Tag

Oleksandr Usyk

Browsing

The Briton faces the Ukrainian again after their earlier bout, and admits the financial gain is a driving factor in his call.

Tyson Fury admits that he wants “the easiest fights for the largest amounts of money” as a prize-fighter, as he prepares for his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.

The Briton heads back to Saudi Arabia for another bumper payday and the chance to claim revenge against the unified heavyweight champion after a first career loss in May.

'Only doing it for the money!' - Tyson Fury outlines legacy stance ahead of Oleksandr Usyk rematch

READ: What happens if Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk pull out of their rematch as contract clause revealed

Victory would see Fury become a three-time world champion, and almost certainly set the wheels in motion for a trilogy fight that would bring further riches to both men.

Speaking before his return to the Kingdom Arena for Riyadh Season’s Reignited event, the star acknowledges it is the paydays and providing for his family that keeps him fighting.

“The legacy is my kids, isn’t it?” he said. “The one thing I do care about is my family, my kids, looking after them. [This is for] more generational wealth.

“I’m only doing it for the money, obviously. All prize-fighters, if they tell the truth, do it for the money. I don’t want to work for f*** all, I want to earn as much as I can get.

“I want the easiest fights possible for the largest amounts of money. I don’t want the toughest fights possible for the least amount. I wasn’t born on a Christmas cracker.”

Despite his claims, Fury will face arguably the toughest test of his career in a rematch with the only man to hand him a professional defeat so far, by split decision in May.

Usyk puts his WBA (super), WBC and WBO world heavyweight titles on the line when he faces Fury on December 21.

It will be their second meeting following their May showdown, where the Ukrainian edged out the Brit by split decision to become the undisputed champion.

The rematch is just over a week away, but if either fighter withdraws from the Riyadh clash, then a contract clause is set to be triggered.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury fight suffers setback as change made just weeks before bout

JUST IN: ‘He is hurting’ – Eddie Hearn opens up on Anthony Joshua ‘struggles’ after crushing Daniel Dubois

For their first fight, which was rescheduled following a cut sustained to Fury in sparring, Turki Alalshikh inserted a penalty should either man back out of the contest.

He said that Usyk or Fury would be required to pay their rival a sum of £10 million if they pulled out of the match.

“I guarantee both of the fighters £10m if someone escapes from the fight. This is the first thing, and the second thing – I guarantee a big fight on the same night for another one,” he said on The MMA Hour, ahead of the first fight, which took place on May 18 following the cancellation of the original February 17 date.

“Make the people around the world know if someone is scared and wants to escape from this fight,” the Saudi boxing chief added.

Usyk seemingly confirmed that the same clause is written in the contract ahead of their rematch.

During an interview with his app Ready To Fight, he said: “He has a contract and so do I until Dec 31st, we have to hold this fight up to and including [that date].

“If he pulls out December 21, he will lose all of his money and dividends and won’t be a man of his word anymore.”

There have been no suggestion that Usyk vs. Fury 2 will be postponed, with both fighters seemingly fit and healthy prior to renewing hostilities next weekend.

Tyson Fury clowned around in the boxing ring and found that it always doesn’t end well. Not only did he drop the fight, but he also missed out on the chance to solidify his history. After all, the undisputed crown was on the line. But what exactly happened? How did Oleksandr Usyk shatter his defense and his perfect record?

Fabio Wardley explained it all when he appeared in a TNT Boxing Sports analysis video. The fans witnessed Fury, 36, making a strong start in the fight against Usyk, 37, but the latter turned the tide toward the middle rounds. How did the Ukrainian fighter suddenly find ‘Gypsy King’s kryptonite and double down on the glaring holes in the game plan? Wardley, 29, believed it was because of Fury’s lazy punching.

The British champion pointed out that Fury’s lead hand was low, which invited Usyk to land. In addition, he believed only landed a jab at a time, not putting high volume or work rate. It resulted in Usyk landing his combinations on counters after he figured out the timing of those jabs. Wardley, at 18-0-1, said, “I think a lot of Fury’s downfall as well was one, again, easily identifiable. There is that low lead hand, which is very inviting.”

JUST IN: Floyd Mayweather ‘confronted by mob’ while shopping in London due to Israel vs Palestine

He continued, “Especially bad now is it seems, where Usyk is up a gear… He wants to be throwing punches. But also in Fury, not putting his punches together. Just one jab, two jab, maybe a one-two. But not really putting anything together. And you’ll see coming off of that one right hand, pretty lazy, gets hit with a combination. Single shots, again, from Fury. Not really doing too much. Whereas, then Usyk comes in one-two, firing and nice and sharp change of pace.”

