Oleksandr Usyk is gearing up for an intense rematch with Tyson Fury, exuding confidence that he will once again claim victory in their heavyweight title bout. This highly anticipated second showdown is scheduled to take place on December 21, 2023, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and will be broadcast live on TNT Sports Box Office. The Ukrainian fighter, a former undisputed cruiserweight champion, recently sat down with Steve Bunce from TNT Sports, where he expressed his belief that the outcome of this encounter will mirror the first.
During the interview, Usyk was coy when asked about his strategy for securing a win in the rematch, stating instead, “The freak and the rabbit’s hands is going to be up in the air, then the words which will echo around the arena ‘AND STILL…’” This cryptic statement reveals his confidence and hints at a strong belief in retaining his title. Usyk implied that while he typically keeps his strategies close to his chest, he is certain of the end result.
In another reflection on the lead-up to the fight, Usyk responded to Fury’s pre-fight bravado with a light-hearted demeanor. He acknowledged the entertainment value of the pre-fight hype, noting, “Of course. Yes, I enjoy this… these are the emotions, these are the memories that when we are two old men.” Usyk mentioned a promise made between them to enjoy a beer in Ukraine after their boxing careers, reminiscing about their fights, likely with a chuckle at the prospect of saying, ‘Remember how you beat me twice.’
Despite his jovial outlook, he recognizes the importance of maintaining composure during the bout itself. “I want to smack his face until his cheeks go red. But I keep in mind that I have to be calm,” Usyk commented, emphasizing the mental aspect of training for a heavyweight champion like Fury.
At the age of 37, Usyk boasts an impressive professional boxing record of 22 wins and no losses (22-0-0). He reflected on his preparation for the rematch, revealing that he and his team had identified areas for improvement since their last contest. “I have done not just something, I have done a lot,” he remarked, emphasizing his commitment to continuous personal and professional development. “I have found the disadvantages and we worked on them. I have no idea whether I improve myself but I did the hard work.”
Usyk also spoke about his quest for perfection, a journey he claims he has almost reached. He explained that finding balance is key amidst the ups and downs of life, and he feels he has achieved that state of perfection, which he describes as complicated yet rewarding.
In a show of support, Alex Krassyuk, Usyk’s promoter, expressed his expectations for a more dramatic rematch compared to their initial bout. Krassyuk went as far as to suggest that Usyk might defeat Fury before the end of the 12 rounds, hinting that a knockout victory could be on the horizon. “He’s capable of doing this [beating Fury again] but the victory will come from the Lord,” he stated, underscoring Usyk’s thorough preparation for the clash.
Believing that both fighters will be bringing their best to the ring, Krassyuk stated, “This is going to be a way more dramatic fight this time than it was before. For me, it shouldn’t go the distance this time. I think the big wardrobe [Fury] can fall down with some noise,” affirming his faith in Usyk’s potential to emerge triumphant once again.
For fans eager to catch the match, there are multiple options for viewing the event. Customers of EE TV can purchase it via their STB on channel 494. For Virgin Media TV users, options vary based on the set-top box, with TiVo and V6 users directed to the On-Demand section for Live Events, while those with Virgin TV 360 and Stream should check the Pay Per View section. Additionally, Prime Video offers access to the event without requiring a subscription, making it accessible for a wide array of viewers.
With mounting excitement directing the boxing community’s gaze toward December 21, Usyk and Fury’s rematch promises to be a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship.
