Tyson Fury Faces Uncharted Territory in Rematch Against Oleksandr Usyk
In the world of boxing, few moments are as electrifying as a heavyweight clash for the undisputed championship. This past May, fans were treated to such a spectacle when Tyson Fury, known as “The Gypsy King,” faced off against Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The bout was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Usyk delivering a stunning performance in Round 9 that left Fury reeling.
Usyk, with his precise lead rights and overhand lefts, managed to land 14 unanswered punches on Fury, sending the larger man crashing into the ropes. This moment was not only a testament to Usyk’s skill but also a pivotal point in the fight. Despite Fury’s size advantage at 6-foot-9 and over 260 pounds, Usyk’s agility and technique shone through. The fight was deadlocked on one scorecard, while Fury held a slight lead on the other two, 77-75, as they entered that crucial ninth round.
The referee’s decision to halt the action and start a count was in line with the rules, as the ropes had prevented Fury from hitting the canvas. Usyk, speaking in Ukrainian during a TNT Sports faceoff, expressed his respect for Fury, saying, “I didn’t want to damage him. I know the game of boxing. After the fight, he would go back to his family. For this reason, there’s no reason to hurt him.”
This knockdown marked the eighth of Fury’s career, but it was the first to cost him a fight. Fury, who was undefeated in 35 previous bouts, had faced adversity before. His most memorable moment came in the 12th round of his first meeting with Deontay Wilder, where he returned from a 3½ year hiatus to secure a split draw. Fury’s journey has been one of resilience, overcoming weight gain, substance abuse, and depression to reclaim his place in the boxing world.
In the rematch against Usyk, Fury is determined to make the necessary adjustments. Speaking from his training camp in Malta, Fury emphasized the importance of being a smart boxer. “You’ve got to be a smart boxer,” he told ESPN. “And like I did before, I was landing lead right uppercuts, lead right hands on him. I was hitting him at will. I was lighting him up.”
Fury’s preparation for this rematch has been intense. He has isolated himself from his family, training in Malta for 12 weeks without any distractions. “I’ve not had any distractions,” Fury said. “I’ve got a big task. I’ve got a big fight with a man trying to take my brains out and take everything I have away from me; faculties, everything.”
His training regimen includes two sessions per day, focusing on boxing technique and sparring. Sundays are reserved for church and relaxation, but the rest of the week is dedicated to rigorous training and a strict diet. “It’s not a holiday,” Fury said. “It’s not like a five-star all-inclusive in Mexico or something. It’s not stuff that I enjoy. It’s like vegetables and rice and chicken and s— like that.”
Usyk, on the other hand, is known for his incredible mental toughness and peak physical condition. His victory over Fury in May was largely due to his performance in Round 9, which tipped the scorecards in his favor. Fury acknowledges the challenge ahead, stating, “You have to be Tyson Fury for sure. But this is a serious game, what we’re in next Saturday, so I’m going to be serious.”
Fury’s strategy for the rematch involves hitting Usyk more times than he gets hit. He dismisses the idea of simply applying more pressure, noting that other fighters like Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois have failed to walk Usyk down. “If it was easy just to walk down Usyk, if you’re just a big man just walking down and bullying him, then Anthony Joshua would’ve done it,” Fury said.
As the rematch approaches, Fury is focused on delivering a “demolition job” on Usyk. His past successes in rematches, including his trilogy with Deontay Wilder, give him confidence. Fury’s determination to reclaim his title and prove himself once again is evident in his preparation and mindset.
Boxing analysts like Timothy Bradley Jr. and Antonio Tarver have weighed in on Fury’s approach. Bradley emphasizes the importance of establishing control from the outset, while Tarver highlights Fury’s dedication to his craft. “He’s trying to do something that’ll be talked about forever and a day,” Tarver said. “This is the fight that will define Tyson Fury.”
Despite being a slight underdog, Fury’s history of overcoming the odds and his commitment to the sport make him a formidable opponent. As he looks ahead to a potential trilogy fight with Usyk and beyond, Fury remains motivated by the challenge and the opportunity to entertain fans worldwide.
- Fury’s training camp in Malta is his most serious to date.
- Usyk’s victory in May was largely due to his performance in Round 9.
- Fury is determined to reclaim his title and prove himself once again.
As the boxing world eagerly anticipates the rematch, one thing is certain: Tyson Fury is ready to face the challenge head-on, with the determination and resilience that have defined his career.
Originally Written by: Mike Coppinger
