The eyes of the world will be on Riyadh on Saturday, December 21, as Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk collide in a historic heavyweight rematch.
History was made in Saudi Arabia six months ago, as Usyk produced one of the best displays of the modern era when he became the first heavyweight to hold all four belts in the division following a unanimous decision win over the Gypsy King.
However, Fury hopes to bounce back from that first career defeat, and he will once again boast the size and power advantage over the Ukrainian champion. You can find the latest odds and our prediction for the showdown here.
Odds
Fight Result | Odds |
---|---|
Oleksandr Usyk | -150 |
Tyson Fury | +120 |
Total Rounds | Odds |
---|---|
Over 10.5 Rounds | -205 |
Under 10.5 Rounds | +165 |
Method of Victory | Oleksandr Usyk | Tyson Fury |
---|---|---|
By Decision/Technical Decision | +170 | +350 |
By KO/TKO/DQ | +260 | +350 |
Tale of the Tape
Oleksandr Usyk | Stat | Tyson Fury |
---|---|---|
37 | Age | 36 |
22-0 | Record | 34-1-1 |
6 ft 3 in | Height | 6 ft 9 in |
78 in | Reach | 85 in |
Southpaw | Stance | Orthodox |
Usyk Favored to Repeat Historic Win
Oleksandr Usyk was the outsider in the betting for the first fight between the stars, but we were keen on his chances to score a decision win. The success made history, as he became the first undisputed champion of the four-belt era.
His adaption to the heavyweight division has seen him become a generational fighter, and a notable statement was very nearly made in the first bout between the stars after having Fury on the ropes in a stunning ninth-round.
However, a decision win was ultimately to outcome, with Usyk becoming the first fighter in 25 years to hold all the heavyweight gold.
Ukraine’s golden talent is unbeaten in 22 professional fights, winning 14 times via knockout. His Ring IQ is unlike anything else in the sport, and it gives him the ability to control and pick his shots at crucial periods.
Despite not having the reach and height advantage, Usyk does have a fresher profile despite being a year older than Fury, having fought 14 fewer fights than the Gypsy King.
Fury at His Most Dangerous as Underdog
Tyson Fury will be overlooked in the betting this weekend, but that is typically when the Gypsy King is at his most dangerous.
The British heavyweight star was overlooked in his first heavyweight title showdown with Wladimir Klitschko, while few gave him any chance of toppling Deontay Wilder in the first two fights between the stars. However, on all occasions, he has outperformed his odds.
His trilogy bouts with Wilder remain his best performances in the ring, securing KO wins in the second and third bouts. Since then, Fury has continued to produce stunning results, beating Dilian Whyte and Derek Chisora inside the 12 rounds, before overcoming Francis Ngannou in a non-title showdown in Saudi Arabia.
However, Fury will need to show his character once again this weekend after suffering a first professional defeat at the hands of Usyk in May.
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury Prediction
At the prices, it could be worth siding with Fury. The Gypsy King didn’t throw enough at Usyk in the first fight, landing fewer punches and jabs than his rival.
Fury also landed just 48% of his power punches, which was considerably lower than Usyk. However, a change in game plan is likely for the rematch, with Fury set to adopt a more aggressive tactic, just as he did in the second and third Wilder bouts.
Therefore, the preference is for the Gypsy King to re-establish his position as the best heavyweight on the planet with a sensational KO victory.
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