RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – December 20, 2024 – Ahead of the highly anticipated rematch between unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) and former unified heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) faced off one last time at the official weigh-in before they go toe-to-toe on Saturday, December 21 live worldwide on DAZN PPV (11 a.m. ET) from the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

Also in action is a heavyweight clash between top teenage prospect Moses Itauma (22-0, 10 KOs) and Australian knockout artist, Demsey McKean (22-1, 14 KOs).

On the main card, former WBC 154-pound interim titleholder Serhii Bohachuk (24-2, 23 KOs), will take on Ishmael Davis (13-1, 6 KOs). Fans can then look forward to watching  undefeated Johnny Fisher (12-0, 11 KOs) square off against former Commonwealth title challenger David Allen (23-6, 18 KOs). Former Olympian, Peter McGrail (10-1, 6 KOs) will face off against an undefeated Rhys Edwards (16-0, 4 KOs), while Scotland’s Isaac Lowe (25-2-3, 8 KOs) will fight former IBO Super Bantamweight title challenger Lee McGregor (14-1-1, 11 KOs) in a featherweight bout. Fighting out of Ukraine, undefeated Daniel Lapin (10-0, 4 KOs) will take on another undefeated fighter, Dylan Colin (14-0, 4 KOs) in a light heavyweight bout, and to kickoff the night, fans will witness knockout specialist Andrii Novytskyi (13-0, 10 KOs) confront Edgar Ramirez (10-1-1, 4 KOs) in an exciting heavyweight bout. 

The Oleksandr Usyk / Tyson Fury rematch and full undercard is a DAZN Pay-Per-View (PPV) worldwide event and will cost £24.99 in the UK / $39.95 in the US, with no DAZN subscription necessary. The PPV also comes with a seven-day free trial of the whole DAZN platform. The Usyk vs. Fury fight and all DAZN content can be watched anywhere and everywhere on any device via the DAZN App. For more information and to purchase the fight, please visit www.dazn.com. 

Please see below for official weights and see what fighters had to say ahead of tomorrow’s event:

MAIN EVENT: WBC WORLD, WBO WORLD, WBA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE – 12 ROUNDS  

Oleksandr Usyk vs.      ????????????Tyson Fury

Shypyntsi, Ukraine                             Lancashire, United Kingdom

22-0 (14 KOs)                                     34-1-1 (24 KOs) 

226 LBS                                              281 LBS

CO-MAIN EVENT: HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT (201+ LBS) – 10 ROUNDS 

Moses Itauma                         vs.      Demsey McKean 

Kent, United Kingdom                                    Queensland, Australia 

22-0 (10 KOs)                                                 22-1 (14 KOs)

249.1 LBS                                                       251.1 LBS

LIGHT MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT (154 LBS) – 12 ROUNDS 

Serhii Bohachuk vs.      ??????????????????Ishmael Davis 

Vinnytsia, Ukraine                                          Yorkshire, United Kingdom 

24-2 (23 KOs)                                                13-1 (6 KOs)

153.1 LBS                                                      153.6 LBS

HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT (201+ LBS) – 10 ROUNDS 

Johnny Fisher                    vs.      David Allen 

London, United Kingdom                        Yorkshire, United Kingdom 

12-0 (11 KOs)                                                23-6, 18 KOs

241.1 LBS                                                      257.6 LBS 

INTERNATIONAL SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT CONTEST – 10 ROUNDS

Peter McGrail vs. Rhys Edwards

10-1 (6 KOs) / 16-0 (4 KOs)

Liverpool, United Kingdom / Merseyside, United Kingdom

129.8 LBS / 129.1 LBS

WBA CONTINENTAL USA FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE BOUT (130 LBS) – 10 ROUNDS

Isaac Lowe                           vs.      ????????Lee McGregor 

Lancashire, United Kingdom                          Edinburgh, Scotland 

25-2-3 (8 KOs)                                               14-1-1 (11 KOs)

125.1 LBS                                                      125.9 LBS

WBA CONTINENTAL LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 10 ROUNDS

Dylan Colin vs. Daniel Lapin

Meurthe-et-Moselle, France / Wroclaw, Poland

14-0 (4 KOs) / 10-0 (4 KOs)

