Oleksandr Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years as he took a 12-round split decision over Tyson Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

It was a nip and tuck battle with Usyk came out strong in the first couple of rounds. Fury started to get into the fight by ripping body punches and hurting Usyk throughout the middle rounds.

In round nine, Usyk battered Fury that was set off by a huge left cross to the jaw that had Fury wobbling all over the ring and into the ropes for an eight-count. The two took turns down the stretch as it was the knockdown that proved to be the distance as Usyk won by 115-112 and 114-113 tallies. Fury took a card 114-113,

It looks like the two will do it again, as a rematch is tentatively planned for October.

Usyk said, “Yes, of course. Rematch. I am ready!”

“I believe I won that fight. I believe he won a few of the rounds. I thought I won a majority of them, and I believe it was a — what can you do — these are the decisions in boxing. We both put on a good fight, the best we could do,” Fury said, “We go back, have a little rest up, spend some time with our families, and get it back on in October.”

Opetaia Decisions Briedis Again to Reclaim Cruiserweight Title

Jai Opetaia reclaimed the IBF Cruiserweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Mairis Briedis in a rematch.

The bout was bloody battle that featured a loy of headbutts. Opetaia got out to an early lead by landing some solid power shots. Briedis came on late but it was too little, too late as Opetaia won by scores of 117-111 and 116-112 twice.

Opetaia of Australia is now 25-0. Briedis of Latvia is 28-3.

Cacace Stuns Cordina in 8; Wins Super Featherweight Title

Anthony Cacace won the IBF Super Featherweight title with an eighth round stoppage over undefeated champion Joe Cordina.

In round three, Cacace dropped Cordina with a perfect right hand. Cordina was hurt and had to hold on to barely make it out of the round.

Cacace continued to beat down Cordina until a big flurry forced a referee stoppage at 39 seconds.

Cacace, 129.8 lbs of Belfast, NI is now 22-1 with eight knockouts. Cordina, 130 lbs of Cardiff, WAL is 17-1.

Kabayel Knocks Out Sanchez in 7

In a battle of undefeated heavyweights, Agit Kabayel stopped Frank Sanchez in round 10 of their 12-round bout

In round seven, Kabayel dropped Sanchez with a hard right hand. Sanchez was beaten down and ate another hard flurry that sent him to the deck and he could not beat the count at 2:33.

Kabayel, 238.5 lbs of Bochum, GER is 25-0 with 17 knockouts. Sanchez, 238.5 lbs of Guantanamo, CUB is 24-1.

Itauma Takes out Mezencev in 2

Moses Itauma scored a second-round stoppage over Ilja Mezencev in round two of their 10-round heavyweight bout.

Itauma dropped Itauma with a perfect straight left hand and the fight was over at 50 seconds of round two.Itauma, 239.1 lbs of Chatham, ENG is 9-0 with seven knockouts. Mexencev, 231.1 lbs of Hamburg, GER is 25-4.

Chamberlain Destroys Wahab in 1

Mark Chamberlain took out Josh Wahab in the opening round of their 10-round lightweight bout.

Chamberlain dropped Wahab with a perfect short left hand. Wahab got up and was dumped again with a two lefts and rights and the fight was called off at 2:42.

Chamberlain, 134.2 lbs Portsmouth, ENG is now 16-0 with 12 knockouts. Wahab, 132.1 lbs of Accra, GHA is 23-2.

Safar Batters, Decisions Kovalev

Robin Safar scored the biggest win of his career with with a 10-round unanimous decision over former light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev.

Safar dominated the bout by landing heavy shots and in round 10, Safar dropped Kovalev with a hard double right hand. That happened just before the bell

Safar, 194.1 lbs of Sweden won by scores of 99-90, 97-92 and 95-94 and is now 17-0. Kovalev, 194.2 lbs of Russia is now 35-5-1.

Nyika Stops Seitz in 4

David Nyika stopped Michael Seitz in round four of an 10-round cruiserweight bout.

Nyika dropped Seitz with a body shot and the fight was stopped at 2:45.

Nyika, 198.1 lbs of Australia is now 9-0 with eight knockouts. Seitz, 198.5 lbs of Frankfurt, GER is 12-1.

Daniel Lapin destroyed Octavio Pudivitr in round one of their 10-round ;ight heavyweight bout

In round one, Lapin dropped Pudivitr in the opening round with a left hand and the fight was stopped upon Pudivitr getting to his feet at 1:47.

Lapin, 174 1/2 lbs of Ukraine is 10-0 with four knockouts. Pudivitr is 9-2.

Isaac Lowe scored a 10-round decision over Hasibullah Ahmadi in a featherweight bout.

Lowe scored a knockdown in round eight.

Lowe, who fights out of the Tyson Fury camp won by a 97-92 score and is now 25-2-3. Ahmadi is now 16-2.

 •  Tyson Fury 262 lbs. vs. Oleksandr Usyk 233.5 lbs
(Undisputed Heavyweight Championship – 12 Rounds)

   •   Jai Opetaia 198.1 lbs vs. Mairis Briedis 199.1 lbs
(Opetaia’s Ring Magazine & Vacant IBF Cruiserweight World Titles — 12 Rounds)

•   Joe Cordina 130 lbs  vs. Anthony Cacace 129.8 lbs 
 (Cordina’s IBF Junior Lightweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

•   Frank Sanchez 238.5 lbs vs. Agit Kabayel 238.5 lbs 
 (WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator — 12 Rounds)

•  Moses Itauma 239.1 lbs vs. Ilja Mezencev 232.1 lbs 
 (Vacant WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Title — 10 Rounds)

•      Mark Chamberlain 134.2 lbs vs. Joshua Oluwaseun
Wahab  132.1 lbs 
 (Vacant WBC Silver Lightweight Title — 12 Rounds)

•  Sergey Kovalev 194.2 lbs vs. Robin Sirwan Safar 194.1 lbs 
 (Cruiserweight — 10 Rounds)

•  Daniel Lapin 174.7 lbs vs. Octavio Pudivitr 173.7 lbs 
 (Vacant WBA Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Title — 10 Rounds)

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (May 16, 2024) — It was an occasion befitting the biggest heavyweight fight of the millennium, a three-part press conference filled with pageantry and special guests.

