As Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury prepare to face off once again on December 21, the comparison between their records offers a fascinating insight into how the rematch may unfold.
Both fighters have achieved greatness in the heavyweight division, but their contrasting styles, physical attributes, and career trajectories make this encounter a contest of fine margins.
Usyk’s Unbeaten Record: 22-0-0 (14 KOs)
At 37 years old, Oleksandr Usyk stands as one of boxing’s finest tacticians. The Ukrainian southpaw has made history by becoming the first four-belt heavyweight champion of the modern era, having previously ruled at cruiserweight as well.
Usyk is unbeaten in 22 professional bouts, with 14 wins by knockout. His superb boxing brain and outstanding movement in the ring are his defining attributes.
Oleksandr Usyk is keeping his cards close to his chest for #FuryUsyk2! 🤫🥊 pic.twitter.com/CmFBCqHm6u
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 18, 2024
Usyk’s most notable victories include his historic win over Anthony Joshua to capture the WBA, WBO, and IBF titles, and his dominant victory over Daniel Dubois.
His win over Fury in their first meeting was, undoubtedly, the pinnacle of his career, and he showed every inch of his skill in that narrow victory.
Usyk’s ability to control the pace, break down opponents, and execute precise body shots has made him one of the toughest and most technical fighters in the world today.
Fury’s Stellar Career: 34-1-1 (24 KOs)
Tyson Fury, at 36 years old, brings a wealth of experience into this rematch. Standing at 6’9″ with a significant reach advantage over Usyk, Fury uses his size and athleticism to his advantage.
His unique blend of agility, unpredictability, and raw power has made him a nightmare for many top fighters.
Fury’s unbeaten streak came to an end when he lost to Usyk in their first meeting, marking his first defeat in 16 years as a professional boxer.
“This time I will NOT be denied” ✋
Tyson Fury full of confidence ahead of his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk 😤#UsykFury2 x #RiyadhSeason | Saturday | Live on Sky Sports Box Office pic.twitter.com/S0YJcOLjbo
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) December 17, 2024
Fury’s record now stands at 34 wins, one loss, and one draw, with 24 knockouts to his name.
The loss to Usyk remains the only blemish on his career, with his best victories coming over Deontay Wilder in their trilogy, Wladimir Klitschko to claim the heavyweight crown, and Dillian Whyte.
Fury’s ability to recover from adversity, such as in his famous fight against Wilder, makes him a formidable opponent, but the pressure is on him to avenge the loss to Usyk in their rematch.
Fury’s Experience vs. Usyk’s Freshness
Despite Fury’s extensive experience, Usyk is the fresher fighter in terms of ring activity. Usyk has competed in 14 fewer fights than Fury, with his professional record standing at 22 bouts compared to Fury’s 36.
Additionally, Fury has boxed a substantial 242 rounds over his career, whereas Usyk has completed 189.
This difference in accumulated rounds may play a significant role as both fighters near their 40s. While Fury has more wear and tear from a longer career, Usyk’s relative freshness could be a key factor in the rematch.
The Belts at Stake
Usyk will defend his WBA, WBO, and WBC heavyweight titles. However, unlike their first fight, the IBF belt is not on the line, as Usyk was forced to vacate it after his victory over Fury.
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The absence of the IBF belt means that the rematch is not for the official undisputed heavyweight title, but Usyk’s Ring Magazine heavyweight title is still up for grabs.
What Happened in the First Fight?
The first bout between Usyk and Fury in May 2024 was a historic encounter that lived up to the hype. Usyk showed tactical brilliance in the opening rounds, using his movement and technique to frustrate Fury.
However, Fury attempted to assert his size and power, and at one point, his showboating backfired. Usyk slowly started to break him down, investing in body shots and even coming close to stopping Fury in the ninth round.
Fury was given a standing count, but to his credit, he recovered and won the 12th and final round. The judges’ scorecards read 115-112 and 114-113 in Usyk’s favor, with the third judge scoring it 114-113 for Fury.
A Rematch for the Ages
With both fighters bringing their best to the ring, the rematch is expected to be a tactical and thrilling affair. Will Fury use his size and reach to outpoint Usyk, or will Usyk’s boxing intelligence and movement prevail once more?
As the heavyweight division hangs in the balance, the stage is set for another historic night of boxing on December 21 in Riyadh.