173.1 LBS / 174.9 LBS

WBC INTERNATIONAL HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 10 ROUNDS

Edgar Ramirez vs. Andrii Novytskyi

10-1-1 (4 KOs) / 13-0 (10 KOs)

Ecatepec de Morelos, México / Odessa, Ukraine

261.1 LBS / 237 LBS

PRELIM:  BANTAMWEIGHT BOUT (135 LBS) – 4 ROUNDS

Joshua Ocampo vs.      Muhammad Alakel

Cúcuta, Colombia          Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

8-33-5 (6 KOs)                1-0

133.4 LBS                        134.1 LBS

Oleksandr Usyk

Q: You just faced Tyson Fury for the last time before stepping into the ring. What are you feeling?

“Nothing.”

Q: None of this gets to you. How do you pull that off?

“My angel helps me, God and Jesus help me, as well as my family and my team.”

Q: Who will you dedicate this fight to?

“I’ll let you know tomorrow.”

Demsey McKean

Q: 24 hours to go. What are your thoughts?

“I just have to get in there and do the business. We’ve put in the hours and twelve weeks of training camp has brought us to this moment. I’m excited and more than ready for this.”

Q: What is your plan on messing up his (Moses’) party?

“Winning the fight. Punching him more than he punches me and inflicting more damage than he does to me. We’re confident in our game plan and skillset and just have to put it all in play.”

Moses Itauma

Q: Tell us what’s going on in the mind of Moses Itauma?

“Nothing really, I’m ready to go. I’m trying to perform in front of the crow and put on a big show and do my thing. I’m more than pleased and I’ve put myself in this position and now I’m going to grab it with both hands and not let go.”

Q: We’ve seen you just a little bit heavier in this fight than previously. Is there any thought behind that?

“I’ve got more weight in my punches now. We’ll see tomorrow.”

Ishmael Davis

Q: You’re fighting on late notice, what does it mean to you to be here?

“It means everything. I want to thank the man to my right, Eddie, for giving me the chance again. These are the chances that make great people. Let’s see what he’s got.”

Q: What kind of statement do you need to do?

 “I just need to get the win. That’s all I need to do.”

Serhii Bohachuk

Q: How do you feel about the change in opponent? He’s very ambitious.

“It doesn’t matter who. I’m ready for this fight. I’ve prepared, had many different sparring partners. I have a lot of experience.”

Q: A win takes you closer to your dream, how does that feel?

“I’m happy and excited of course. It’s a big chance for me and I want this.”

Q: Very proud to have that Ukrainian flag behind you. What would this mean to you and your country tomorrow night?

“In Ukraine, it’s a hard time right now. I want to motivate my people. I want to win and show my people that Ukraine is full of winning people.”

Dave Allen

Q: You’ve said this is the best you’ve ever felt because you’ve never been so motivated to win this fight against Johnny Fisher. What is burning those fires so brightly for Dave Allen?

“This is the one. This is the one people will remember me for, and I want to be remembered for being one hell of a man.”

Q: If Johnny Fisher comes steaming at you, what do you believe happens?

“A big mistake. This is a big step up, no one’s ever run up to me before. I’ve been beaten, I’ve been out-boxed, but I will never be out-fought. If he wants to play those games, you know what they say about feathers and stuff, so we’ll see.”

Johnny Fisher

Q: You’ve just heard from Dave. You’re making a ‘big mistake’ – what do you have to say about that?

“There’s no mistake in this game because I leave no stone unturned. I’m ready for whatever is thrown at me. I’ve got huge power and a huge heart and I’m going to show all of that tomorrow.”

Q: This is perhaps the biggest challenge you have. Why is this so important to you?

“My next fight, whoever it is, is always my biggest challenge. The opposition never matters to me. It matters what I can do. I’m going to do what I do every time and that’s bringing heat.”

Lee McGregor

Q: Tempers rising, that tends to be the case less than 24 hours to go. Tell us what was being said between yourself and Isaac Lowe?

“That’s the good thing about this. We get to find out tomorrow, all the talking has been done. It’s time to go to work.”

Q: What do you believe in the ring will be the difference and his reality once the bell rings?

“He’s saying that I’ve got no heart. That’s one thing I’ve got. You cannot question my heart and I told him that. I said we’ll see tomorrow.”

