Tyson Fury‘s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk is today as the Brit aims to win the unified heavyweight titles – seven months after suffering his first professional defeat, against the Ukrainian.
in May, Usyk defeated Fury by split decision to become the first undisputed champion of this division in 24 years. Now the pair return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Usyk defends gold against the “Gypsy King” – minus the IBF belt, which he left in the spring.
Fury fought impressively in Maywho led the fight after the midway stage, but a phenomenal rally from Usyk secured the win, keeping the former heavyweight king undefeated. Usyk, 37, even came close to stopping Fury, 36, in the ninth roundand from that he will have great confidence in the rematch.
But there was little to take away from Wednesday’s open practice, where Fury laced up the gloves but landed zero punches. However, his trainer Sugarhill Steward announced some news: that Fury’s father John will not be in Gypsy King’s corner this time. A press conference was then held on Thursday funny, 12-minute showdown between Fury and Usykwho both refused to quit despite attempts by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman and others.
There was a much shorter face-off at Friday’s weigh-in, after both boxers tipped the scales at the heaviest weights of their careers – with Fury significantly heavier than Usyk.
Follow all updates of Usyk vs Fury 2, with walks around the ring expected tonight at 22.15 GMTbelow. You can watch the fight live on DAZN this weekend. (We may earn a commission from some of the links in this article, but we never let that influence our content. This revenue helps fund journalism across The Independent.)
Fury vs Usyk 2 live stream: How to watch the fight online and on TV
The Briton’s loss to Usyk was the first of his professional career, while Usyk’s split decision win kept him undefeated. However, Fury has a good record in rematches: After points wins over Derek Chisora and John McDermott and a draw with Deontay Wilder, “The Gypsy King” stopped each man a second time – and a third, in the cases of Wilder and Chisora.
So, fans are expecting another close affair in Saudi Arabia. However, Usyk, 37, is the favorite ahead of this rematch – having come close to stopping Fury, 36, in the ninth round in May.
Here’s everything you need to know about the second leg:
Jamie Braidwood21 December 2024 07:30
Fury vs Usyk 2: Start time and ring walk for heavyweight boxing rematch
Tyson Fury seeks revenge Oleksandr Usykas the heavyweights clash in Riyadh for the second time in seven months.
Usyk, 37, soon vacated the IBF beltmeaning the unified titles are on the line in this rematch – not undisputed gold – but Fury will be motivated to level the score against the Ukrainian in Saudi Arabia, especially after a ninth round in which Usyk almost stopped the Briton.
Here’s everything you need to know
Jamie Braidwood21 December 2024 07:00
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and weigh-ins LIVE
Thank you for watching our live coverage of today’s weigh-ins!
Below is a summary of the key details, and we’ll see you again tomorrow… for a HUGE rematch.
Alex Pattle20 December 2024 20:10
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and weigh-ins LIVE
Alex PattleDecember 20, 2024 7:30 p.m
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and weigh-ins LIVE
So the Fury weighs in at 281lb/127.4kg, down from 262lb/118.8kg in May – almost 20lb heavier this time around, the hardest career!
Usyk is also at a career-best 226 lb/102.5 kgafter tipping the scales at 223 lb/101.1 kg in May.
Note that each man was basically fully clothed.
And a VERY short face-off, after their 12-minute stare-down yesterday!
Alex Pattle20 December 2024 19:26
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and weigh-ins LIVE
So we’re waiting for Fury and Usyk to finish weighing in…
Fury appears to the sound of “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve. A classic.
Now comes Usyk, but Fury will aim first…
Fury tips the scales at 281 lb/127.4 kg! WOW. Biggggg man.
Usyk now… 226 lb/102.5 kg! Let’s hope Michael Buffer gets it right this time, after misreading the Ukrainian’s weight in May!
Alex Pattle20 December 2024 19:16
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and weigh-ins LIVE
On to the penultimate weigh-in! Heavyweights Demsey McKean and Moses Itauma take the stage.
Australian McKean weighs 251.1 lb/113.8 kg.
Britain’s 19-year-old Itauma weighs in at 249.1 lb/112.9 kg!
It’s actually closer than I expected. Itauma’s biggest strengths are his speed and movement, while McKean’s nickname is “The Tower” – which should tell you about his size!
Alex Pattle20 December 2024 19:10