Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk look all set to run it back later this year following an incredibly watchable undisputed heavyweight title fight.
Despite the Brit’s spirited performance in the middle rounds, it was Ukraine’s Usyk who rallied, scored a knockdown and took the fight fairly on the cards.
As per the contract, a rematch is Fury’s to activate and his promoter, Frank Warren, has assured fans it’s what he wants to do. With that, predictions are being logged.
Promoter Eddie Hearn, who watched the fight from ringside and is well-versed in the skills of Usyk after two fights with his charge Anthony Joshua, told Seconds Out he would back the same result but couldn’t entirely rule out ‘The Gypsy King.’
“I would probably always favour someone who won the first fight. Especially in a fight like that, not where someone wasn’t at the races. He beat him fair and square and yeah I would favour Usyk to do the same job, but I do think Fury could win the rematch. He was hurting Usyk, but Usyk didn’t stop. There were times, particularly in the first half of the fight, and it looked like a kid attacking his dad, like jumping up to hit him.
When you think about all that holding Fury was trying to do, as he does to smother you and drain you, Usyk was just bumping him off. And he’s at such a disadvantage with his size. That’s why his performances are so incredible.”
The second instalment of this technical rivalry is slated for October with more details expected in the coming weeks. With the IBF’s ruling that Usyk must face its mandatory challenger or vacate, the rematch is unlikely to be for the undisputed crown unless his team can submit a successful appeal.