In two days, an undisputed heavyweight champion will be crowned for the first time in nearly 25 years as WBC/Lineal champion Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) battles WBO/IBF/WBA ruler Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) and Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) will vie to become the division’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis scaled the mountaintop in 1999. 

The expected faceoff did not happen. Fury refused to look Usyk in the eyes, facing forward to the crowd. The intensity, however, was palpable. After many years of hype and conjecture, the fight is almost here. 

Eight fights in total are scheduled for the Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV stream, which begins at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT.

The pay-per-view undercard features a pair of world title fights. In the co-feature, cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia (24-0, 19 KOs) puts his Ring Magazine belt on the line against Mairis Briedis (28-2, 20 KOs), the man he dethroned for the IBF world title in July 2022. The vacant IBF world title will also be at stake in this highly anticipated rematch. 

The fighting pride of Wales, IBF junior lightweight world champion Joe Cordina (17-0, 9 KOs), defends his strap against Belfast native Anthony Cacace (21-1, 7 KOs). In other undercard bouts, undefeated heavyweight contenders Frank Sanchez (24-0, 17 KOs) and Agit Kabayel (24-0, 16 KOs) square off in a WBC title eliminator, while former light heavyweight king Sergey Kovalev (35-4-1, 29 KOs) sees action in a 10-round cruiserweight tilt versus Robin Sirwan Safar (16-0, 12 KOs).

Here’s what Fury, Usyk, and some of the undercard fighters said at Thursday’s press conference.

Tyson Fury

“I’m going to make this short and simple. I want to thank God for the victory that I’ve received already. And I want to thank everyone involved for putting this massive event on. I want to thank Usyk for turning up and challenging me. And that’s about it. Thank you to all the fans that traveled over to support me because I know it’s tough times at the moment and money is hard. So, I aim to put on a show.”

“I’m ready. I’ve got nothing to say apart from I’m ready for a good fight. And if it’s tough or easy, either way, I’ll be ready.”

Oleksandr Usyk

“I’m excited. I’m grateful for His Excellency, the reason this fight happened. Let’s make history!”

Bob Arum (Top Rank Chairman)

“In boxing, there’s a saying that the most important division is the heavyweight division. When we have the opportunity to have an undisputed heavyweight champion crowned, as we will Saturday night, it is something very, very significant. The last fighter to be crowned the undisputed champion is sitting out in the audience. It happened 25 years ago. Lennox Lewis became the undisputed heavyweight champion. Saturday night will be a very, very important night for boxing because not only will we be crowning the undisputed heavyweight champion, but the two participants in the fight have never, ever lost a fight. Now, how rare is that? How great is it that this fight on Saturday, which will be held here in the Kingdom, in Riyadh… the eyes of the world, not just boxing fans, but fans and people all over the world, will be focusing on the arena, on this fight, and believe me, it will be a great one.”

Jai Opetaia

“I feel like a whole different version of myself now. I’ve picked it up a few levels. I’m 28 now, just going into my prime. I feel like I’m the next generation of greatness coming through. I look around, and I see greatness everywhere. And I’m honored to be in front of them, but it’s my time now. I feel I’m the next generation of greatness, and I told him that last fight.”

“I’ve got nothing disrespectful to say to Briedis. I always say, everywhere we go, you earn respect, you don’t disrespect. So, Saturday night, we earn the respect again.”

Mairis Briedis

“For Jai Opetaia, I have big respect because when we fought, I saw a real warrior in the ring and how he fought {with a broken jaw}.”

Joe Cordina

“This is a massive stage to showcase my talent on. It’s a big fight. For years, I thought me and Anthony would cross paths, and we’re here now. I’m looking forward to a tough fight, and I’m looking forward to sharing the ring with him.”

“I believe in my ability the same way he believes in his ability. He believes he knows my weaknesses. I believe I know his and vice versa with the strengths. It’s going to be a good fight, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Anthony Cacace

“Listen, I’m here for a fight. I know all about Joe Cordina. I know his strengths. I know his weaknesses. I’ve waited 12 years as a pro for an opportunity like this, and it’s finally arrived on the biggest stage in world boxing for God knows how many years. So, I’m just very appreciative to be here. I’m here to win.”

Agit Kabayel

“The next opponent is Frank Sanchez. He is a good boxer, good Cuban style. I’m ready for the challenge.”

“I hate predictions. I hate trash talk in this game. I’m humble. We’ll see on Saturday night.”

Sergey Kovalev

“I’m very happy to be back to business. I’ve had one fight in four years. For me, that’s a very long rest, but I kept my body in shape, and I’m ready. This Saturday, it will be my night.”

Saturday, May 18

Top Rank on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View (12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT)
 

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk, 12 rounds, Undisputed Heavyweight World Title
 
Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis, 12 rounds, Vacant IBF and Opetaia’s Ring Magazine Cruiserweight World Titles

Daniel Lapin vs. Octavio Pudivitr, 10 rounds, Vacant WBA Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Title

ESPN and Top Rank, together with DAZN, will bring the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world between WBC/lineal champion Tyson Fury and WBO/IBF/WBA ruler Oleksandr Usyk to ESPN+ PPV.