But now the question is whether Fury will plug the holes. Will he start with his corner and make some changes there? It seems like it.

Last time around, the Manchester native had SugarHill Steward, Andy Lee and his father, John Fury. All three voices ended up creating dissonance during the fight, and it could be the reason the former WBC champion lost his gold strap. But Lee has clarified that there will be only one man shouting instructions during the rematch—Steward.

Leee said, “There [were] a lot of voices in the corner–we were in a dire situation and had to get him back to himself. His dad was giving him great advice, I thought. But he’s also a dad, and that’s his son. ‘Suga’ should have been the only voice, and he will be the only voice in the next fight.” That’s not it. Fury has decided to add more mass to his frame, too. It remains to be seen how these two changes affect Fury’s rematch now.

Billy Joe Saunders has told talkSPORT exactly what Tyson Fury needs to do in order to beat Oleksandr Usyk.

The pair are set to rematch on December 21 in Riyadh after the Ukrainian conquered the Brit in their first meeting.

Back in May, Fury seemed to be finding a real rhythm in the fight as it hit the halfway point.

He even buckled Usyk’s legs with an uppercut in the sixth.

Tyson Fury Oleksandr Usyk

JUST IN: Terence Crawford Leaves Boots Ennis Fight In Fate’s Hands as Vergil Ortiz Jr. Debacle Draws Unexpected Response

However, in the second half of the contest things took a drastic turn.

Usyk broke Fury’s nose with a clean shot in round eight and then famously, in the ninth, hurt him badly.

The Brit was pummelled all around the ring and came close to being stopped as the referee called a knockdown in the Ukrainian’s favour.

After this, Fury recovered but was unable to regain the rhythm he’d found earlier in the contest.

Usyk won via split decision, with most observers believing him to be a clear winner when the final bell rang.

According to the scorecards though, the knockdown and subsequent rounds were key in deciding the contest.

Reflecting on this, Fury’s long-time friend Saunders told talkSPORT Drive: “Look if Fury does what he needs to do, I’m sure he knows he’s got to train smart now and not hard.

“Minus the knockdown last time he won the fight.

“And how did the knockdown come? He got caught with a shot when he was [switched off].

“You can’t switch off.

“One thing with Usyk, that’s why he’s that level, you can’t switch off for a second.

“You need to stay engaged and switched on until the final bell.

“Because if you’re winning nine rounds, ten rounds, eleven rounds – he’s that good, anything can happen.

“So you’ve got to be switched on and I think he wins it easy.”

Fury’s target weight for the rematch is already becoming a talking point.

According to talkSPORT boxing pundit Gareth A Davies, Fury is aiming to come in around the 19st 7lbs mark (273lbs) – almost a stone heavier than he was for their first fight at 18st 10lbs (262lbs).

“When Tyson beat Klitschko nine years ago he was a 27-year-old, very light on his feet, he bamboozled opponents with those telescopic arms, his movement and tying fighters up,” said Davies on talkSPORT Fight Night.

“That version went away in the three fights with Deontay Wilder, certainly the second and third fights where he became a bigger hitter at 19 and a half stone.

“I’m told internally from his camp that is where they intend him to be for Usyk in this fight, 19 and a half stone.”

The Ukrainian became the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999 after defeating Fury in May, but Usyk will be wanting to put the rivalry to bed later this month

Boxing fans have called for heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk to retire Tyson Fury… ‘for the sake of boxing.’

After an epic back-and-forth encounter back in May, the two giants are scheduled to face off once again on December 21 in Riyadh. Usyk handed Fury the first loss of his professional career in the first meeting, defeating ‘The Gypsy King’ via split-decision.

Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk Detained, Quickly Released In Poland -  Arise News

JUST IN: Canelo Alvarez accused of turning down mega $70million offer to fight ‘avoided’ rival

In the first few rounds earlier this year, the Ukrainian was controlling the proceedings and looked as if he was set to establish a comfortable lead. However, back came Fury midway through the fight as the Brit had large success on the front foot and was able to land successfully on his rival.

The pivotal moment came in the ninth round when Usyk landed a hard left hand, causing Fury to stumble. While the Ukrainian was unable to finish the bout, he was then able to control the rest of the heavyweight dust-up and eventually get the nod on points.