Q: What do you believe this moment represents in the Lee McGregor story?

“This is a new chapter for me. I’ve been through so much, got through so much and now’s my time to announce myself to the world, and I’m going to do it. Trust me.”

Isaac Lowe

Q: You just heard that this is Lee McGregor’s chapter. What do you have to say about that? 

“We’ll see tomorrow night when he gets put to sleep. He said it’s the best version of Lee McGregor, and I hope it is. It’s the best version of Isaac Lowe and trust me, he is getting put to sleep tomorrow night. I am going to die in that ring.”

Q: There’s talk that this could be the fight that steals the show. What are your thoughts on that?

“Yes, 100%. There’s no pressure, this is the fun part. This will be a good fight, Lee’s a tough kid, coming forward. But there’s no one like me. I’m strong, I’m fit and I’m ready to go.”

Andrii Novytskyi

Q: Your opponent is almost 20 pounds heavier. What do you need to do only 24 hours away from getting into the ring?

“It’s okay he’s a little bit heavier. I’m heavy too but I am faster. I am so excited for this fight and I will show you a very good fight. December 21, let’s do it.”

Peter McGrail

Q: You finally get a faceoff with your opponent 24 hours away from getting into the ring. What are your impressions?

“Big respect to Rhys and his team for taking this fight on short notice. It gives me the opportunity to perform on the biggest stage of them all. It feels a lot more real now and we’re ready to go tomorrow.”

Q: “For you, this is perhaps the heaviest you’ve ever been. How is that going to work for you?” 

“That’s made fight week much easier for me, I’ve been eating very well and it’s going to show in the ring. I’m feeling ready, feeling strong, I’m in great shape and looking forward to performing on Saturday.”

Rhys Edwards

Q: When the call came to face Peter McGrail this week, what made this an easy decision for you and your team?

“It was an easy choice, I’m grateful to be here. Can’t wait to get in tomorrow and do the job.” 

Q: You’re an unbeaten fighter. What gives you the self belief that you can turn up here from what you’ve seen of Peter McGrail and cause what would be an upset because of the late notice?

“I know Peter is a very good fighter but I believe in myself also. I’ve sparred some top people and I know I’m very good. I’m looking forward to it.”

Mohammed Alakel

Q: What are your thoughts to your opponent saying it will be a great show?

“I’m excited, all the hard work is done and it’s now time to have fun.”

Joshua Ocampo

Q: What problems can you cause young fighters like Mohammaed Alakel who are just finding their feet as professionals?

“Would be my experience. There’s a lot of fights, a lot of times I’ve been in the ring. I hope it will be a very good show.”

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By Norm Frauenheim

Oleksandr Usyk, never a man of many words, has had even fewer this week, just days before a sequel that has all of social-media’s usual suspects talking. 

But Usyk doesn’t have to say much, if anything, before a rematch full of its own redundancies. His name already says it best.

Oleksandr, which is of Greek origin, means:

To Defend.

It’s a goal as clear as it is risky against Tyson Fury, whose heavyweight resume is a masterpiece collection of adjustments within fights and between them.

To wit: He doesn’t lose rematches. 

Then again, neither does Usyk. 

That’s about to change Saturday (DAZN) in Riyadh in a rematch perhaps as significant as any in the history of boxing’s fabled flagship division.

Of course, Fury, unlike Usyk, has had a lot to say this week without really saying anything at all.

“The biggest adjustment I’ve made is to grow a beard,’’ Fury said after he arrived in Saudi Arabia to a parade that added a few octaves and exclamation points to what over-the-top means.

Fury has always been better with lyrics and one liners than just anybody in the crowded trash-talking corner of the noisy game. It’s part lousy-lounge act. But it’s also a tactic, one he has used with great effect throughout his heavyweight reign. 

After opening bell, his brilliant feint is a weapon. Before opening bell, he weaponizes his words. 

It worked against Deontay Wilder, especially in their first rematch when the dangerous Wilder tried to blame the sudden loss of his singular power on fatigue he said he suffered by wearing an armored medieval costume in his ring walk. 