The event is available for purchase on ESPN+ PPV in the United States, in addition to DAZN PPV, and takes place Saturday, May 18, live at 12 p.m. ET/ 9 a.m. PT from Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

ESPN+ subscribers can purchase the $69.99 PPV here, separate streaming subscription required. New subscribers can sign up for ESPN+ here. ESPN+ is available on ESPN.com and the ESPN App for mobile and connected TV devices.

Fury vs. Usyk is the fourth boxing event on ESPN+ from the ESPN and DAZN collaboration following three events last year, including Day of Reckoning, the X Series PPV event, and Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz.

Fury vs. Usyk is the most significant heavyweight battle of the millennium, as the winner will become the division’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis claimed the throne in 1999.

Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) returns following last October’s closer-than-expected decision over former UFC king Francis Ngannou in Riyadh. He has held the lineal title since upsetting Wladimir Klitschko via unanimous decision in November 2015. Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs), an Olympic gold medalist from Ukraine, hopes to become the second man, following Evander Holyfield, to achieve undisputed status at both cruiserweight and heavyweight.

The PPV action also includes the following match ups:

• Lineal/Ring Magazine cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia (24-0, 19 KOs) battling Mairis Briedis (28-2, 20 KOs) in a rematch for the vacant IBF world title. 
• Joe Cordina (17-0, 9 KOs) defending his IBF junior lightweight world title against Belfast native Anthony Cacace (21-1, 7 KO). 
• Unbeaten heavyweights Frank Sanchez (24-0, 17 KOs) and Agit Kabayel (24-0, 16 KOs) locking horns in a 12-round WBC title eliminator. 
• British heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma (8-0, 6 KOs) stepping up versus Ilja Mezencev (25-3, 21 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
• Unbeaten British lightweight Mark Chamberlain (15-0, 11 KOs) fighting the big-punching Joshua Oluwaseun Wahab (23-1,16 KOs). 
• Former light heavyweight king Sergey Kovalev (35-4-1, 29 KOs) aiming for his second win as a cruiserweight in a 10-rounder against the unbeaten Robin Sirwan Safar (16-0, 12 KOs).
• Polish-born light heavyweight contender Daniel Lapin (9-0, 3 KOs) seeking to go 10-0 against Octavio Pudivitr (9-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
   

ESPN.com

ESPN boxing insider Mike Coppinger will be on the ground all week from Riyadh and ringside at the Kingdom Arena on fight night providing the latest news and analysis:

• Tyson Fury and the lineal heavyweight championship – Fury shares with Coppinger his thoughts about some of the best heavyweights to ever hold the prestigious title.
• Bradley’s take: Designing a game plan for Fury and Usyk – Timothy Bradley, Jr. examines how other boxers have found success against Fury and Usyk in previous fights.
• Boxing will finally have an undisputed champion – Mark Kriegel looks at the undisputed heavyweight title fight and how the lineal champion will once again carry its meaning.

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights.  

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok

Fury vs. Usyk (All Times ET)

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (May 14, 2024) — Heavyweight history will be made soon in The Kingdom.

WBC/Lineal champion Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) and WBO/IBF/WBA ruler Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) will battle for the undisputed heavyweight crown this Saturday at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The winner becomes the division’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis accomplished that feat in 1999.

On Tuesday at Boulevard Riyadh City, the main event combatants and undercard fighters made their grand arrivals. The pageantry was befitting one of the most anticipated heavyweight fights in modern memory, a long-simmering rivalry that will play out in four days.

Fury has been the lineal champion for nearly nine years and is coming off last October’s decision over Francis Ngannou in Riyadh. Usyk survived a tough challenge before knocking out Daniel Dubois in the ninth round last August in Poland. After a Fury cut suffered in sparring scuttled their original Feb. 17 fight date, the world’s top heavyweights are finally in the same location.

The Fury-Usyk card is available on Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV in the United States beginning at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT. 

The pay-per-view undercard features a pair of world title fights. In the co-feature, cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia (24-0, 19 KOs) puts his Ring Magazine belt on the line against Mairis Breidis (28-2, 20 KOs), the man he dethroned for the IBF world title in July 2022. The vacant IBF world title will also be at stake in this highly anticipated rematch. 

The fighting pride of Wales, IBF junior lightweight world champion Joe Cordina (17-0, 9 KOs), defends his strap against Belfast native Anthony Cacace (21-1, 7 KOs).

At Tuesday’s grand arrivals, this is what Fury, Usyk, and Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum had to say. 

Tyson Fury

“It feels absolutely fantastic to be in the great Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I’m feeling fantastic. I can’t wait to put a good show on. There’s so many people coming. It’s such an event. All the big stars are here. It’s going to be epic. I can’t wait for Saturday night.”

“If I was fighting an old dosser on Saturday night who had five fights and lost them all, it would be very important to me. Every fight I’ve ever had is important to me. Every little fight along the way was important to me. I believe that every left and right turn I’ve ever taken in my life, every time I’ve fallen over, and every time I’ve climbed up was all leading to this moment. It’s destiny.”

“I predict that somebody’s ‘0’ has got to go. And it’s going to be that team over there, unfortunately for them. Oleksandr Usyk is a great fighter. Olympic gold medalist, cruiserweight world champion, heavyweight world champion. But, unfortunately for him, he has to come against the great Tyson Fury in the era of me. I’m really looking forward to Saturday night.”

“Even if he had 20 million people screaming his name, they cannot fight for him on the night. And when there’s two men in there on the night, it’s going to be very daunting when he has the undertaker in the ring with him.”

Oleksandr Usyk

“I feel good. I’m very happy to be here. Saturday is a special day because I will have the opportunity to become undisputed for a second time. It’s great. It’s very good for me. It’s very important for my country. I like that.”

