Photo: Mikey Williams / TR Boxing – Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) and Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) during their first meeting last May.
Last May, Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury by split decision, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion in over 25 years. Tonight, in Saudi Arabia, he’ll attempt to repeat the feat against the towering Brit.
On one hand, Usyk enters the fight as the favorite this time. On the other, Fury comes in nearly 20 pounds heavier. Is this part of his strategy? Did he truly underestimate Usyk? Or does the Ukrainian simply have his number?
The first time around, I was convinced Usyk would win, but this time, I honestly have no idea. That’s why I asked 14 members of Eye of the Tiger to share their predictions.
“I couldn’t say exactly how, but in my opinion, Tyson Fury will take it.”
1-0 Fury.
“There are several possible scenarios. This type of fight depends on how well Tyson Fury prepared, but that’s something we can’t know in advance. If I have to choose, I’ll go with Usyk by decision, but nothing is certain.”
1-1.
“Tyson Fury by unanimous decision.”
2-1 Fury.
“Fury was undefeated before their first fight. His pride and honor were shaken. I’m convinced he’ll come back strong, especially after an intense training camp away from his family. However, in the first fight, despite his physical advantage, his performance disappointed me. Usyk, on the other hand, boxed brilliantly and, in my opinion, deserved a KO victory. The referee could have stopped the fight instead of giving an eight-count. With his discipline, intelligence, and skills, I see Usyk winning inside the distance this time. The referee will step in during the 9th or 10th round.”
2-2.
“Tyson Fury by decision…”
3-2 Fury.
“I think that Tyson seems out of character right now. I’m leaning towards Usyk because of his discipline and consistency… but I’d never bet against a Gypsy!”
3-3.
“I think this time Tyson Fury will defeat Usyk by KO around the 8th round.”
4-3 Fury.
“I think Fury will try to use his weight more, as he did in the rematch against Wilder. However, it will be harder to do against Usyk, who maintains a higher work rate. Fury cannot underestimate Usyk, a stylist who can surprise with sharp combinations at any moment. And Usyk, on the other hand, cannot let Fury disrupt his rhythm by forcing a close-range fight. I’m going with Usyk! I love his style, and if he wins, he’ll forever be in the history books as one of the greatest of all time. What will be left for him to achieve?”
4-4.
“I think Fury will win. In all his rematches, he’s always been better. In the first fight, he was already close to a draw, even after being knocked down. I believe Fury will show us what a great champion he truly is this Saturday.”
5-4 Fury.
“Fury’s first fight against Wilder was close, but in the second, he completely dominated. I think this will still be a good fight, but I’m going with Fury. I hope so, anyway—I bet $100 on him.”
6-4 Fury.
“I’m going with Fury. I truly believe he’ll make the necessary adjustments to come out victorious.”
7-4 Fury.
“I think Fury will manage to stop him this time.”
8-4 Fury.
“This will be an interesting fight that should be close once again. That being said, I don’t think Usyk will be able to surprise Fury and shake him up like he did in the first fight. I think Fury will try to use his physical attributes (height and weight) to come out on top. That being said, Usyk is a very mobile strategist and I think he will be able to cause trouble for Fury. This is an extremely competitive matchup and it is almost impossible to predict the winner. But if I have to pick, I will go with a Fury by SD with the aim of having a trilogy… but I wouldn’t be surprised if the indomitable Usyk wins!”
9-4 Fury.
«Tyson Fury via decision.»
TOTAL: 10-4 Fury.
