Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are set to clash once again in a highly anticipated heavyweight rematch, set to air live on Sky Sports Box Office this Saturday, December 21st. The first fight between these two titans of boxing was a closely contested affair, leaving fans and experts divided on the outcome. Now, Fury is brimming with confidence, drawing strength from the very moments that some might see as weaknesses.
During their initial encounter, Usyk landed several powerful punches, even sending Fury reeling. In one particularly intense ninth round, the referee even had to count Fury, who was momentarily held up by the ropes. Despite the precarious position, Fury has used this experience to fuel his determination. He pointed out that despite Usyk’s best efforts, he wasn’t able to knock Fury down, even when Fury was visibly struggling. This near-knockdown, rather than signifying vulnerability, has become a source of confidence for the British boxer, a testament to his resilience.
“He threw his best shots,” Fury confidently stated in an interview with Sky Sports, “He had 10 shots on target, all on target, never dropped me. So if he couldn’t drop me when I was on Bambi legs, God be with him this time.” This bold declaration underscores Fury’s unwavering belief in his ability to overcome Usyk. He’s not just entering the rematch; he’s seeking to settle the score, emphasizing that Usyk will experience the full force of his fury in this next fight. He explicitly challenges Usyk: “Hit me with your best shot,” Fury warned, “I looked back at him and smiled and he’s going to feel the wrath and the menace this time, I’ve got a point to prove.”
Fury’s analysis of the first fight goes beyond simply highlighting his own resilience. He believes the fight was even more taxing on Usyk, referencing reports of potential injuries suffered by the Ukrainian champion. “After the fight they said he had a broken face bone or a broken jaw. Something to do with that,” Fury mentioned. This suggests a belief that the first fight’s physical toll was more significant on Usyk than himself, fueling his confidence for the rematch.
Furthermore, Fury believes that a few key adjustments in the rematch will guarantee his victory. Primarily, he plans to eliminate the errors he made in the first bout, focusing on improved concentration. He acknowledged the potential impact of the ninth-round count on the judges’ decision. By minimizing distractions and maintaining laser focus, Fury is confident he can change the outcome, turning a close fight into a decisive victory. This strategy of improved focus and less “clowning around” promises a different, more controlled performance this time around.
The first fight was a technical masterpiece, showcasing the skills of two exceptional heavyweights. Fury highlighted the impressive exchanges, including the rarely seen lead uppercuts, acknowledging Usyk’s capabilities and predicting a similarly close and exciting rematch. He draws parallels to historical boxing matches, suggesting that close and hard-fought encounters are to be expected between top contenders, comparing the upcoming fight to classic bouts between the likes of Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield.
With the rematch set for December 21st, the anticipation is palpable. Fury is ready, declaring “I feel ready to rock and roll. I’ll be ready to do the business.” The world of boxing eagerly awaits this highly-anticipated rematch, poised to witness whether Fury’s confidence translates into victory against the formidable Oleksandr Usyk. Book your tickets now to witness this epic clash on Sky Sports Box Office!