“I have a plan. It’s a better plan. And it’s a great plan.”

“I really appreciate the support from my fans and Ukrainian soldiers. I love my fans.”

Bob Arum

“Unfortunately, we don’t see enough of these events in boxing. The undisputed heavyweight championship of the world occurs so infrequently that it’s almost like a blue moon coming. And now, on Saturday night, we will have the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world here in Riyadh. And that means that after this fight, there is one ‘Baddest Man on the Planet,’ the undisputed heavyweight champion. That means everything in the sport of boxing. That means everything for fans who love boxing.”

Saturday, May 18

Top Rank on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View (12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT)
 

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk, 12 rounds, Undisputed Heavyweight World Title
 
Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis 2, 12 rounds, Vacant IBF and Opetaia’s Ring Magazine Cruiserweight World Titles

Mark Chamberlain vs. Joshua Oluwaseun Wahab, 12 rounds, Vacant WBC Silver Lightweight Title

Sergey Kovalev vs. Robin Sirwan Safar, 10 rounds, Cruiserweight

Daniel Lapin vs. Octavio Pudivtr, 10 rounds, Vacant WBA Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Title 

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (May 14, 2024) — Heavyweight history will be made soon in The Kingdom.

WBC/Lineal champion Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) and WBO/IBF/WBA ruler Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) will battle for the undisputed heavyweight crown this Saturday at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The winner becomes the division’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis accomplished that feat in 1999.

On Tuesday at Boulevard Riyadh City, the main event combatants and undercard fighters made their grand arrivals. The pageantry was befitting one of the most anticipated heavyweight fights in modern memory, a long-simmering rivalry that will play out in four days.

Fury has been the lineal champion for nearly nine years and is coming off last October’s decision over Francis Ngannou in Riyadh. Usyk survived a tough challenge before knocking out Daniel Dubois in the ninth round last August in Poland. After a Fury cut suffered in sparring scuttled their original Feb. 17 fight date, the world’s top heavyweights are finally in the same location.

The Fury-Usyk card is available on Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV in the United States beginning at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT. 

The pay-per-view undercard features a pair of world title fights. In the co-feature, cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia (24-0, 19 KOs) puts his Ring Magazine belt on the line against Mairis Breidis (28-2, 20 KOs), the man he dethroned for the IBF world title in July 2022. The vacant IBF world title will also be at stake in this highly anticipated rematch. 

The fighting pride of Wales, IBF junior lightweight world champion Joe Cordina (17-0, 9 KOs), defends his strap against Belfast native Anthony Cacace (21-1, 7 KOs).

At Tuesday’s grand arrivals, this is what Fury, Usyk, and Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum had to say. 

Tyson Fury

“It feels absolutely fantastic to be in the great Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I’m feeling fantastic. I can’t wait to put a good show on. There’s so many people coming. It’s such an event. All the big stars are here. It’s going to be epic. I can’t wait for Saturday night.”

“If I was fighting an old dosser on Saturday night who had five fights and lost them all, it would be very important to me. Every fight I’ve ever had is important to me. Every little fight along the way was important to me. I believe that every left and right turn I’ve ever taken in my life, every time I’ve fallen over, and every time I’ve climbed up was all leading to this moment. It’s destiny.”

“I predict that somebody’s ‘0’ has got to go. And it’s going to be that team over there, unfortunately for them. Oleksandr Usyk is a great fighter. Olympic gold medalist, cruiserweight world champion, heavyweight world champion. But, unfortunately for him, he has to come against the great Tyson Fury in the era of me. I’m really looking forward to Saturday night.”

“Even if he had 20 million people screaming his name, they cannot fight for him on the night. And when there’s two men in there on the night, it’s going to be very daunting when he has the undertaker in the ring with him.”

Oleksandr Usyk

“I feel good. I’m very happy to be here. Saturday is a special day because I will have the opportunity to become undisputed for a second time. It’s great. It’s very good for me. It’s very important for my country. I like that.”

“I have a plan. It’s a better plan. And it’s a great plan.”

“I really appreciate the support from my fans and Ukrainian soldiers. I love my fans.”

Bob Arum

“Unfortunately, we don’t see enough of these events in boxing. The undisputed heavyweight championship of the world occurs so infrequently that it’s almost like a blue moon coming. And now, on Saturday night, we will have the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world here in Riyadh. And that means that after this fight, there is one ‘Baddest Man on the Planet,’ the undisputed heavyweight champion. That means everything in the sport of boxing. That means everything for fans who love boxing.”

Saturday, May 18

Top Rank on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View (12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT)
 

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk, 12 rounds, Undisputed Heavyweight World Title
 
Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis 2, 12 rounds, Vacant IBF and Opetaia’s Ring Magazine Cruiserweight World Titles

Mark Chamberlain vs. Joshua Oluwaseun Wahab, 12 rounds, Vacant WBC Silver Lightweight Title

Sergey Kovalev vs. Robin Sirwan Safar, 10 rounds, Cruiserweight

Daniel Lapin vs. Octavio Pudivtr, 10 rounds, Vacant WBA Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Title 

Former WBO junior welterweight world champion Chris Algieri will be co-hosting the popular and exclusive live viewer chat, with award-winning combat sports journalist Kevin Iole and popular podcaster Dan Canobbio,  in real time, during PPV.COM‘s live stream of this Saturday’s, May 18 (2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT) World Heavyweight Championship boxing event headlined by the long-awaited showdown between undefeated world champions Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.  This will be the first time, since the Mike Tyson – Michael Spinks rumble in 1988, that undefeated heavyweight champions have battled for all the belts.  The victor will become the division’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis 24 years ago.  The crystal-clear HD live stream, emanating from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will be available to viewers in the U.S. and Canada.  Priced at $69.99, it can be ordered by clicking here: PPV.COM: Fury vs. Usyk.  Below, is Chris’ analysis of Fury vs. Usyk.  PPV.COM does not require a subscription.

CHRIS ALGIERI’S FURY vs. USYK PREVIEW ANALYSIS

“This is a tremendous fight with incredible historical significance.  There hasn’t been an undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis beat Evander Holyfield in 2000.  Boxing’s World Heavyweight Champion has always and will always be recognized as the baddest man on the planet.

“That being said.  A win for Fury solidifies him as one of the greatest heavyweights of the modern era.  Potentially being the guy that no one in history could ever beat.  He is the biggest, most athletic heavyweight in history of the sport, 6’9 280 lbs, with athletic head movement, the heart of a lion, and competitive spirit unmatched to date is a recipe for an all time great. 

“A win by Usyk locks him in as the best cruiserweight of all time as well as one of the best heavyweights of current times.  It would be hard to argue, based on his accomplishments, to see it any other way — Olympic gold medalist, unified cruiserweight world champion, unified heavyweight world champion, undefeated.  What else is there to be done at that point?

“As different as these two men are from their appearance, to their styles, to the way they operate in every aspect of their lives, we have two men who share a commonality.  They are undefeated and here to make history!” 

***************************

KEVIN IOLE

Kevin is a recipient of the Nat Fleischer Award for Excellence in Boxing Journalism, the Boxing Writers Association of America’s highest honor.  He brings over 40 years of experience covering the sweet science for Yahoo! Sports and the Las Vegas Review-Journal.  He now runs the hugely popular combat sports website KevinIole.com

DAN CANOBBIO AND CHRIS ALGIERI

Dan and Chris have moved their popular Inside Boxing Livepodcast to PPV.COM, where they produce two fresh episodes weekly, provide onsite coverage during major pay-per-view fight weeks, host their own weekly live chat every Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, and join fight night live viewer chats.  For the latest episodes of Inside Boxing Live presented by PPV.COM, click here Inside Boxing Live – YouTube. 

About iNDEMAND and PPV.COM

iNDEMAND is an innovative partnership among three of the leading cable companies in the U.S.– Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, and Cox Communications. iNDEMAND is a company of trusted content aggregators and licensing experts, with unparalleled technical expertise and long-standing relationships with MVPDs, major sports leagues, Hollywood studios, and other entertainment and sports companies across North America. iNDEMAND delivers great content to more than 60 million cable homes and has distribution deals with more than 90 companies.  In December 2021, iNDEMAND launched PPV.COM, an innovative streaming PPV service and the first of its kind to offer interactive fan engagement during live-action sports.  With the addition of PPV.COM, which does not require a subscription, to its existing cable PPV infrastructure, iNDEMAND has consolidated all forms of PPV distribution under one roof, making the company the only provider of turnkey PPV solutions for both industry partners and consumers.  For more information, go to indemand.com.

NEW YORK (May 9, 2024) — PPV.COM, which does not require a subscription, returns to the ring  when it live streams to boxing fans, in the U.S. and Canada, arguably the biggest and most important fight in recent memory — the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk World Heavyweight Championship next Saturday, May 18, beginning at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT.  The winner of this battle between undefeated heavyweight champions — a first since the Mike Tyson – Michael Spinks rumble in 1988 — will become the division’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis 24 years ago.  The Fury-Usyk world championship event will emanate live from Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  Priced at $69.99, the Fury-Usyk world championship event can be ordered by clicking here PPV.COM: Fury vs. Usyk.    

The PPV.COM Fury vs. Usyk live stream will feature award-winning combat sports journalist Kevin Iole, popular podcaster Dan Canobbio,  and former WBO junior welterweight world champion Chris Algieri co-hosting an exclusive viewer chat in real time.

PPV.COM, which does not require a subscription, will offer Fury vs. Usyk for $69.99 in the U.S. and Canada.  iNDEMAND, the parent company of PPV.COM, will also be carrying the event through its network of cable and telco operators in the U.S. and Canada via providers including, Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Optimum, Fios, Rogers, Bell, SaskTel, and Telus, among others.

KEVIN IOLE

Kevin is a recipient of the Nat Fleischer Award for Excellence in Boxing Journalism, the Boxing Writers Association of America’s highest honor.  He brings over 40 years of experience covering the sweet science for Yahoo! Sports and the Las Vegas Review-Journal.  He now runs the hugely popular combat sports website KevinIole.com

DAN CANOBBIO AND CHRIS ALGIERI

Danand Chris have moved their popular Inside Boxing Livepodcast to PPV.COM, where they produce two fresh episodes weekly, provide onsite coverage during major pay-per-view fight weeks, host their own weekly live chat every Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, and join fight night live viewer chats.  For the latest episodes of Inside Boxing Live presented by PPV.COM, click hereInside Boxing Live – YouTube. 

About iNDEMAND and PPV.COM

iNDEMAND is an innovative partnership among three of the leading cable companies in the U.S.– Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, and Cox Communications. iNDEMAND is a company of trusted content aggregators and licensing experts, with unparalleled technical expertise and long-standing relationships with MVPDs, major sports leagues, Hollywood studios, and other entertainment and sports companies across North America. iNDEMAND delivers great content to more than 60 million cable homes and has distribution deals with more than 90 companies.  In December 2021, iNDEMAND launched PPV.COM, an innovative streaming PPV service and the first of its kind to offer interactive fan engagement during live-action sports.  With the addition of PPV.COM, which does not require a subscription, to its existing cable PPV infrastructure, iNDEMAND has consolidated all forms of PPV distribution under one roof, making the company the only provider of turnkey PPV solutions for both industry partners and consumers.  For more information, go to indemand.com.

