Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk is today, as the Briton aims to claim the unified heavyweight titles – seven months after suffering his first professional loss, against the Ukrainian.
In May, Usyk won a split decision against Fury to become the division’s first undisputed champion in 24 years. Now, the pair return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Usyk defends the gold against the “Gypsy King” – minus the IBF belt, which he vacated in spring.
Fury fought impressively in May, leading the fight after the midway stage, but a phenomenal rally from Usyk secured victory, keeping the former cruiserweight king unbeaten. Usyk, 37, even came close to stopping Fury, 36, in round nine, and will take great confidence from that in the rematch.
But there was little to take from Wednesday’s open workouts, where Fury laced up his gloves but threw zero punches. That said, his coach Sugarhill Steward did drop some news: that Fury’s father John will not be in the Gypsy King’s corner this time around. Then, on Thursday, the press conference brought a ridiculous, 12-minute face-off between Fury and Usyk, who both refused to back down despite attempts from WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman and others.
There was a much shorter face-off at Friday’s weigh-in, after both boxers tipped the scales at career-heaviest weights – with Fury significantly heavier than Usyk.
Follow all the build-up to Usyk vs Fury 2, with ring walks expected at 10.15pm GMT tonight, below. You can watch the fight live on DAZN this weekend. (We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.)
Fury vs Usyk 2 live stream: How to watch fight online and on TV
The Briton’s loss to Usyk was the first of his professional career, while Usyk’s split-decision win kept him unbeaten. However, Fury has a strong record in rematches: after points wins over Derek Chisora and John McDermott and a draw with Deontay Wilder, the “Gypsy King” stopped each man the second time around – and third, in the cases of Wilder and Chisora.
So, fans expect another close affair in Saudi Arabia. Yet Usyk, 37, is the favourite ahead of this rematch – having come close to stopping Fury, 36, in round nine in May.
Here’s everything you need to know about the rematch:
Jamie Braidwood21 December 2024 07:30
Fury vs Usyk 2: Start time and ring walks for heavyweight boxing rematch
Tyson Fury seeks revenge against Oleksandr Usyk, as the heavyweights clash in Riyadh for the second time in seven months.
Usyk, 37, soon vacated the IBF belt, meaning the unified titles are on the line in this rematch – not undisputed gold – but Fury will be motivated to level the score against the Ukrainian in Saudi Arabia, especially after a ninth round in which Usyk almost stopped the Briton.
Here’s everything you need to know
Jamie Braidwood21 December 2024 07:00
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and weigh-in LIVE
Thank you for following our live coverage of today’s weigh-in!
Below is a recap of the key details, and we’ll see you again tomorrow… for a HUGE rematch.
Alex Pattle20 December 2024 20:10
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and weigh-in LIVE
Alex Pattle20 December 2024 19:30
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and weigh-in LIVE
So, Fury is 281lb/127.4kg, after weighing in at 262lb/118.8kg in May – almost 20lb heavier this time, a career-heaviest!
Usyk is also at a career-heaviest 226lb/102.5kg, after tipping the scales at 223lb/101.1kg in May.
Bear in mind that each man was basically fully dressed.
A VERY brief face-off, too, after their 12-minute staredown yesterday!
Alex Pattle20 December 2024 19:26
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and weigh-in LIVE
So, we await Fury and Usyk to complete the weigh-in…
Fury emerges to the sound of “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve. A classic.
Now here comes Usyk, but Fury will weigh in first…
Fury tips the scales at 281lb/127.4kg! WOW. A biggggg man.
Usyk now… 226lb/102.5kg! Let’s hope Michael Buffer got it right this time, after he misread the Ukrainian’s weight in May!
Alex Pattle20 December 2024 19:16
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and weigh-in LIVE
Onto the penultimate weigh-in! Heavyweights Demsey McKean and Moses Itauma take to the stage.
Australian’s McKean tips the scales at 251.1lb/113.8kg.
British 19-year-old Itauma is 249.1lb/112.9kg!
That’s actually closer than I expected. Itauma’s greatest strengths are his speed and movement, while McKean’s nickname is the “Tower” – which should tell you about his size!
Alex Pattle20 December 2024 19:10
