Boxing fans across the globe are set to start 2024 exactly how they would have ended this year, with another mega fight between two of the best boxers, this time in the heavyweight division.
Throughout this year, fistic fans have been treated to some of the most mouthwatering contests with the best fighters in just about every division trading leather.
And just like most of the super fights that were put together this year, the bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk had been long in the making and at some point, looked like it would never happen.
However, the date has now been set – February 17 – with the two giants set to collide in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where the winner will be crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era.
Fury, nicknamed “The Gypsy King”, will be going after Usyk’s WBA, WBO and IBF titles to add to his WBC belt, which would make him the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
Sunday World brings you all the details regarding the mega bout, which has boxing lovers all over the world salivating at what lies ahead.
History beckons:
There has not been an undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999 when Lennox Lewis got the better of Evander Holyfield to defend the WBA, WBC and IBF titles.
It is highly likely that history will be made when Fury faces Usyk in what is undoubtedly the biggest heavyweight bout in recent memory.
One of the fighters will etchhis name in the history books should the fight not end in a draw as that would mean both men keep their belts and there is no undisputed champion, yet.
Recent form:
Fury boasts an undefeated record of 34 wins and one draw but is coming off October’s unexpectedly close fight against Francis Ngannou.
Fury headed into the bout against the former UFC fighter as the outright favourite given Ngannou had never boxed professionally in his life, however, he got the shock of his life.
Although Fury managed to scrape through with a split decision win, which many didn’t agree with, he came agonisingly close to an embarrassing defeat.
Usyk, on the other hand, wasn’t too impressive either in his last fight against Daniel Dubois in August as he was dropped by a punch, which the referee declared a low blow.
Dubois and many others claimed it was a legal shot but Usyk insisted the punch was below the belt and he ultimately won the fight by TKO in the ninth round.
What Fury and Usyk have said:
In true Fury style, the beginning of the build-up to the fight has been filled with trash talk with the potty mouth Brit calling his opponent all sorts of names and promising to “return to England as the undisputed heavyweight king”.
“Usyk, you can run, but The Gypsy King is coming to get you. This is my era, and your time is up,” said Fury.
“Your undefeated record and your belts, they will be mine! You’re getting smashed to pieces. Sausage. You’re fighting the best British heavyweight there’s ever been.
“I had an amazing time (in Saudi Arabia) when I fought Ngannou, and I am ready to do it again. This time, The Gypsy King will return to England as the undisputed heavyweight king.”
Usyk, who is always composed, is not a man of many words and seems to prefer to do his talking in the ring with his gloves.
He has promised to “bring the fire” when he steps into the ring against his biggest foe as he looks to put the rivalry to rest once and for all.
“I have no goal,” Usyk said.
“Only the way. And my way is ‘The Undisputed.’ That is why this was the only fight for me. When that bell rings, I will bring the fire.”
