Tyson Fury will fight for his legacy and revenge and three heavyweight belts in Saturday’s rematch with top contender Oleksandr Usyk.
The unpredictable Brit suffered his first career loss in May when Usyk won a split decision to become the first undisputed champion of the four-belt era.
Bookmakers and many neutral commentators are favoring the undefeated Ukrainian fighter, widely regarded as boxing’s best, as he returns to the Arena in the Kingdom of Riyadh after seven months.
Despite the tight score, Fury needed the ropes to stay upright in the ninth round and was saved by the bell after the count of eight.
With Usyk, committed to the lucrative rematch, relinquishing his IBF title rather than face mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois, only three belts are now left.
Fury, 36, was undefeated in 35 fights before facing Usyk, despite a roller-coaster career in which he has battled depression, substance abuse and weight gain.
His preparations for the first unification clash in a generation were in disarray as a reduction in training forced a three-month delay and reduced his playing ability.
Bookmakers and many neutral commentators favor Usyk, who is widely regarded as the best boxer. |Photo credit: AP
Bookmakers and many neutral commentators favor Usyk, who is widely regarded as the best boxer. |Photo credit: AP
During the final build-up, his father John head-butted one of Usyk’s attendants, and it was later revealed that Fury’s wife Paris had suffered a miscarriage on the eve of the fight.
The ‘Gypsy King’ was more focused this time around and locked himself away in a three-month training camp in Malta as he said he did not speak to Paris or his children.
He refused to perform in front of cameras during a public training session at Riyadh’s Boulevard World theme park on Thursday, with a fake sphinx looking on.
Wearing a hoodie, leather jacket and a bushy beard, Fury strolled around the ring, tying on his gloves and taking them off again before issuing some monosyllabic threats.
“It was very painful,” he said of Saturday’s game. “Crushed and damaged.”
“It hurts,” the Mancunian continued, ignoring the interviewer’s questions. “It’s hurt, it’s seriously hurt. It hurts a lot.”
‘Comfortable’ Usyk
By contrast, Usyk was smiling and energetic, dancing and doing tai chi while pop star Artem Pivovarov hung from a light installation and belted out Ukrainian hits .
“The first fight is behind us,” said the 37-year-old, adding that he felt “good, very comfortable in boxing and training”.
Former WBC champion Fury needs to beat Usyk on Saturday to set up a trilogy fight and cover up a blemish in his career.
He was encouraged by his strong record in the rematch after knocking out Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder in the trilogy contest.
However, he couldn’t face a tougher opponent than Usyk, a former Olympic gold medalist and undisputed lightweight champion with a 22-0 record.
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While the Ukrainian southpaw robs Fury of six inches of height and a huge weight advantage, his footwork, speed and impressive physicality have allowed him to be successful since moving into the heavyweight division.
In the top division, Usyk defeated Chisora and twice defeated the towering Anthony Joshua to win the IBF, IBO and WBO gold belts, and then eliminated Dubois to end Fury’s reign. Undefeated record.
According to British media reports, the prize money was increased by 150 million pounds ($190 million), with Usyk expected to receive the lion’s share – a change from May, when Fury was said to have banked 70% of his winnings.
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