(May 2, 2024) — The undisputed heavyweight showdown between WBC/lineal champion Tyson Fury and WBO/IBF/WBA ruler Oleksandr Usyk — Saturday, May 18, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — will stream LIVE on Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV starting at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT.

Fury-Usyk is the most significant heavyweight battle of the millennium, as the winner will become the division’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis claimed the throne in 1999.

Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) returns following last October’s closer-than-expected decision over former UFC king Francis Ngannou in Riyadh. He has held the lineal title since upsetting Wladimir Klitschko via unanimous decision in November 2015. Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs), an Olympic gold medalist from Ukraine, hopes to become the second man, following Evander Holyfield, to achieve undisputed status at both cruiserweight and heavyweight.

The Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV is also scheduled to feature:

• Lineal/Ring Magazine cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia (24-0, 19 KOs) battling Mairis Briedis (28-2, 20 KOs) in a rematch for the vacant IBF world title.
   
• Joe Cordina (17-0, 9 KOs) defending his IBF junior lightweight world title against Belfast native Anthony Cacace (21-1, 7 KO).
   
• Former light heavyweight king Sergey Kovalev (35-4-1, 29 KOs) aiming for his second win as a cruiserweight in a 10-rounder against the unbeaten Robin Sirwan Safar (16-0, 12 KOs).
   
• Unbeaten heavyweights Frank Sanchez (24-0, 17 KOs) and Agit Kabayel (24-0, 16 KOs) locking horns in a 12-round WBC title eliminator.
   
• British heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma (8-0, 6 KOs) stepping up versus Ilja Mezencev (25-3, 21 KOs).
   
• Unbeaten British lightweight Mark Chamberlain (15-0, 11 KOs) fighting the big-punching Joshua Oluwaseun Wahab (23-1,16 KOs).

Saudi Arabia, 30 March, 2024: His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), has revealed a thrilling undercard for the ‘Ring of Fire’ first undisputed heavyweight clash of the 21st century between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, which will include a further two world title fights. 

The highly-anticipated event with unprecedented interest from across the globe is set to take place on Saturday May 18 at Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, and forms part of the Riyadh Calendar schedule.

The undefeated Australian Jai Opetaia, who triumphed against Ellis Zorro at the ‘Day of Reckoning’ in December, will take on three-time cruiserweight world champion Mairis Briedis for the IBF world championship and Ring Magazine belt in a rematch of their exhilarating July 2022 encounter when Opetaia claimed the belts by overcoming the celebrated Latvian fighter.

Undefeated Welsh Olympian Joe Cordina will defend his IBF world super featherweight championship against IBO title holder, Northern Irishman Anthony Cacare, with the heavyweight theme being bolstered by the unbeaten German star Agit Kabayel going up against unbeaten Cuban Frank Sanchez as both return to Riyadh following their knockout victories on the ‘Day of Reckoning’ card in December in a WBC Final Eliminator.

UK lightweight sensation Mark Chamberlain will also be heading back to The Kingdom after proving to be a major hit on his opening night in Riyadh. The big punching 25-year-old featured at ‘Knockout Chaos’ in March and will now face the dangerous Nigerian Joshua Oluwaseun Wahab. In another significant attraction, Sergey Kovalev – the former long-standing light heavyweight world champion – will go up against the undefeated Robin Sirwan Safar at cruiserweight.

Formidable young heavyweight star Moses Itauma, the World Amateur champion, who is tipped to become the future face of boxing’s marquee division, takes on Ilja Mezencev in his ninth fight in the professional ranks at the age of just 19. New Zealand Olympian David Nyika faces Michael Seitz at cruiserweight and English featherweight Isaac Lowe is matched with Hasibullah Ahmadi.

WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury has been forced to postpone his fight with unified Champion Oleksandr Usyk after sustaining a freak cut during a sparring session in Riyadh.

The cut, which opened above Fury’s right eye, required urgent medical attention and significant stitching, and will obviously require a period of recovery, scuppering any possibility of the fight with Usyk taking place on 17^th February in Saudi Arabia.

A spokesperson said: “Whilst this is still breaking news it is clearly a massive disappointment, after the work that has been done by so many people to finally deliver this historic event to the world. Once the Doctors have appraised Tyson’s eye, we will have a better idea of the period of recovery needed. Once known we will work diligently with all the stakeholders and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to reschedule this fight as soon as possible and will of course keep everyone updated with developments.”

A disappointed Tyson Fury added: “I am absolutely devastated after preparing for this fight for so long and being in such superb condition. I feel bad for everyone involved in this huge event and I will work diligently towards the rescheduled date once the eye has healed. I can only apologise to everyone affected including my own team, Team Usyk, the undercard fighters, partners, and fans as well as our hosts and my friends in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (1 February 2024) – An unprecedented broadcast distribution deal for ‘Ring of Fire’, the Undisputed World Heavyweight Championship fight between the WBC champion Tyson Fury and unified champion Oleksandr Usyk, has been set for fans worldwide.

In a groundbreaking agreement, the first Undisputed heavyweight title fight of the century will be available to fans on PPV across three major UK sports broadcasters: TNT Sports, DAZN, and Sky Sports.

Fury vs Usyk, which will be showcased as part of Riyadh Season, is the biggest fight that can be made in boxing and H.E. Advisor Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), wishes to ensure the event is available to as many fans as possible via the biggest platforms.

HE Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA), said “Since our first Riyadh Season in 2019, the Season has developed a reputation for hosting the biggest events and they do not come much bigger than the undisputed heavyweight title fight. This is history in the making, a fight the world has waited for. Now it is a reality, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is excited to be hosting this era-defining fight. This will be a global spectacle and we will do everything to ensure that everyone has an experience that matches an event of this magnitude.”

Fury vs Usyk, ‘Ring of Fire’ will feature two further world championship fights at the Kingdom Arena, in Riyadh.

Australian cruiserweight sensation Jai Opetaia will face previous ruler of the division and champion of the World Boxing Super Series, Mairis Briedis (28-2, 20 KOs) for the IBF world title in a world championship rematch.

The undefeated IBF Super Featherweight World Champion Joe Cordina (17-0, 9 KOs) will make a second defence of his title in all-British clash against when he takes on IBO World Champion Anthony Cacace (21-1, 7KOs).

Former light heavyweight king Sergey Kovalev (35-4-1, 29 KOs) will continue his run at cruiserweight by taking on the unbeaten Robin Sirwan Safar (16-0, 12 KOs) from Sweden. Also featuring is British heavyweight star of the future Moses Itauma (7-0, 5 KOs), the World Youth Amateur champion from 2022, along with cruiserweight and 2021 Olympian David Nyika (8-0, 7 KOs) from New Zealand

George Warren CEO of Queensberry said: “The Undisputed Heavyweight Championship of the World represents the absolute pinnacle of the sport. The eyes of the world will be on Riyadh on February 17 when Tyson Fury takes on Oleksandr Usyk. I am delighted that British fans will have this historical sporting moment brought to them by the UK’s three biggest sports broadcasters in TNT Sports, DAZN and Sky Sports.”

Shay Segev, CEO of, DAZN said: “It is an honour for DAZN to have been chosen by Riyadh Season again as their global broadcast and distribution partner for ‘Ring of Fire’. DAZN is the undisputed home of boxing, and for this fight, we will be offering a free month’s subscription in the UK & US alongside any PPV purchase allowing fans to enjoy an unmatched catalogue of fights this spring. We share Riyadh Season’s ambitions and look forward to what we can achieve together.”

Sky Sports Managing Director, Jonathan Licht, said: “Sky Sports is the undisputed home for sports fans, and with our long history of broadcasting the biggest bouts in boxing history, it’s only right we’re bringing the most anticipated fight in 25 years to our customers. With Fury v Usyk, as well as two further world championship fights on the card, it’s set to be a truly momentous occasion and we can’t wait to watch.”

Andrew Georgiou, President & MD Warner Bros. Discovery UK & Ireland and WBD Sports Europe, said: “We are proud to have taken fans on every step of Tyson Fury’s incredible journey since his comeback fight in 2018. The next part of the story is a truly historic moment in sport as anticipation builds for the first Undisputed World Heavyweight Championship fight in almost 25 years.

“TNT Sports viewers will enjoy full fight week coverage featuring boxing’s leading presenter, Laura Woods, alongside a renowned line-up of boxing’s best experts, including Carl Frampton, Richie Woodhall, Steve Bunce all live from the fight.”

About Riyadh Season:

Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of unique entertainment events, concerts, exhibitions and dining experiences. Riyadh Season 2023 commenced on Saturday, 28 October with a spectacular opening ceremony and the historic boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou, followed up by the ‘Day of Reckoning’ on December 23 featuring Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin and Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker as the headline fights.

LONDON (Nov. 16, 2023) – WBC and Lineal champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury and WBO/IBF/WBA unified champ Oleksandr Usyk will collide in a historic undisputed heavyweight showdown on Saturday, Feb. 17, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The winner will become boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion since Britain’s Lennox Lewis claimed that honor 24 years ago, but this time, four belts are on the line.

Ahead of the blockbuster ‘Ring of Fire’ fight, Fury and Usyk came face-to-face at a press conference Thursday in London.

 This is what the heavyweight champions had to say.

Tyson Fury

“I’ve been in many heavyweight title fights before. And now is the most important one. We’re both undefeated. He’s a champion; I’m a champion. And it’s going to be one of the fights for the ages.”

“It’s been 24 years since we’ve last had an undisputed heavyweight world champion. And we know that the Klitschkos were champions for about 10 years. So there’s been another 14 years where other heavyweights couldn’t stop it. So we’ve been chosen. And I believe we’re both destined to be here. And there’s only one winner: I’m destined to become undisputed champion.”

“We’re not here to talk. It’s not a talking contest. It’s a boxing match. On February 17, all the talking goes out the window. It doesn’t matter what he or what I said. It comes down to who wins the fight. He thinks he’s going to win. I know I’m going to win. There’s not much more to be said.”

Oleksandr Usyk

“I’m very happy to be here. Thank you to everyone. I will speak more in the ring.”

“I want to tell a story that looks very similar to our story with Tyson, about David and Goliath. When the Lord gives me Tyson in my hands, I will do my job.”

# # #

About Riyadh Season
 
Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of the Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting activities, and other unique cultural events.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (November 16, 2023) – Boxing’s two heavyweight world champions will finally meet to crown the one and only undisputed champion of the world.

WBC and Lineal Champion Tyson ‘The Gypsy King’ Fury will fight WBO/IBF/WBA unified champ Oleksandr Usyk in a history-making showdown on Saturday, February 17, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The winner will become boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion since Britain’s Lennox Lewis claimed that honor 24 years ago, but this time four belts are on the line for the first time in history.

 ‘Ring of Fire’, the biggest fight in world boxing, will take place as part of Riyadh Season, one of the world’s largest winter entertainment events, and will be presented to fans worldwide. Fury kicked off Riyadh Season on Saturday, October 28, when he defeated lineal MMA heavyweight world champion Francis Ngannou by split decision.

Ahead of the blockbuster ‘Ring of Fire’ fight, Fury and Usyk came face-to-face at a press conference held in London on Thursday, November 16.

