In Dec. 21st, 2024, Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury with battle once again to set the record straight. For Usyk, it is to solidify and legitimize his first win over Fury, but for Fury it is revenge. This is make or break for Fury, as he is getting up there in age, and this could be his last chance at glory in his career, but this matchup also decides a lot of things when considering the Heavyweight boxing scene. For example, what matchups will be made next. Today I’ll explore the possible opportunities and possible outcomes of Usyk vs. Fury 2.
How Did Usyk vs. Fury 1 Go Down?
Oleksandr Usyk faced Tyson Fury for the first time in Feb. 17th, 2024 where Usyk won via Split Decision after knocking down Fury in Round Nine. Though people like to claim Usyk dominated Fury, I don’t believe this to be the case at all. It was a split decision for a reason, as they fought their hearts out, and while I do believe Usyk won, I do believe it was a close fight.
The first three rounds, Usyk controlled the fight well with jabs to the body and head, along with his straight right. This pressure kept Fury on the back foot, often finding himself in the corner or against the ropes. Universally, it is agreed that Usyk led the dance in the first three rounds.
Then, in round four Fury began to strike back. He found his uppercuts brilliantly, landing them often and stunning Usyk a lot. People don’t like to give Fury credit for those uppercuts, but they were working like a charm. Every time you could tell that the uppercuts were stunning Usyk and hurting him. Fury’s new found dominance lasted to about round seven or eight, but then Usyk started to find himself in the ring again.
The two engaged in a competitive and technical match, where both found success and cracked each other. It was Usyk who found big success first though, as in round nine he caught Fury and knocked him down. Fury got back to his feet and both boxed to the final bell, where the two out of the three judges believed that Usyk won the match, with the final scorecards reading 115-112 Usyk, 114-113 Usyk, and 113-114 Fury.
At the time, the bout was for the Undisputed Heavyweight title, which means that one boxer was able to hold all major boxing titles at once, thus becoming undisputed. Usyk quickly vacated his IBF Heavyweight title, and Daniel Dubios was able to obtain the title and defeat Anthony Joshua to defend the IBF Heavyweight title. Now the second time around the titles on the line will be Usyk’s WBC, WBA, and WBO Heavyweight belts.
How Does This Matchup Affect the Boxing World?
Well, first of all this is a matchup to decide the best Heavyweight boxer in the world at the time. Despite Dubois, the winner here will be the only Heavyweight holding onto major titles in the Heavyweight division. Now, what are the other effects?
Not only does this match decide the best Heavyweight as of right now, this opens the door for multiple different matches in the future. Lets explore these possibilities.
What if Usyk wins again?
If Usyk wins then a trilogy match with Fury is practically out the door. If Usyk is to win again, then he will most likely look to become undisputed again. He can do this by facing the winner of Dubois vs. Parker is for the IBF Heavyweight belt. Also, Zhilei Zhang will face Agit Kabayel for the WBC Heavyweight Interim title, and the winner should get the next title shot against the winner of Usyk vs. Dubios/Parker. For Fury, if he loses he’ll likely retire. Before he retires, though, I’m sure he’ll want one more legacy fight. That fight would likely be against Anthony Joshua, who he was supposed to face in 2021 in one of the biggest Heavyweight matchups of all time, before Wilder exercised his right to a trilogy match with Fury, destroying any plans for Fury vs. Joshua.
What if Fury wins or there is a draw?
If Fury wins the rematch, a trilogy is 100% guaranteed. In this trilogy match, if Fury wins again, I suspect he’ll have a match or two before retirement. One of these matches I believe will be against the IBF champ, and if he wins possibly a rematch. I don’t think Fury has much more left in him, as he is getting up there in age. If Usyk wins the trilogy match then he’ll likely chase undisputed status once again. If he can secure it, I think he’ll be on top of the Heavyweight division for a while. While I cannot see the future, I think Dubois or Parker, whoever shall win their IBF title match, will face the winner of Usyk v. Fury 2/3.
In the event of a draw I think it plays out somewhat the same, with the trilogy match and possible fourth match based on how the third one goes. Again, I believe that Dubois or Parker, whoever is the current IBF champ at the time, will face Fury or Usyk, whoever should win the third or fourth match.
What is the undercard?
- Serhii Bohachuk vs. Ishmael Davis at Light Middleweight
- Moses Itauma vs. Demsey McKean at Heavyweight
- Johnny Fisher vs. Dave Allen at Heavyweight
- Peter McGrail v Rhys Edwards at Super Featherweight
- Isaac Lowe vs. Lee McGregor at Featherweight
- Daniel Lapin vs Dylan Colin at Light Heavyweight
- Andrii Novytskyi vs Edgar Ramirez at Heavyweight
If you intend on watching Usyk vs. Fury 2 you can do so by buying the PPV on DAZN for $39.95.