Truth is, Wilder didn’t know who the heck he was anymore. He had lost his feared identity, his armor of confidence, on the night Fury got up from his power six years ago in Los Angeles, in a wild draw. 

Fury then reminded him of that repeatedly — hauntingly — during the weeks and months before their first rematch — won by Fury in a seventh-round TKO — February 2020 in Las Vegas.

Wilder was embarrassed then. Later, he was destroyed in a concussive conclusion to the trilogy, five knockdowns of violence that ended in Fury winning an 11th-round KO October 2021, also in Vegas.

Fury dominated Wilder, both physically and psychologically, perhaps finishing his career. 

The damage done to Fury is still an open question, one that Usyk surely hopes to answer Saturday in the rematch to his contentious split decision over Fury seven months ago. 

Fury swears he’s in better condition. He says he went into seclusion in training at a camp in Malta. He says he didn’t speak to his wife for months. She might have been relieved. Just joking, I think. This time, he says he won’t clown around. This time, he says he promises to deliver only pain. 

Blah-blah-blah. By now, we’ve heard it all from Fury.

So, too, has Usyk.

A difference, however, is that Usyk, unlike Wilder, doesn’t really listen. At least, he doesn’t appear to react to anything said or sung by Fury. Usyk — poised, patient and menacing — is his own counsel. 

Amid everything he didn’t say this week, he had one comment, quotable if you’re the media and perhaps foreboding if you’re Usyk.

“Don’t be afraid,’’ Usyk said at a final news conference that included an unblinking, 12-minute stare-down. “I will not leave you alone.’’

By now, Fury knows that. Since May, I’m guessing he has had dreams of Usyk, always there and always in his face. 

In a style that borders on a battle of attrition, the smaller Usyk, stubborn and stealthy, tirelessly works his way inside. It a risk, big enough to be costly for Usyk, especially in the early rounds.

Fury knows that. Fury’s immense advantages in size and power could end this fight before the sixth round. If, however, Usyk is able to push the fight into the seventh, then the eighth and again into the ninth, perhaps he has a chance to finish what he could not in their first fight. 

That’s when he hurt a fading Fury badly. He didn’t stop him, although there’s a solid argument that it should have ended, then and there. But a knockdown was ruled, which was enough for Usyk to win on two of the three scorecards.

It was close, but close is when Usyk is at his very best. Fury is best at pulling off the dramatic. Only Fury got up from the full impact of the lethal power in Wilder’s right hand. Only he could survive that right once more, get up all over again and knock out Wilder in a scary third encounter. 

Guess here: Each fighter knows the other very well by now. For Usyk, the task is to endure an early assault, then launch one of his own later. For Fury, the test is to end it, close the show as fast as possible.

There’s a temptation to predict that this one ends in a draw. Yes, that’s cynical, but some cynicism is a fight fan’s best defense. Riyadh, Matchroom, Top Rank and DAZN would love a third fight. 

A close first fight suggests that the second will be too, which also would probably lead to a trilogy. Neither Usyk nor Fury is young. But they’re not exactly old either. Usyk is 37. He’ll be 38 on Jan. 17. Fury is 36. He’ll be 37 on August 12.

A rematch clause is in place, according to Fury promoter Frank Warren.

“It’s contracted,” Warren told Boxing News. “That will be the case if Tyson wins, providing nobody retires.”

Providing, too, that Usyk, the defending champion, doesn’t do what his name has always told him:

To Defend.

RIYADH – (December 19, 2024) – Unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) and former unified heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) held their final press conference 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.

Further action on the card will feature former WBC 154-pound interim titleholder Serhii Bohachuk (24-2, 23 KOs) who will 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. Rising heavyweight star Moses Itauma (22-0, 10 KOs) will take on 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) takes 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).

The entire card will be available on DAZN platforms worldwide starting at 11 a.m ET.

This is what the fighters and their teams had to say:

Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs)

Q: What is it all about for you on Saturday night?

“Now we just have the performance. Talks, cameras, lights, kind of show. Everything is going to be taking place Saturday night on the 21st.”

Q: What is your final message to Tyson before Saturday?

“Don’t be afraid. I will not leave you alone. See you on Saturday.”

Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs)

Q: What is this fight all about for Tyson Fury on Saturday night? 

“I’m going to dish out a whole lot of pain.”

