mark on boxing history. The question remains: can Fury execute his strategy and achieve a stunning knockout victory? The world will find out on December 21st.
