Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk has just wrapped up and as always, we have had numerous talking points emerge from the fight. With Usyk emerging victorious and as the new undisputed heavyweight champion, it is but the start of a new era for the division. However, what does that truly mean for either fighter? Let’s find out.
For those unaware, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk finally stepped into the ring for their much-awaited bout. After much delay, the fight went ahead and delivered as per the lofty expectations it warranted. After an enthralling 12-round back and forth, Usyk was declared the winner by split decision.
Whilst Fury had dominated the early proceedings and built up a sizeable lead, it was Usyk’s rally from the seventh round onwards that truly turned the tides. Notably, his knockdown in Round 9 was also a massive point of contention and played a big role in getting the decision in his favor. As some would argue, the scores were rather kind to Fury as well.
Tyson Fury will face Oleksandr Usyk in an immediate rematch
For the most part, the next step for Tyson Fury will be the immediate rematch with Oleksandr Usyk. With the deal already set in place before the signing of their first fight, it was further reiterated at the end of it as well. Moreover, being the competitor that Fury is, he will be ever so keen to avenge his first-ever career loss.
That said, there have been some suggestions that Tyson Fury should retire. After unconvincing performances against Francis Ngannou and now Usyk, some believe that his time at the top of the heavyweight division is coming to an end. However, as some would suggest, there are still plenty of interesting fights still to come from him.
Tyson Fury will activate the rematch clause soon, judging by his final statement at the presser. Fury said:
“I don’t need the money. I do it because I love the sport. I have done it since I was a child.
Where does it all end? Do I have 100 fights and get brain damage and end up…
— Boxing Kingdom (@BoxingKingdom14) May 19, 2024
Most notable is the ‘dream fight’ between Fury and Anthony Joshua. According to Turki Alalshikh, it is on his list of fights that he really wants to make. In the past, Joshua signed to fight Fury in 2021, however, owing to Deontay Wilder’s arbitration, Fury was forced to complete the trilogy instead. Now, the all-English matchup is reportedly being eyed up for March 2025.
Oleksandr has a whole host of interesting matchups lined up for him
Naturally, Oleksandr Usyk also has an immediate rematch to look forward to. Set to take place in October 2024, the fight would be the definitive ending to the Tyson Fury-Usyk saga. Notably, the main selling point of the first fight was the fact that the undisputed status was on the line, something that would not be the case in the second fight.
Owing to IBF regulations, Oleksandr Usyk will reportedly be stripped of the title within two weeks. Seeing that he will not be able to face the mandatory challenger, the title will likely be up for grabs by the winner of Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois later this year. With talks of Anthony Joshua then facing the winner of Hrgovic-Dubois, it would make an interesting scenario for all parties involved.
‼️ The Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk rematch is being planned for Oct 12th/13th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to begin the next Riyadh Season, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh has revealed. He also said he’s eyeing Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua for March 2025. [@ESPN]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) May 6, 2024
Then, Usyk could be tempted to pursue Anthony Joshua for a trilogy fight or even Hrgovic to reclaim his undisputed status, with Tyson Fury possibly lurking in the background. Thus, Turki Alalshikh and the rest of the powers that be will have a solid task of figuring out how and where to place the pieces of the puzzles. All things considered, the fans can rest assured that the future of heavyweight boxing will be an exciting one and one that is now in able hands.
