Boxing promoter Frank Warren has brushed aside speculation that Tyson Fury will enter the ring significantly heavier for his highly anticipated rematch against Oleksandr Usyk on December 21. The Gypsy King is gearing up for redemption after suffering the first defeat of his professional career earlier this year, with Usyk edging a split-decision victory in May.
As fight night looms, chatter about Fury’s weight has dominated headlines, with some suggesting the British heavyweight might opt for a bulkier physique. But Warren, speaking on talkSPORT, clarified that any change in Fury’s weight would come down to strategy, not speculation.
“He will come in at what weight he feels comfortable at,” Warren explained. “I don’t like fighters coming in heavy for the sake of it. Boxing is about mobility – hitting and not being hit – and Tyson is a master of that. If he’s fully focused and concentrated, he’s a handful for anyone.”
A Fight for Pride and Redemption
Warren believes Fury’s determination to reclaim glory stems from more than just the championship belts on the line.
“It’s pride more than anything,” the 72-year-old promoter stated. “He felt he won that fight, and I think he just nicked it. But it was very close. He wants to set the record straight, and this rematch gives him that chance.”
Despite whispers of retirement following his loss, Fury remains resolute, pouring effort into an intense training camp. Warren emphasized that both Fury and Usyk are capable of delivering knockout moments, pointing to vulnerabilities exposed in their previous encounters.
“They’ve both shown they can hurt each other. Tyson wobbled Usyk a couple of times in the seventh round, and Usyk showed he can take those shots and bounce back. This rematch will come down to who’s learned more and who can exploit those weaknesses when it matters.”
High Stakes and High Drama
With the clock ticking, fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be another thrilling showdown. For Fury, it’s about proving he still reigns supreme in the heavyweight division. For Usyk, it’s an opportunity to cement his legacy further by vanquishing one of the sport’s most formidable names – again.
“They’re not young fighters anymore,” Warren admitted, “but that’s what makes this even more exciting. Both men know what’s on the line, and both are determined to give everything in the ring.”
The spotlight remains firmly on the main event as Oleksandr Usyk defends his IBO, WBC, and WBO heavyweight titles against a determined Tyson Fury, who is looking to avenge his first career loss.
Fury vs Usyk 2: Undercard
Serhii Bohachuk will now face British fighter Ishmael Davis after his original opponent, Israil Madrimov, withdrew due to acute bronchitis. Meanwhile, the much-anticipated bout between Dennis McCann and Peter McGrail has been scrapped following McCann’s failed drugs test.
The updated undercard includes:
- Serhii Bohachuk vs Ishmael Davis
- Daniel Lapin vs Dylan Colin
- Andrii Novytskyi vs Edgar Ramirez – for the WBC International heavyweight title
- Moses Itauma vs Demsey McKean
- Johnny Fisher vs Dave Allen
- Isaac Lowe vs Lee McGregor
The heavyweight rematch of the year between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is set to electrify fans on Thursday, December 21, with the first bell ringing at 7:00 PM GMT from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Available on pay-per-view for £24.99, the event promises a stacked night of world-class boxing, despite last-minute changes to the undercard.
As the fight inches closer, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Riyadh, where two heavyweight titans will battle not just for belts but for their place in history.
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