Oleksandr Usyk handed Tyson Fury his first career loss and, in doing so, became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in nearly 25 years. Now, with a contractual rematch clause in place, the former WBC champion will get a chance avenge his defeat.
The Ukrainian edged out ‘The Gypsy King’ via a split decision in what was an enthralling back and forth affair where the Brit could easily have been stopped in the ninth round.
Fury didn’t take long to confirm he will be exercising his rematch option and the two will now run it back later this year.
Speaking to Boxing News, Malik Scott, the trainer of former three-time Fury foe Deontay Wilder, believes it’ll be repeat in the rematch but in an even more emphatic fashion.
“Fury gave him a few tough times and at one time I thought if it doesn’t change Fury might get a stoppage, but once again he finds a way to win.
My strong opinion usually comes right after the fight and right now I can see Usyk winning in a much more clearer fashion. But we’re dealing with a live wire in Fury, he may come in 30lbs heavier next time, he may come in 30lbs lighter, but either way, no matter what weight he comes in, no matter how big he is, if I was just a betting man I would say Usyk is going to win in a much better fashion than he won in the first fight,
Yeah [I think he gets the stoppage]. I thought this one was going to be a stoppage for Usyk but I just thought it was going to happen on cuts betwen 7 and 10, it didn’t happen on cuts it just nearly happened in a natural way.”
Scott believes only ‘The Bronze Bomber’ has the ability to end Usyk’s reign.
“There is only one man to me that can put his lights out cold, there is only one man.”
Fury-Usyk 2 will take place on December 21 in Saudi Arabia as part of Riyadh season.