This time around, Usyk will be looking for a more dominant performance, and many fans are already backing the Ukrainian to reign supreme again and settle the rivalry once and for all. With just a few weeks to go until the mouthwatering sequel, Usyk took to social media to show off his incredible physique.

Looking in tip-top shape, the boxing faithful have been left impressed by what they’ve seen from the 36-year-old in training. Some have even begged the heavyweight king to retire the two-time world champion. One user wrote: “Please retire Fury for good for the sake of boxing.” Another wrote: “DESTROY him. Close the chapter of that clown, forever.”

A third commented: “Erase him champ!” Another posted: “Take him back to school, Oleksandr. Don’t give him a minute, all over him. Good luck,” while another fan posted: “Damn…the neck on Usyk. That’s why he’s got such a great chin.”

Ahead of the clash, Fury has promised to ‘f***’ Usyk up in a brutal X-rated promise. In a recent ‘FACE OFF’ on the DAZN YouTube channel, when asked what he remembered about the left hand in the ninth round, Usyk said: “It was perfect. Tyson was keeping good.” Before being able to continue, Fury was quick to chime in, saying: “But, you had your little chance to knock me out didn’t you? And you couldn’t do it, b****, could ya?

“Hit me with ten shots in a row and you couldn’t do it. You couldn’t even put me down after being on Bambi legs. You hit me ten shots, ten clean shots on the chin… no canvas touch. You’re f***** in the rematch. Like Tupac said, you hit me with your best shots and couldn’t do f*** all. You know what’s coming for you. I’m going to f*** you up, b****.”

Two-time heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury was left confused by Oleksandr Usyk’s “don’t be afraid” comment ahead of their blockbuster rematch this month.

The Ukrainian became the first man to defeat Fury in a professional setting after scoring a split-decision victory back in May. The two heavyweight stars will once again go head-to-head in the squared-circle on December 21 as ‘The Gypsy King’ will be desperate to get his revenge.

Ahead of the sequel, Fury insisted that he will be looking to knock his heavyweight rival out. Speaking in an interview ahead of the console release of the boxing video game ‘Undisputed’, when asked what tactic he preferred out of staying on the outside or stepping into a fighter, Fury answered: “I don’t know. It’s horses for courses isn’t it? It all depends on what I need to do on the night. I needed to get Wilder out of there or he got me out of there and that’s the type of fight it had to be.

Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury to be crowned undisputed heavyweight  champion | Metro News

JUST IN: ‘It will be a different fight!’ – Oleksandr Usyk ready for Tyson Fury once more

“It had to be a 50/50 gunsling with the biggest puncher in history or else he’d have chinned me in round nine. Going into the rematch with Usyk, it’s going to be the same. I’m going to roll the dice and it’s going to be you or me… best foot forward and swing away. I’ve never been afraid to get knocked spark out. I’ve always put it on the line every time.”

He added: “There’s no secret! I’m going in there to knock you out because I don’t think I’m going to get a decision no matter what I do. I don’t think I’m going to get a boxing decision, so I’m going to have to take it out of the judges hands like I did in America that time and I’ve got to get him (Usyk) out of there. Hand on heart, I have to get him out of there to see victory.”

With a little over two weeks to go until the rematch, the two men faced off to discuss the upcoming clash. Speaking on the DAZN YouTube channel, Usyk was asked if he felt as if Fury ran from him in the first outing, to which he replied: “I said ‘not run, don’t be afraid.’ I will not leave you alone again.”

Baffled by the comments, Fury responded: “What does that even mean? Don’t be afraid… of a boxing match? I’ve had many boxing matches before and not been afraid. I’m sure you have as well, you’ve had 300 amateur fights, you’re not going to be afraid of a boxing match. I don’t really make much of that.”

Following the first encounter, Fury revealed it was Usyk’s divine right to emerge victorious from their undisputed heavyweight title fight. Speaking at the launch press conference of the highly-anticipated rematch in Ocotber, Fury said: “It’s actually been about four and half years – the Deontay Wilder II fight – since I was the underdog in a fight. I’m looking forward to a fantastic fight. Oleksandr won the first fight fair and square.

“It was very close last time. I’ll be a bit more focussed, a lack of complacency and I should do the job. Nothing drastic has to change. A bit more of the same, a bit more focused, and I will be victorious. Last time it wasn’t my time to win or God would have given me victory. I’m very happy Usyk got the decision. That was meant to be, and we’re going to find out what is meant to be on December 21.

