Oleksandr Usyk v Tyson Fury heavyweight title rematch scheduled for December 21 in Riyadh
Updated 29/05/2024 at 11:43 GMT+1
Ever since their historic bout on May 18, the world has been waiting to know when Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will step into the ring again. Usyk is the new undisputed heavyweight champion of the world after beating Fury via a split decision but fans won't have to wait too long for the rematch. Usyk and Fury are scheduled to fight again on December 21 in Riyadh as part of the Riyadh Season.
'It's a great day' - An emotional Usyk reflects on beating Fury
Video credit: TNT Sports
The highly-anticipated heavyweight rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk has been scheduled to take place on December 21 in Riyadh.
The pair fought on May 18, with Usyk emerging victorious via a split decision victory to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
Fury immediately confirmed after the fight that he would exercise his rematch clause and now the date has been confirmed.
Turki Alalshikh confirmed on Twitter: "The rematch between the Undisputed Champion Oleksandr Usyk and the Champion Tyson Fury 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..."
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum discussed the prospect of a rematch, and previously speculated that this could take place in either November or December.
He highlighted that Fury was eager to get back in the ring, as he bids to right the wrongs of that defeat earlier this month.
"I know Tyson is anxious for the rematch," he said. "I think probably it will be in November or December because you can't do it in October.
"The guys have been training for a whole year and now for them to go back into training makes no sense.
"So I think late November, early December or mid-December would be ideal for the rematch.
"I think the contract provides for Saudi Arabia to do the rematch and the truth is that doing it any place else would be impossible even without the contract, because nobody could afford those purses as big a fight as it is.
"And the Saudis are great hosts. I thought the presentation of the event was terrific. So I'm sure the rematch would occur in Saudi Arabia."
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Though Usyk is currently undisputed heavyweight king, there is still uncertainty as to whether this rematch will be for all the marbles.
'The Cat' took the WBC strap previously held by Fury, adding to the WBA, WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine titles he denied Anthony Joshua of in 2021 and 2022.
However, the IBF belt could well be vacated, with No.1 contender Filip Hrgovic due his shot at the championship. Usyk's team have filed a petition to keep hold of the title.
If that appeal is unsuccessful, and Usyk refuses to defend it, there is one likely scenario: the winner of Hrgovic v Daniel Dubois, live on TNT Sports Box Office this Saturday, taking on Joshua.
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