The highly anticipated rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is set for December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as announced by Turki Alalshikh, the chair of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority.
Earlier this month, Usyk defeated Fury via a split decision, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999. The original fight contract included a rematch clause, ensuring a second encounter. On Wednesday, Alalshikh confirmed the rematch on social media, stating: “The rematch… is now scheduled on the 21 of December 2024 during Riyadh Season. The world will watch another historical fight again. Our commitment to boxing fans continues. We hope you enjoy it.”
Frank Warren, Fury’s promoter, shared insights into Fury’s mindset following the initial fight. “I spoke to him [Fury] after the fight and when he got back just to make sure he’s okay. He was very disappointed but very philosophical. The rematch was signed before the first fight took place anyway. Both fighters said they want it, and we’ll go from there. It was a fabulous fight, two absolute gladiators who didn’t leave anything in the ring in an epic fight in the most important fight of the 21st century.”
Reflecting on the bout, Warren noted the dramatic shifts in momentum. “Fury had seemingly been in control at the midway point until Usyk made a stunning breakthrough in the ninth round, threatening to stop ‘The Gypsy King,’ who received a standing count.”
Warren is confident in Fury’s ability to adapt and seek redemption in the rematch. “I think he can, he believes he can,” Warren remarked. “There was a moment at the end of the seventh round when Fury landed some strong uppercuts, and Usyk was struggling. But Usyk found a second wind, came out strong, and caught Tyson with a solid shot on the nose, which shifted the momentum. We all saw what happened in the ninth.
“It was a fight of two halves. Tyson knows what he has to do, and I’m sure Usyk does too. Both fighters went through an absolute war, which has undoubtedly taken a toll on them. It will be interesting to see when it happens who it has impacted the most.”