“I believe it’s my time this time and all things that happen – positive or negative – are lessons and we must learn from these things as humans, boxers, fathers and husbands. What we know is to go out there and knock each other out and put on a show for the paying customer. I hope you guys will enjoy this fight as much as I will.”

Oleksandr Usyk believes Tyson Fury is the hardest opponent he has ever faced, but stresses he expects a different fight to their first bout when they meet in their rematch.

The pair meet on December 21 at Riyadh Arena after the Ukrainian prevailed in their original meeting earlier this May.

Usyk joined a rare band of heavyweights to become unidsputed world champion, handing Fury a first-ever career loss when the pair of them met in Saudi Arabia.

WATCH | Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury meet again in movie-style trailer to  promote upcoming rematch | BJPenn.com

READ: Turki Alalshikh anounces insane seven-bout card for Feb. 22nd

Speaking on DAZN’s FACE OFF before their upcoming bout, the former admitted he was looking forward to their rematch, and suggested he is the toughest foe he has faced.

“Because Tyson knows what I do and I know what Tyson, it will be a different fight,” he said. “I think [he is my toughest rival].

“Listen, I have much respect for all my opponents because it’s boxing, it’s a tough sport. It’s a very dangerous sport.

“This man is very famous around the world, he’s a big man, I’m a small man, he is a big man. But we have a second fight.

“Boxing, it’s not a play. Boxing is a hard sport. [It is] tough, When I’m back home after a fight, my body tells me [to not do it again].”

Usyk, unbeaten across multiple weights, could well go for a trilogy with Fury if he loses for the first time, but otherwise may head back to cruiserweight.

An avenue might have opened up to allow Anthony Joshua a shot at a world title, without the former champion needing to face Daniel Dubois, Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua, a former two-time heavyweight champion, failed to take the IBF title from Dubois in September, losing to his fellow Briton by knockout at Wembley Stadium.

“AJ”, 35, has been linked to a rematch with Dubois, 27, but the latter seems set for a title defence against Joseph Parker in February. Meanwhile, Fury and Usyk will clash for the unified belts on 21 December – seven months after Usyk outpointed the “Gypsy King”.

How to watch Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois: Date, time, fight card & more  info | Goal.com Nigeria

JUST IN: Jake Paul immediately deletes bold claim about Tommy Fury boxing rematch

Usyk became undisputed champion with his win in May, but he soon vacated the IBF belt, meaning interim champion Dubois was elevated.

The Ukrainian will defend the remaining major titles against Fury, including the WBC gold, yet the organisation has agreed to sanction an interim title fight between Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel. And Joshua could challenge the winner of that bout, according to WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman.

Sulaiman told Sky Sports on Monday (2 December): “The WBC has received a formal request to sanction such a fight for the interim title, and the WBC will accept to sanction it.

“Why? Because we have done everything possible for the past several years to reach the ultimate, great fights in each weight category, especially [at heavyweight].

“All this time we have been perfectly clear and transparent that the WBC will not impose any mandatory that goes against having the ultimate undisputed champion, because they’re fighting the best available.

“There’s no better fight than Usyk vs Fury, so with that fight happening and then the possibilities for the future, we have accepted the No 2 and No 3 to fight for the interim title. Keep them active, and keep the division having the best fights possible.” Kabayel is ranked second, while Zhang is actually seeded fourth – below the much-avoided Martin Bakole.

“For the winner on 21 December, there’s many options,” Sulaiman continued. “Why should anyone get in the way of a third fight? Or the fight again for undisputed [against Dubois]? Or any high-level event, while we can accommodate the champion [and have a] fight for an interim title, where the winner is going to be a high-level, sensational possibility? So, we’re all for having undisputed champions.”

Joshua is ranked sixth by the WBC, and Sulaiman, when asked whether AJ could challenge Zhang or Kabayel, said: “Absolutely. That’s an opening of possibilities for more fights to continue to take place.”

Zhang, 41, knocked out Joe Joyce twice in 2023 and dropped Joseph Parker twice in a decision loss in March. The Chinese star then bounced back in June, brutally knocking out Deontay Wilder.

Meanwhile, Kabayel is on a run of four straight knockout wins. The German, 32, most recently beat Frank Sanchez in May.

Turki Alalshikh has done it again.