Q: There seems to be an extra menace about you this week?

“I’ve got nothing to say apart from there’s going to be a whole lot of hurt and pain in this fight, you watch. The talking’s been done. The first fight, I talked, I joked, all my career. This time I’m serious, I’m going to do some damage here on Saturday night. Watch me go to work.”

Q: What do you want to tell Usyk ahead of Saturday night?

“I can’t wait for Saturday night. Thank you everybody involved. God bless.”

Frank Warren, Founder and Chairman, Queensberry Promotions

Q: Talk to us about Saturday’s event and how you’re backing your man, Tyson Fury

“The biggest fight is happening on Saturday night. The rematch. The first fight was magnificent, it was a great fight. It had everything, a very close fight, a cigarette paper in the decision. This time around, I know these guys, they’ve shared the ring together for 12 rounds. They know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. It’s going to be about who can exploit the weaknesses, who has the strength to exploit the weaknesses. I believe Tyson Fury will come through this, and I don’t believe this fight will go the distance. He’s in great shape, a great frame of mind for this fight. Fighting mode. We’re going to get an extra, extra, extra special event. Do not blink after the first bell.”

Eddie Hearn, Chairman, Matchroom Boxing

Q: Are you supporting Tyson Fury in this fight?

“Regarding the main event, I’ve got a lot of history with Oleksandr Usyk, but I am backing Tyson Fury. Of course, he’s the Brit. People ask me all the time, “who’s going to win this fight?” and I’ve said this: Oleksandr Usyk is an incredible fighter and it will take something extraordinary to beat him on Saturday night. But, and I know we’ve had our differences, Tyson Fury is capable of extraordinary things. His victory against Wladimir Klitschko in Germany, I watched that on a laptop in a hotel in America, I thought he had absolutely no chance. He won every single round. When he fought Deontay Wilder in America, I thought he had absolutely no chance. He was robbed in the first fight, he smashed him to pieces in the second fight. Two generational great heavyweights, two credits to the sport. May God bless you both on Saturday night, but most of all, I can’t believe I’m saying it, may Tyson Fury be victorious on Saturday night for Britain and get the championship back.”

Bob Arum, CEO of Top Rank Boxing
Q: Give us your thoughts on Saturday night and where it stands historically as well.

“I’m not going to talk about great fights and great fighters because it will be a great fight, and these are great fighters. I’m not only Tyson Fury’s co-promoter, I am also a Tyson Fury fan. If anyone watched the second Wilder fight, Tyson knew what he had to do and won that fight in a real one-sided way. I’m looking forward to him fighting in that way again, and being successful on Saturday night. That being said, he’s fighting a tough, skilled Ukrainian. Personally, like many Americans, I am so proud of his people, how hard they have been fighting, and what they have been accomplishing. Oleksandr Usyk typifies the strength of Ukraine, but on Saturday night he’s fighting one of the best heavyweights of all time, Tyson Fury. I’m very confident that our man Tyson will emerge victorious.”

Sergey Lapin (Oleksandr Usyk’s Team Director)

Q: You’ve got 12 rounds of data now as a team. What’s going to happen on Saturday, have you had to change much?

“This upcoming Saturday, we will have the battle of two great champions, where the current champion will prove to the other that he is the stronger man. Usyk is the champion and you will see that on Saturday night.”

Egis Klimas (Oleksandr Usyk’s Manager)

Q: Tell us why he (Usyk) will get the job done?

“Listen, Oleksandr Usyk has been the champion on the road. He’s a warrior on the road. In May, Oleksandr Usyk proved to the whole world when he became the undisputed champion of the world, winning against Tyson Fury. We don’t have anything else to prove. We did everything, every fight that Oleksandr fought, he never fought at home. He fought in the UK, in the United States, then he came here to fight in Riyadh, it’s always on the road. Now, after he’s already been undisputed we’re coming here and we have to prove again, which is no problem. We will see Saturday night once again who is Oleksandr Usyk.”

Alex Krassyuk (Head Promoter, K2 Promotions)

Q: Last time we had a press conference, you had a lovely short poem for us. I’m curious what you have for us tonight?

