As the highly anticipated matchup between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk approaches, the fight has been rescheduled to take place on May 18th at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Initially set for February 17th, the delay was due to a cut suffered by WBC champion Fury, giving Usyk more time to prepare. Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, has mentioned that this additional time has molded him into a “diamond,” bringing confidence and no hesitation as he steps into the ring on Saturday night. It has been speculated by some boxing fans that Fury’s need for extra time was due to poor physical condition back in February, leaving him unprepared to face the skilled IBF/WBA/WBO champion Usyk. With three training camps and nine months of preparation under his belt, Usyk is looking to capitalize on this opportunity.
Fury’s Reluctance: A Telltale Sign?
One cannot help but wonder if Fury’s reluctance to face Usyk at an earlier date was a strategic move, as the Ukrainian boxer poses unique challenges with his footwork and defensive skills. Usyk has been compared to a larger version of Vasily Lomachenko, suggesting that Fury may struggle to keep up with his mobility and boxing prowess. Despite Fury’s impressive record, he has not faced anyone of Usyk’s caliber in his professional career, making this matchup all the more daunting. Additionally, Fury’s age and potential decline in speed may work against him in the ring.
Event Details and Undercard
For boxing fans in the U.S., the event will be available for $69.99 on DAZN PPV and ESPN+ PPV, starting at 2:00 p.m. ET. The undercard features exciting matchups such as Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis, Joe Cordina vs. Anthony Cacace, and Frank Sanchez vs. Agit Kabayel, among others. The main event between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk promises to be a defining moment in the heavyweight division, with both fighters bringing their A-game to the ring. With Usyk’s meticulous preparation and Fury’s undeniable skill, fight fans can expect an intense battle for supremacy in the heavyweight division.
The upcoming showdown between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk has generated significant buzz within the boxing community. Usyk’s focused preparation and Fury’s reputation as a formidable opponent set the stage for an unforgettable night of boxing action. As fans eagerly await the clash between these two heavyweight champions, the outcome remains uncertain, with both fighters showcasing their strengths and determination. Be sure not to miss this epic matchup as Fury and Usyk go head-to-head in a battle for supremacy in the ring.