The Riyadh Season magnate is about to deliver us Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 on Saturday, December 21st in Saudi Arabia. To help promote the event, he’s once again pulled out all the stops with a big money trailer that looks more like the preview for a major motion picture than a boxing match.

The teaser features Usyk and Fury being haunted by each others’ faces wherever they go. From therapists and nurses to wives and fathers, everywhere the fighters look they see their rival. Things get progressively sillier as Fury appears to Usyk in a mountainside while Usyk pushes out of Fury’s infamous pre-fight gut.

READ: Tyson Fury Weight Gain for Oleksandr Usyk Rematch: Strategy or Mistake?

The video, made by BigTime Creative Shop, looks influenced by some infamous music videos like Chris Cunningham’s Aphex Twin – Come to Daddy and Traktor’s Basement Jaxx – Where’s Your Head At. BigTime Creative Shop says they’re the fastest growing ad agency in MENA (Middle East and North Africa), and we believe them. This is just one of many baller videos made for Riyadh Season events, each more epic and creative than the last.

The first Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight went down May 18th and ended in a split decision win for Usyk. While the fight was close, a near-finish for Usyk in the 9th round was the biggest moment of the fight, earning the Ukrainian fighter the win on the scorecards and in the eyes of most who watched.

How will the rematch on December 21st go? Fury is reportedly much more focused this time around, but that’s a story we hear after every disappointing performance from “The Gypsy King.” Usyk has proven himself to be nothing if not reliable in his preparation and fight night performance, so it will be up to Tyson to turn the tide and win the rematch.

‘The Gypsy King’ fell to the first defeat of his professional career when he squared off with Usyk in May and they are now set to run it back on December 21.

Fury believes he lost their inaugural encounter by ‘taunting too much’ and has promised a far more aggressive approach to the rematch.

In order to achieve that, the Mancunian is piling on the timber and looks very bulky in recent images from his camp.

Boxing news: Tyson Fury shows off incredible body transformation for  Oleksandr Usyk rematch as boxing fans in agreement

READ: Why Floyd Mayweather threats nosedive as 50-0 becomes unbeatable

According to talkSPORT boxing pundit Gareth A Davies, Fury is aiming to come in around the 19 stone 7lbs mark (273lbs) – almost a stone heavier than he was for their first fight (18 st 10lbs/262lbs).

“When Tyson beat Klitschko nine years ago he was a 27-year-old, very light on his feet, he bamboozled opponents with those telescopic arms, his movement and tying fighters up,” said Davies on talkSPORT Fight Night on Saturday evening.

“That version went away in the three fights with Deontay Wilder, certainly the second and third fights where he became a bigger hitter at 19 and a half stone.

“I’m told internally from his camp that is where they intend him to be for Usyk in this fight, 19 and a half stone.”

Fury stepped on the scales at 18st 4.5lbs (256.5lbs) for his first meeting with Deontay Wilder in 2018 and boxed to a draw off the back foot in a fight that saw him taste the canvas on two occasions.

When they fought again 18 months later, Fury packed on 17lbs (273lbs/19st 7lbs) to pile on the pressure and return the favour by decking Wilder twice en route to a seventh-round stoppage win.

Fury then came in another 4lbs heavier (277lbs/19st 11lbs) for the trilogy and fought through early adversity to knock Wilder out in round ten.

Upping his weight and applying more front-foot pressure is a tried and tested adjustment that worked well for Fury against Wilder.

However, former three-weight world champion Duke McKenzie insists this gameplan will play right into Usyk’s hands.

“He [Fury] doesn’t live, eat, walk, talk the sport but you’re supposed to,” McKenzie told talkSPORT’s talkBOXING Podcast.

“In-between fights is where fights are won and lost. We know Fury blows up, puts on a load of weight between fights and then he has got to get rid of all that weight again.

“Now, they’re trying to tell us that Fury is going to be bigger and better.

“Bigger and better isn’t going to beat Usyk. It’s really not.

“If he puts on more weight and thinks to himself ‘I’m going to bully Usyk this time, I’m going to go in and walk him down, I’ll be able to take his shots because I’m that much bigger’, it’s not going to work for him.

“He’s going to be slower, he’s going to be more predictable, he’s going to get hit more and a lot sooner.

“Usyk wins the rematch all day long, I can’t see how Tyson Fury beats him. He’s not going to knock Usyk out.”

Verified by MonsterInsights