Usyk-Fury 2: Main Event Preview & How To Watch
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After their intense 11-minute face-off, the wait is almost over. Oleksandr Usyk (21-0) will defend his WBC, IBO, and WBO Heavyweight Championships this Saturday night against the former champion, Tyson Fury (34-1-1). The two will clash on DAZN pay-per-view, inside the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Due to Usyk relinquishing the IBF Heavyweight Championship and Daniel Dubois being elevated from interim champion, only three belts will be on the line. Nevertheless, this bout will crown who the lineal heavyweight champion of the world is.
Usyk remains the only fighter who has defeated Fury in his professional career. Fury is seeking revenge on the Ukrainian for doing so. Two of the most high-level heavyweights will go toe-to-toe once more. The excitement and buzz around this main event will bring the attention of fans and media worldwide.
Becoming Tyson Fury
With the immense history between the two heavyweights, their journeys to where they are today couldn’t be more different. It’s not often fans see a clash of two high-level fighters this often in boxing. Yet this Saturday, we see it happen again.
Upon his return to boxing, Tyson Fury quickly made a name for himself in the boxing world. He defeated the likes of Deontay Wilder, Dillian Whyte, Derek Chisora, and the debuting Francis Ngannou. That line-up alone has cemented him as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
At 35 years old, Fury has seen the highest highs and the lowest lows. From battling addiction and depression, to once again becoming a household name in the sport. Fury’s run as champion is no doubt respected by fans and boxing pundits. Though fans will argue that his performance against Ngannou was the catalyst to his eventual title loss.
Usyk-Fury 1
The argument coming into the first fight was ,”A good big guy beats a good small guy every time”. Fury, who had a 6-inch height advantage against the current champion struggled to keep him off. Usyk pressured Fury into corners with his boxer-puncher style and ultimately struck gold that night. Angered by the result of the decision, Fury now comes in motivated to prove that he is the better fighter.
Fury claimed that the decision for Usyk to win was based on the fact that Ukraine was at war. This has angered many fans, but it’s a stance he’s stuck to. Fury has taken extra steps to prepare for Usyk this time around. “The Gypsy King” has isolated himself from his family, noting he has not spoken to his wife in three months. He now gets the chance to exact his revenge on the Ukrainian, who has taken his spot as the king of heavyweights.
Becoming Oleksandr Usyk
Usyk’s initial debut in the division put the heavyweights on notice. In a shocking move, the former IBF, WBC, and WBO Cruiserweight Champion moved up in weight to fight Chazz Witherspoon. In the bout, he displayed his beautiful technique to get Witherspoon to give up after the seventh round. Afterwards, Usyk sought out only the highest level of competition.
Usyk has since defeated Derek Chisora, a common opponent between him and Fury. He’s defeated Anthony Joshua twice, capturing the WBA, WBO, and IBF Championships. He then defended those titles against Daniel Dubois, who now stands as the IBF Heavyweight Champion. Ultimately, of course, he became the undisputed champion after his historic victory over Tyson Fury, and took his perfect record.
Usyk now looks to prove to Fury that his victory was no fluke. Motivated by his words after the fight, Usyk remains confident he won the fight regardless of the war in his country. Usyk is an athlete that has assisted his country’s efforts in the war against Russia. Notably, he took a break from fighting along with his fellow Ukranian, Vasiliy Lomachenko.
Usyk will be drawing motivation from the soldiers in the war ahead of his most important fight in his career. He knows a victory will uplift his people, so he carries with him a tremendous responsibility ahead of this bout. For Usyk, it’s more about uplifting his fellow people, than cementing his legacy.
Questions Will Be Answered
The stakes on this bout in terms of legacy are extremely high. Either one of these fighter make a strong case for the greatest heavyweight of all time as is. If Fury wins, he will have exacted revenge on the only man who has managed to defeat him. If Usyk wins, he will continue his legendary two-division run at the highest level while keeping a perfect record.
The pair come into this fight with respect for each other, much like the first bout. Usyk recognizes Fury as the larger opponent, with very diverse skills. Fury does not move like a 6’9″ heavyweight, and Usyk knows he’ll need to cut the ring like he did the first time.
On the contrary, Fury knows that Usyk can hurt him and present problems. The Ukrainian’s movement is something he’ll need to limit. The goal for Fury will be to prevent Usyk from gaining the momentum he did in their first fight.
As Interesting as the fight is itself, the result of the fight will change the landscape of the division forever. With a Fury loss, does he retire? What would be next for “The Gypsy King” if he were to ultimately suffer defeat on the night? For Usyk, what is there left to prove? If he defeats Fury, does he then become the pound-for-pound king? Would Daniel Dubois be next in line?
Oleksandr Usyk-Tyson Fury 2 will go down this Saturday, December 21, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event starts at 11am ET, with the main event expected around 6pm ET. It will stream exclusively on DAZN pay-per-view in the US for $39.99. A subscription is not required to purchase.
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