This Saturday, the boxing world will once again turn its attention to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as Oleksandr Usyk prepares to defend his titles against Tyson Fury. This rematch follows their tightly contested bout in May, where Usyk emerged victorious by split decision, making him the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999.
Usyk’s victory not only marked a significant achievement in his career, but it also made him the third fighter in the four-belt era to hold undisputed titles in two weight classes, reinforcing his historic status in professional boxing. The rematch will see Usyk defend the WBC, WBA, and WBO heavyweight titles, as he recently vacated the IBF belt, allowing Daniel Dubois to claim the championship.
Fans can expect live updates and coverage throughout the event, which features a nine-fight card starting at 10 a.m. CT, with the main event anticipated around 5 p.m. CT. The fight will be available for streaming on DAZN pay-per-view, which offers a seven-day free trial with a purchase.
The undercard has undergone some changes, with Israil Madrimov stepping down due to illness and Ishmael Davis taking his place. Key matchups include Usyk versus Fury for the unified heavyweight titles, alongside other competitive bouts featuring promising fighters.
An exciting aspect of this rematch is the inclusion of an AI judge, which will provide live metrics during the fight. However, it’s important to note that this AI will not influence the official decision, which will still rely on three seasoned judges.
As the fighters prepare for this high-stakes rematch, Usyk, with a record of 22-0, is a slight favorite at -150, while Fury holds a record of 34-1-1. Both athletes have impressive histories, making this showdown not just a fight for titles but also a pivotal moment in each fighter’s legacy.
In summary, the rematch between Usyk and Fury represents a significant moment in heavyweight boxing, with the potential to further shape the legacies of both fighters while providing thrilling entertainment for fans. This high-profile event continues to spotlight Riyadh as a major destination for international sports, showcasing the growing global presence of boxing in the Middle East.