Sosnovsky: If Usik is ready and performs no worse than in the first fight, he will have no problems with Fury

Head coach Ukrainian national boxing team Dmitry Sosnovsky believes that the holder of the WBC, IBO, WBA and WBO heavyweight belts Alexander Usik (22-0, 14 KOs) will defeat the former WBC world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) in their second fight.

“I think the rematch will be more difficult. Because the Briton will already perceive Usik differently. He’ll tune in. Each of the opponents made certain conclusions after the first fight. He learned his mistakes and understood why his advantages did not work at certain moments. In my opinion, if Sasha is ready for the fight, works on his mistakes and does everything no worse than in the first fight, then I think he won’t have any problems.”

“Unfortunately, I only saw Fury on TV and not in person. He is a specific boxer, with his own manner, daring behavior, thinks outside the box, and hits quietly. And keep in mind that in boxing, especially in the super heavyweight division, everything can turn upside down during a fight. I watched the fight between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois. I was 95 percent sure that Joshua would win. But it turned out the other way around – Dubois skillfully fought the fight and knocked out Joshua in the fifth round.”

“I can say what I would like. Usik, if he wins, will put an end to the debate about who is the strongest boxer in the world.”

“Of course, Fury is preparing seriously. The fate of both the fight and boxing in general depends on this. The preparatory camp is of great and decisive importance. That’s why I tell journalists when they ask me about the chances: I’m not in the boxers’ camp, I don’t know how they train, at what level of boxers’ readiness – functional, tactical-technical, tactical-practical. It’s heavy weight. One bad move and missed shot can make all the difference.”

“Sasha for me is an outstanding boxer. Both amateurs and professionals. He and all of us need victory.”

Let us remember that on the night of May 18-19, Usik inflicted the first defeat in his professional career on Tyson Fury 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: 115-112, 113-114 and 114-113.

An agreement has been concluded between Usik and Fury for a re-fight. 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. Oleksandr Usyk will prepare for the rematch in a training camp in Valencia. The Ukrainian said that he attracts scientists, psychologists to the training camp, and is constantly looking for suitable sparring partners. Tyson Fury said he will begin training six to seven weeks before the fight.

The first press conference and duel of the boxers’ views took place in London. Usik appeared in public to the song “Ave Maria” in the extravagant image of the hero of the computer game series Hitman. Fury came out to the song “Barbie Girl.” The event was hosted by legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer.