Oleksandr Usyk defeats Tyson Fury again
Last night, in front of what looked like a sold-out Riyadh Arena, Oleksandr Usyk solidified his status as the best heavyweight, not only in the world, but also of this generation as he beat the former 2-time champion, Tyson Fury.
Tyson Fury, weighing in 19lbs heavier at a career heaviest 281 pounds, could not solve the puzzle that is Usyk despite now sharing the ring with the Ukrainian for 24 rounds, and although there were some at ringside who favoured Fury before the scorecards were read out, he ultimately fell short again, this time losing by unanimous decision.
A victory over Usyk would have not only proved to the boxing world that Tyson Fury was still in contention for being the best of this era but would have also opened the door to a trilogy fight, something Fury is all too familiar with after trilogies with Derek Chisora & Deontay Wilder.
It would have also been another opportunity for us fans to witness arguably the two best heavyweights in the world mixing it up in what undoubtedly would have been another great event filled top to bottom with exciting fights, although we are getting quite used to seeing high quality undercards generally by now.
A rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk would also mean lots of money generated and put into His Excellency’s pocket, something that would be all to appetising for promotors over the years who would have tried to rig the results just to see it happen.
Tyson firmly believed that he should have had his arm raised in both fights, feeling like he was robbed by the judges on both occasions. His promoter, Frank Warren was also quick to voice his frustration after the fight as well.
Thankfully, the judges awarded the WBA, WBO, WBC & IBO titles to the right man again last night and although there will be controversy among some like there always is, the majority can agree that Oleksandr Usyk is completely deserving of retaining these prestigious belts.
Tyson Fury Next Opponent
Many of us will now be wondering when we will next see the Gypsy King back in the ring and if the pre-fight comments are anything to go by, we shouldn’t be expecting Tyson Fury to retire just yet.
So, after 24 gruelling rounds with Oleksandr Usyk, who could we see face Tyson next? Will he and his team opt for someone at a lower level to potentially rebuild his confidence and brand? Or will it continue to be prize fighting from here on out? If the latter is what is to be expected, then what fights are out there that will generate the most attention and money?
Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua
For some there are just two fights that could not only get him back on course for the heavyweight championship but would also be of everyone’s interest. One being long time rival of Tyson Fury, another former two-time world champion, Anthony Joshua.
Anthony Joshua is someone that not only the British fans, but fans all over the world have been dying to see go toe-to-toe with the 6-foot 9 giant for what seems like an eternity. Many call-outs and failed negotiations later, Turki Alalshikh could be the man to finally make it happen.
Tyson Fury vs Daniel Dubois
The other name on people’s minds would be another domestic bout against ‘Dynamite’ Daniel Dubois who is scheduled to fight Joseph Parker on February 22nd and is already looking to avenge his loss against Oleksandr Usyk, should he be victorious early next year.
But despite Dubois having these 2 fights at the forefront of his mind, a clash with Tyson Fury should more than entice him, if not for the payday, but to potentially add one of this generations greatest heavyweights to his resume.
If Dubois wins his fights against Joseph Parker and Usyk, and chooses to face the Gypsy King after, it will also mean Tyson Fury is back among the belts and given another opportunity to be the top dog in the heavyweight division, something I’m sure he relishes deep down despite consistently saying that he doesn’t care about the belts.
Other names that Tyson Fury could face include the likes of Zhilei Zhang, a bizarre Deontay Wilder 4th fight and an even more bizarre Wladimir Klitschko rematch, bringing the 48-year-old out of retirement which has been hinted at in recent weeks.
Tyson Fury to retire?
If Tyson Fury was to put on the gloves again, who would you like to see face off against the Gypsy King? Or would you rather he simply walked away? despite how difficult it would be for him to do so.
It’s no doubt that Fury has provided boxing fans with some incredible entertainment, coming back from mental health struggles and showing those around the world that they can come back from situations others wouldn’t expect them to.
Whatever he decides to do, the boxing fan base should appreciate and respect what he has done and achieved inside and outside of the ring, and it will mark the end of an era if it hasn’t already when he decides to hang up the gloves.
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