RIYADH – December 17, 2024 – In anticipation of a monumental clash in heavyweight boxing, unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs) and former unified heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (33-0-1, 24 KOs), made their grand arrivals today at the Riyadh Season, ahead of their highly anticipated rematch on Saturday, December 21 live worldwide on DAZN PPV (11 a.m. ET) from the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Also making their grand arrivals were co-headliners, top contenders, and rising stars featured in the undercard. Former WBC 154-pound interim titleholder Serhii Bohachuk (24-2, 23 KOs) will now face British boxer Ishmael Davis (13-1, 6 KOs) in a 12-round super welterweight bout, after Israil Madrimov was forced to withdraw due to illness. Also in attendance was rising heavyweight star Moses Itauma (22-0, 10 KOs) and his opponent, Australian Demsey McKean (22-1, 14 KOs), as well as undefeated Johnny Fisher (12-0, 11 KOs), who squares off against former Commonwealth title challenger Dave Allen (23-6, 18 KOs).
Former Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist Peter McGrail (10-1, 6 KOs) is taking on last-minute replacement Rhys Edwards (16-0, 4 KOs) in a super featherweight bout, and Scotland’s Isaac Lowe (25-2-3, 8 KOs) will face former IBO Super Bantamweight title challenger Lee McGregor (14-1-1, 11 KOs) in a featherweight bout.
Also in action are unbeaten Daniel Lapin (10-0, 4 KOs) taking on fellow undefeated lightweight prospect Dylan Colin (14-0, 4 KOs), knockout artist Andrii Novytskyi (14-0, 10 KOs) facing off against Edgar Ramirez (10-1-1, 4 KOs) in a heavyweight clash, and local talent Mohammed Alakel (1-0) squaring off against Joshua Ocampo (8-33-5, 6 KOs).
Here is what the fighters had to say during their grand arrivals today:
OLEKSANDR USYK
We spoke with Tyson Fury and he promised his excellency that he will knock you out in round 13. How do you feel about that?
“It’s only talk. We will see. Whatever happens is God’s will.”
Right now, all eyes are on you. The world is watching as we close 2024 with you as the main event. How does that make you feel?
“It will be a great fight, I feel really good. I think that I will win.”
Oleksandr, I saw you today working out in the gym going through your routine. Is it now just a case of staying loose and active until Saturday?
“Yeah, today was easy, I was just doing cardio and stretching. Just want to stay active until Saturday.”
You seem very confident. Even your size, you look like a proper heavyweight. You seem very confident going into this second fight with Fury?
“Yeah, I feel really good at my weight at 222 lbs. I don’t feel too heavy, I don’t feel too light. I feel perfect.”
Oleksandr, in the first fight you said that you weren’t going to leave him alone. You said that you were going to be in front of Tyson Fury. Can we expect the same type of performance on Saturday?
“Yeah, my fans can expect something similar again. But, we may switch a few things up a little bit. My team and I have a few secrets for Saturday.”
Have you had a chance yet to sit back and realize what you’ve done? To consider the history you’ve made for yourself and all of your achievements?
“Yes, of course. This is a big opportunity for me, for my country, and for the young people that look up to me and Tyson. This is history! I want people 15 years later to remember when I fought and beat Tyson Fury twice in Riyadh.”
Will you admit that you are a great fighter now, possibly an all time great?
“Definitely.”
And pound for pound?
“I think Terence Crawford is the number one fighter pound for pound.”
What are you doing these next few days to get yourself ready for the fight on Saturday?
“I just train, relax, and speak with my family, my daughter, and my team.”
TYSON FURY
How does it feel to be the biggest show in Riyadh?
“I’m the only show in town. This time around everything is pretty much the same. It’s the biggest event of my life, so in that regard it’s pretty much the same. From one biggest event to the next biggest event. I’m looking forward to putting on a show as always.”
What can we expect differently in round 13?
“I’m going to knock him out. I’m going to give Turki what I promised him in May, a cooked rabbit in his kitchen. That’s my promise!”
What is your favorite moment of this week?
“My favorite moment will be getting my hand raised on Saturday night.”
SERHII BOHACHUK (24-2, 23 KOs)
What can we expect from you on Saturday?
“Big show, big fight coming up for me. I’m ready. It will be interesting, I’ll show my fans, the Ukrainian fans, and the industry some very interesting boxing.”
