The promoter noted that the first fight took a lot of energy from both fighters
Promoter Eddie Hearn considers the holder of the WBC, IBO, WBA and WBO belts Alexandra Usika (22-0, 14 KOs) is the favorite in the second fight with the former WBC champion Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs).
“I think Usyk is a big favorite, but you don’t know what these fights take away from fighters. After the Fury fight, Usyk was exhausted. He literally had to be dragged to the locker room. And Fury certainly took a beating, especially in the ninth round.”
“We don’t really know what’s going to happen. I think Usyk is the favourite, but I think Fury can win,” Hearn said.
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 Ben Stock and I work in Athletistic as an author. My specialty is covering football news and other related topics. I have been writing for this website since the past 2 years, crafting compelling stories with the latest updates in the sports world. My articles have gained widespread appreciation amongst readers due to their accuracy and depth of research.
