Usyk and Fury reach agreement for rematch
James Ali Bashirformer trainer of the WBO/WBA/IBO/WBC heavyweight champion Alexandra Usikashared his opinion about the Ukrainian’s victory in the fight for the title of absolute world champion with the then holder of the WBC belt Tyson Fury.
“Usyk is a small guy by nature, but he is strong. Now everyone understands what I said about Alexander being able to shock you. Usyk shocked Tyson badly in their fight.”
“Did you see Tyson’s eyes when he was on the ropes? “I’m shocked, I’m in serious trouble.”
“If it wasn’t for that referee, I think Usyk would have knocked him out cold. When Tyson was standing near the ropes, he was finished.”
“Now everyone, including Tyson Fury, doesn’t laugh at me when I say that Oleksandr Usyk can shock you.”
“I know that, I’ve been working with this guy for three years. I know he can punch. And he’s a strong guy. He’s stronger than people give him credit for. When Usyk shakes you, he’s going to finish you. That’s Oleksandr Usyk.”
On the night of May 19, Usyk inflicted the first defeat of Tyson Fury’s professional career in a fight that took place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). The victory was awarded to the Ukrainian by a split decision of the judges: 115-112, 113-114 and 114-113.
Alexander became the first absolute heavyweight champion in the four-belt era. In the heavyweight division, the last time the absolute title was held was by Lennox Lewis in 1999, but back then three titles were enough to win the title.
Usyk subsequently issued a statement in which he announced that he would give the IBF belt to the winner of the British derby between his two former opponents in the ring – Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua.. Thus, Alexander lost the status of absolute world champion in heavyweight, which he held for more than a month.
Usyk and Fury have reached an agreement for a rematch. The “Gypsy King” has officially activated the rematch option. The second fight between Alexander and Tyson will take place on December 21, 2024, in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman said he would seek the introduction of video replays in this fight.
Source: Sportarena
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