“Usyk, you can run, but The Gypsy King is coming to get you. This is my era, and your time is up. Your undefeated record AND your belts, they will be mine!” Fury said. “Thank you to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and His Excellency Turki Alalshikh for bringing this undisputed title fight to the beautiful Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I had an amazing time here 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.”

“I have no goal,” said Usyk. “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.”

“Since our first Riyadh Season in 2019, the Season has developed a reputation for hosting the biggest events and they do not come much bigger than the undisputed heavyweight title fight,” said His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. “This is history in the making, a fight the world has waited for. Now it is a reality, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is excited to be hosting this era-defining fight. This will be a global spectacle and we will do everything to ensure that everyone has an experience that matches an event of this magnitude.”

“The relationship between Riyadh Season and the sport of boxing will reach unparalleled new levels on February 17, when it stages the first undisputed heavyweight fight for 24 years” said Frank Warren of Queensberry. “Tyson Fury taking on Oleksandr Usyk is simply the biggest fight that can be made in boxing and is what the world wants to see. And we take this opportunity to thank His Royal Highness, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for his blessed vision which is achieving great accomplishments. We also thank His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season for making it happen.”

“Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are the best heavyweights of their era, and this undisputed battle in the beautiful city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, promises to be a sensational fight and a history-making event,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Fury is an all-time great heavyweight champion, but you can never count out Usyk, a former Olympic champion who has already conquered two weight divisions.”

“The world has finally got it!” Usyk’s manager Alex Krassyuk said. “Proud of Usyk, respect to Tyson. Let the best man win and we celebrate Usyk’s second undisputed!”

Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) has been the reigning heavyweight champion since November 2015. Taking a break from boxing due to personal challenges, Fury made an impressive comeback by defeating Deontay Wilder to claim the WBC world title in their rematch and sealing their trilogy with a knockout victory in 2021.

Ukraine’s Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs), an Olympic gold medalist, decided to move up from the cruiserweight division to the heavyweight division after establishing his dominance there. He caused an upset by defeating Anthony Joshua and becoming the unified heavyweight champion. Usyk successfully defended his titles against Joshua in a rematch. Now, he sets his sights on becoming only the second cruiserweight champion ever to achieve undisputed status in the heavyweight division.

##The End##

About Riyadh Season 
Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of the Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting activities, and other unique cultural events. 

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Sept. 29, 2023) —  It is the blockbuster news bulletin that sports fans across the globe have been waiting to hear. WBC and Lineal heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury will take on WBO/WBA/IBF champion Oleksandr Usyk in an epic showdown to crown the division’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999.

The biggest fight in world boxing will take place at the Kingdom Arena as part of this Riyadh Season and will be presented to fans around the world by The General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia.

Additional details, including the official fight date, will be announced in due course.

The fight will be promoted by Queensberry, Top Rank, K2 and Usyk17.

His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of The General Entertainment Authority and Head of Riyadh Season, said: “This is the fight that everyone has wanted to see for some time and now it is finally happening – the world’s two heavyweight champions going into the ring against one another. It is the biggest fight in boxing, the world will be watching, and we are so proud to be the hosts for this spectacle as part of the fourth edition of our Riyadh Season celebrations. We want to play our part and match the huge anticipation surrounding this fight by putting on the greatest fight experience for every visitor to Riyadh.”

“Delighted to finally get this fight signed,” said Hall of Fame Promoter Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions. “This is the biggest fight that could possibly be made in our sport. The heavyweights always spark the imagination of the fans, and I have no doubt this will be the biggest boxing event of the century. I look forward to Tyson reclaiming the three belts that he never lost in the ring. Huge thanks to His Excellency and the GEA.”

“Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are the two greatest heavyweights of their generation, and I can’t wait to see what happens when they step into the ring in Riyadh. They are special talents worthy of competing for the greatest prize in sports,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “I would like to thank His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and everyone involved in helping make this legendary night a reality.”

“I can’t believe that it’s happening but it is,” said Alex Krassyk of K2. “Difficult to express my admiration for being part of the biggest heavyweight fight of the century. Gratitude to the KSA and his excellency Turki Al-Sheikh for making it happen, respect to Tyson for his courage and thank the Lord for all he gives us.”

Spencer Brown, Manager of Tyson Fury said: “I’m delighted Tyson has the chance to become the first Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion of the four-belt era and prove he is one of the greats of all time. First, though, Tyson will have the chance to prove he is The Baddest Man on The Planet on October 28th. Thank you to His Excellency and the GEA, what a Riyadh Season this is going to be!”

Fury (33-0-1, 24 KOs) has reigned as the division’s lineal champion since dethroning Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015. Following a well-documented hiatus due to personal troubles, “The Gypsy King” authored a comeback story for the ages. Following a controversial draw against Deontay WIlder in December 2018, Fury snatched Wilder’s WBC world title via seventh-round TKO in their February 2020 rematch. Their trilogy concluded with the 2021 Fight of the Year, as Fury overcame a pair of knockdowns to ice Wilder in the 11th round. He stayed busy in 2022 with stoppage victories over Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora and is getting set to fight MMA superstar Francis Ngannou on October 28 in Riyadh.

Ukraine’s Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs), a 2012 Olympic gold medalist, moved up to the heavyweight ranks following a dominant run to the undisputed cruiserweight title. In September 2021, he upset Anthony Joshua to become the unified heavyweight world champion and then defeated Joshua by split decision in their rematch nearly one year later. Usyk returned in August to stop Daniel Dubois in nine rounds and now hopes to join Evander Holyfield as the only undisputed cruiserweight champion to repeat the deed at heavyweight.

###

About Riyadh Season:
Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of the Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and other unique cultural events. In 2023, Riyadh Season will commence on Saturday, 28 October with a spectacular opening ceremony and an historic boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou.