Tyson Fury has a golden opportunity to avenge his only professional defeat and claim the WBO, WBC, and WBA heavyweight titles when he faces Oleksandr Usyk in a highly anticipated rematch on Saturday in Saudi Arabia. Usyk triumphed over Fury on points in May, making history as the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era. However, Usyk has opted to drop the IBF belt for the rematch, setting the stage for an even more intense showdown.
This upcoming fight is more than just a title contest—it is a pivotal moment for both fighters. Fury, 36, will look to avenge the loss, while Usyk, 37, aims to keep his undefeated record intact. Many experts have been weighing in on how the fight will unfold, with opinions divided on whether Fury will bounce back or whether Usyk will prove too tough once again.
Usyk vs Fury 2: The Stage is Set
The first meeting between these two giants was a fascinating contest. Usyk, known for his technical prowess and calm demeanor, edged Fury in a closely contested battle to claim all the heavyweight belts. While some felt Fury had moments of brilliance, it was Usyk’s relentless approach and adaptability that saw him through. Now, the rematch promises to be just as compelling, as both fighters have made adjustments in their camps to ensure victory.
In the buildup to Usyk vs Fury 2, Fury has been the slight underdog in many eyes, but he has never been one to shy away from a challenge. The question remains: Can Fury make the necessary adjustments to turn the tide in his favor, or will Usyk’s steady progression continue?
Expert Predictions for Usyk vs Fury 2
BBC Sport has spoken to a number of boxing insiders, each offering their perspective on the rematch. Their insights highlight the contrasting styles of the two fighters and the potential strategies that could define the outcome.
Fabio Wardley: “Fury Needs to Show More Ambition”
British heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley believes that Tyson Fury is capable of beating Usyk, but he has doubts about whether Fury still has the drive to achieve it. Wardley points out that while Fury possesses the ability to adapt and outmaneuver Usyk, his ambition could be a question mark. Usyk, on the other hand, is “stoic” and unwavering, which could give him the mental edge in a fight that will require both fighters to dig deep.
Lennox Lewis: “The Bigger Man Always Wins”
Lennox Lewis, a former undisputed heavyweight world champion, has a clear view of the rematch. He believes that Tyson Fury’s size and strength will be key factors in the fight. According to Lewis, Fury must use his jab more effectively and throw more punches than he did in the first encounter. Lewis is confident that Fury’s physical advantages will help him prevail, as long as he fights with total seriousness and determination. He emphasizes that in heavyweight boxing, the bigger fighter often comes out on top when they have similar technical abilities.
Natasha Jonas: “Fury Will Be More Focused”
Welterweight world champion Natasha Jonas is optimistic about Fury’s chances. She believes that the British boxer will be more “on it” this time, having learned from his previous encounter with Usyk. Jonas feels that Fury has the tools to make the necessary adjustments and, as a result, could claim victory in the rematch.
Lawrence Okolie: “Fury Needs to Be More Aggressive”
Heavyweight Lawrence Okolie offers a more nuanced prediction. He backs Fury, despite the fact that Usyk has already beaten him once. Okolie suggests that Fury should not try to outbox Usyk as he did last time but instead should employ a more aggressive approach. By stepping forward and making the fight ugly and gritty, Fury could have more success. However, Okolie acknowledges that if Usyk stays in top shape and remains consistent, he could win by an even larger margin than before.
Frazer Clarke: “Usyk Will Win”
Heavyweight Frazer Clarke is less optimistic about Fury’s chances. While he admits that Fury can make the necessary changes, Clarke believes Usyk will still be too strong in the rematch. Usyk’s ability to handle adversity and maintain his focus in difficult moments could ultimately see him through once again.
Jack Catterall: “Fury’s Adjustments Might Not Be Enough”
Light-welterweight Jack Catterall offers a more cautious view. He highlights the strong early rounds Fury produced in their first fight but questions whether those adjustments will be enough to overcome Usyk’s all-around ability. Catterall acknowledges the British fighter’s skill but suggests that Usyk’s adaptability and consistency make him a very difficult opponent to beat.
Regis Prograis: “Fury Will Win This Time”
American fighter Regis Prograis is sticking with his original prediction, backing Fury to win. He admits that Usyk is an incredible talent, having defeated some of the best in the division, but Prograis believes that Fury’s size and strength will ultimately be too much. He has faith that Fury will learn from his mistakes and emerge victorious in the rematch.
Sunny Edwards: “Usyk Has the Momentum”
Former world champion Sunny Edwards is leaning towards Usyk for the rematch. He acknowledges that the first fight was close but feels that Usyk’s momentum and rhythm give him the edge. Edwards praises Usyk for his ability to adapt to any situation, even when hurt, and suggests that Fury will have to overcome a lot of adversity to come out on top. However, Edwards cautions that Fury is always a dangerous fighter, and writing him off completely could prove to be a mistake.
More Predictions for Usyk vs Fury 2
Many other fighters and coaches have weighed in on the upcoming fight, offering additional perspectives that further highlight the intrigue of the rematch.
Eddie Hearn: “Backing Tyson Fury”
Promoter Eddie Hearn, who has a long history with Usyk, is throwing his support behind Fury. Despite his close ties to Usyk, Hearn believes Fury has what it takes to reclaim the belts and turn the tables in this highly anticipated rematch.
Galal Yafai: “Usyk Has the Edge”
British flyweight Galal Yafai, who shares an Olympic pedigree with Usyk, is backing the Ukrainian champion to win once again. Yafai admires both fighters but feels that Usyk’s all-around skills will be too much for Fury to handle.
Shannon Ryan: “Usyk Will Win Again”
Super-flyweight prospect Shannon Ryan is predicting another points victory for Usyk. Ryan believes that while Fury will come into the fight with more intensity and focus, Usyk will take control from around the eighth round and finish the fight strongly.
Hannah Rankin: “Fury on Points”
Scotland’s first female world champion, Hannah Rankin, has struggled with her prediction but eventually backs Fury to win on points. She believes the loss to Usyk has motivated Fury to train harder than ever, and she feels that he will learn from his mistakes in their first encounter.
Moses Itauma: “It’s All About Adjustments”
Heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma has mixed feelings, admitting that he hasn’t seen much of Usyk’s camp but still believes that Fury can win if he makes the necessary adjustments. Itauma stresses the importance of preparation and the unknowns of each camp, but he is not ready to write Fury off just yet.
Richie Woodhall: “Fury Can Win if He’s Disciplined”
Retired world champion Richie Woodhall believes that Fury can still come out on top, but it will require a disciplined and focused performance. Woodhall argues that Fury’s physical advantages, if he’s in top shape, will help him against Usyk’s relentless style. He’s confident that Fury will perform better than in the first fight and could deliver his best performance yet.
Kevin Lerena: “Fury Will Knock Usyk Out”
South African heavyweight Kevin Lerena is among the most confident in Fury’s chances, predicting that the Brit will knock Usyk out. Lerena feels that Fury was dominating before he was caught by Usyk in their first fight, and if Fury can avoid those critical moments, he has the tools to stop the Ukrainian.
Dave Coldwell: “Usyk’s Experience Will Prevail”
Boxing coach Dave Coldwell leans towards Usyk in this fight, predicting a 55-45 advantage in favor of the Ukrainian. Coldwell highlights Usyk’s resilience in tough moments and his ability to handle adversity. He believes that despite Fury’s physical advantages, Usyk’s experience and composure will see him through once again.
Conclusion: Usyk vs Fury 2 – Who Will Prevail?
As the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury approaches, the boxing world is divided on who will emerge victorious. Some believe Fury has what it takes to avenge his loss and reclaim the heavyweight titles, while others believe Usyk’s consistency and adaptability will ensure he remains undefeated. Regardless of who ultimately prevails, Usyk vs Fury 2 promises to be an unforgettable spectacle and a defining moment in the heavyweight division.