ISHMAEL DAVIS (13-1, 6 KOs)
What do you have to do on Saturday to make sure you have no regrets?
“I just need to show everyone who I am. They’ve only seen a little bit but on Saturday night they’re going to see who I truly am against a tough opponent. He’s going to come forward and bring the best out of me.”
MOSES ITAUMA (20-0, 10 KOs)
How does it feel to be considered by some as the next Anthony Joshua?
“I mean, it is nice to compare yourself against a two-time heavyweight champion. Obviously I haven’t proved nothing yet, it’s nice to hear these things but everybody’s on their own path and I’m here to set my own path also.”
DEMSEY MCKEAN (22-1, 14 KOs)
How does it motivate you to be part of such a big event?
“Obviously I want to contend for a world title myself you know so coming away with a big win here against Moses is going to propel me into a world title fight. All eyes on Moses first come Saturday night. I need to come away with a good performance, look good doing so, and make sure I get another return invite here on the beautiful Riyadh Season.”
How Important is for you to make a statement on Saturday?
“It’s everything. I’m coming off a loss in my last fight against Filip Hrgovic for a final eliminator you know so I want to get straight back into the top. Moses has a world rank that I want and need and it’s going to propel me into big fights.”
MOHAMMED ALAKEL (1-0)
How much pressure do you feel having your second professional fight in your own backyard?
“No pressure. I’m very happy and excited, I can’t wait. I got my pro debut over and done with. It should be light work now.”
JOSHUA OCAMPO (8-33-5, 6 KOs)
What are your first impressions coming into this event?
“It’s a really great opportunity for all us Colombian boxers to be here. I came here so excited, surrounded by all these beautiful people, this beautiful country. I’m just brrrrr freezing about it!”
JOHNNY FISHER (12-0, 11 KOs)
How much pressure do you feel to finish this fight before the final bell?
“The only pressure I feel is the pressure I apply to myself, my family, and my team around me. All the rest of it is enjoyment,its exposure, and all I’ve got to do is my job and listen to the people in my corner and that’ll be good.”
Your prediction for the fight?
“My prediction is victory at all costs. No matter how it comes, I’ve got to win, and this incredible journey gets to continue. I’m on the biggest stage in the world, it’s fantastic to be here, and it’s an honor to be a part of it.”
How does being part of such a big event like Riyadh Season motivate you?
“My job, I’m the fighter, and one thing I can deliver is action, adventure, and I try to get the knockout every single time I fight so I’ll be looking for that, no doubt.”
DAVE ALLEN
Doncaster De La Hoya, what’s that all about?
“Yeah, when I first started boxing as a kid everyone said that I bore a resemblance to Oscar De La Hoya, the golden boy, and because I’m from Doncaster it just kind of stuck.”
How do you feel coming into Riyadh, and making this the opportunity to establish yourself in this division?
“I’m very fortunate to be here. I’m very grateful. This is a massive opportunity, one that at my age I didn’t think would come, but it’s here now and I plan to take it with both hands.”
PETER McGRAIL
I know that there was a last minute change in your opponent, so how did that change your fight plan?
“Well, fight plans change. We just remained focused. I believe in my team, his excellency Turki Alalshikh, and everyone else involved. Queensberry, Matchroom, I had belief in them that they were going to get a replacement and that’s what happened. I stayed focused on the job. The job remains the same. I’m coming for the big performance on Saturday.”
When you have an Olympic pedigree like yourself, how does that prepare you for these sorts of last minute changes?
“I’ve been traveling around the world, representing my country for years, and we just don’t know until the draw. So, there are days where you won’t know who you’re fighting until the day before so it was nothing new. I’m very experienced and I remain focused. I stuck to the plan and I’m in great shape. I look forward to putting on a heavy performance for you all Saturday.”
ISAAC LOWE (25-2, 2 KOs)
How does being a part of Tyson Fury’s camp for this fight motivate you?
“I don’t think I need much to get motivated for this fight. I know how big a fight this is, I know what Lee brings, I know he’s a worthy contender. He comes in, he’s tough. This is the biggest fight of my life on Saturday night. I’ve got to win this belt, get it for my baby, so there’s no way on God’s earth I’m going to lose on Saturday night. I’m going to have to get killed in there to lose this fight. I can’t wait, I’m revved up, pumped up, I’m ready to put a show on for the fans.”
LEE MCGREGOR (14-1-1, 11 KOs)
How happy are you to be here?
“I’m so happy, it’s a surreal moment but I’m soaking it all up and really excited for the weekend.”
Tell me something about the plane?
“It’s unbelievable. You need to be on it to experience it. You can’t really explain it, it’s just absolutely amazing and something I’ve never experienced before.”
Another title opportunity, how does that feeling compare with coming down from that plane coming into the crowd waiting for you to fight?
“It’s just amazing. I’ve got the chance to change myself and my family’s life this weekend and I’ve put absolutely everything into my training camp. I’ve left no stone unturned, I’m truly prepared for whatever my opponent brings and I firmly believe I will come out victorious and bring that belt back home to my daughter.”
How much lightning do we have in those hands for Saturday?
“We’ll see you on Saturday.”
DANIEL LAPIN (10-0, 4 KOs)
How do you feel about this opportunity?
“I feel that very soon, one of the fighters will have one loss and that will not be me.”
You’re closing the year in a great event. On the Heavyweights looking at the upcoming talent, how does that motivate you?
“It’s a big opportunity for me in a great event. I have passed a hard training camp with the Champion and I will show my good boxing. Thank you to everyone involved in this process including Saudi Arabia for everything they do for boxing.”
DYLAN COLIN (14-0, 4 KOs)
You’ve come a long way and French boxing is in an uprising – now it’s your turn. How are you feeling it’s motivating you?
“It’s good to be here and a good opportunity for me. Thank you very much to all organizations, my promoter and I’m ready for Saturday.”
ANDRII NOVYTSKYI (13-0, 10 KOs)
Welcome back to Riyadh. You are closing 2024 with a huge event. When asked on defending his title and his excitement to be here?
“This is my second time in Riyadh, I’m so excited and it’s a very big show. I’m fighting in this show too and I can show you what I can do with my opponent, December 21.”
How much do you know about your opponent?
“Just that he’s a Mexican guy. I’ve fought many Mexican guys but he’s just my next opponent and I will give my 100%.”
EDGAR RAMIREZ (10-1, 4 KOs):
How much pressure do you feel representing Mexico?
“I feel a little bit of pressure because I’m obviously representing the whole country of Mexico. But I’m very excited and happy to be here and I’m going to be doing exactly what we all do as Mexicans and that’s leaving it all on the line.”
ABOUT OLEKSANDR USYK VS. TYSON FURY 2: REIGNITED
Undisputed Heavyweight World Champion Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) faces former unified heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) in a highly anticipated rematch on December 21, 2024, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, live worldwide on DAZN PPV. The blockbuster main event will be complemented by a stellar undercard featuring elite talent across multiple divisions, including a clash between former WBC 154-pound interim titleholder Serhii Bohachuk (24-2, 23 KOs) and British boxer Ishmael Davis (13-1, 6 KOs) in a 12-round super welterweight bout and a heavyweight showdown between top teenage prospect Moses Itauma (22-0, 10 KOs) and Australian Demsey McKean (22-1, 14 KOs). Also in action are undefeated Johnny Fisher (12-0, 11 KOs) squaring off against former Commonwealth title challenger Dave Allen (23-6, 18 KOs), former Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist Peter McGrail (10-1, 6 KOs) taking on last-minute replacement Rhys Edwards (16-0, 4 KOs) in a super featherweight bout, and Scotland’s Isaac Lowe (25-2-3, 8 KOs) facing former IBO Super Bantamweight title challenger Lee McGregor (14-1-1, 11 KOs) in a featherweight bout. Plus, unbeaten Daniel Lapin (10-0, 4 KOs) taking on fellow undefeated lightweight prospect Dylan Colin (14-0, 4 KOs), knockout artist Andrii Novytskyi (14-0, 10 KOs) facing off against Edgar Ramirez (10-1-1, 4 KOs) in a heavyweight clash, and local talent Mohammed Alakel (1-0) squaring off against Joshua Ocampo (8-33-5, 6 KOs).
DAZN subscribers can access the fight via the DAZN app on any device, from smart TVs to smartphones and tablets, with no additional contracts or hidden fees. For more information and to purchase the fight, please visit www.dazn.com.