“Who could ever imagine that a small common young kid from Crimea, one day becomes the two-time undisputed champion? His dream came true, our dream came true, his fans dreams came true. There is a man in the kingdom who has a habit of making dreams come true. Your excellency, thank you very much.”

“And one more gratitude goes to the Gypsy King. We know that he is not very good at making the rematches, but we must admit that courage and bravery lives in his heart. Tyson, thank you for being here.”

“Just one day separates us from the battle and from its outcome. May strength and valor accompany them in the battle. Good luck to both of them and let the best man win, again.”

Spencer Brown (Tyson Fury’s Manager and Founder, Goldstar Promotions)

Q: You’ve heard from Egis Klimas. What is the case for Tyson Fury?

“Tyson’s had an amazing camp, he’s lived like a monk. As you can see, he’s very focused. He thinks that he’s had something taken off him and he wants it back. On Saturday night, he will get it back. Don’t underestimate a gypsy man, a traveling man from Lancaster, who has fighting in his blood. He’s very focused and we believe on Saturday night, he’s going to bring that belt back to England where it belongs.”

Demsey McKean (22-1, 14 KOs)

Q: You’ve heard it all week. All the talks about what Moses can do and what he’s going to go on to achieve. You are a 6 foot 6 Australian tower, and you’ve got your own plans, right?

“First and foremost, I’d like to thank His Excellency and the beautiful kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting us and giving us the platform to be able to come here and fight and showcase it all. Yeah…it’s all the Moses show isn’t it. But, I don’t mind that. I’m used to being the underdog and I’ve had a really good training camp, my sparring has been good and I’m ready to disrupt the Moses show on Saturday.”

Moses Itauma (10-1, 8 KOs)

Q: You’ve just heard from the man (Demsey McKean) who’s looking to disrupt the Moses Itauma show on Saturday. What are you thinking?

“Listen, I’m just a teenager from Chatham, it’s mad that I’m on the same table as Tyson Fury, Frank Warren, Eddie Hearn, Oleksandr Usyk. I’m just grateful for this opportunity, I’m going to take it with both hands. I’m not looking past Demsey McKean. For me, this is like my world title fight.”

Johnny Fisher (12-0, 11 KOs)

Q: Dave Allen sounds ready to go. He said he feels “very, very confident” of upsetting you on Saturday night. What’s going on in your head Johnny?

“Would expect nothing less from Dave Allen, the White Rhino, to be ready to go. That’s what we’ve trained for these past 12 weeks. I’ve been training for longer than that though, I’ve been training for four long years, and now this is my time to show people what I can do.”

Q: What happens when you put a rhino and a bull together?

“There’s a possibility for some carnage for sure. Put a rhinoceros and a bull in the same ring and there are bound to be some fireworks. I’m not going to take a backwards step, and I’m sure that he won’t either. I’m doing this for my family. I’m doing this to make everyone proud that comes to support me, but I’m also doing it for the people at home. You all give me strength everytime I fight.”

Q: Can we expect a big knockout on Saturday night?
“Winning is all that matters, victory at all costs. It’s an honor to be on such a big card, but I’m aware of what my job is. My job is to beat Dave Allen, whether that’s in Saudi Arabia, somewhere back in England, or anywhere around the world. This just happens to be on the biggest stage on the biggest platform. My job stays the same, win.”

Q: Do you have a message for Dave Allen?

“As you said he’s a good friend, but there are no friends in that boxing ring and on Saturday night we’ll be trading leather. I’m sure that I’ll shake his hand before, and that I’ll shake his hand after, but for now and when we’re in that ring we’re enemies.”

Dave Allen (23-6, 18 KOs)

Q: Do you think Johnny Fisher might be nervous going into this fight?

“Yeah, I think so. I am, we both should be. It’s a huge occasion, it’s a huge fight. Johnny Fisher, someone asked me last night, you’re good friends. I’ve got a son, if he grows up to be half the man Johnny Fisher is I’d be a happy man. This is not personal, this is sport. But, I’m very confident I will do the job. I’ve worked really hard and I genuinely believe this is my time to finally fulfill my potential.”

Q: You’ve sparred Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Curious, what do you think will happen in the main event?

“The two best heavyweights of my generation. I’m a huge fan of both, everyone knows the regard I hold them both in. I personally foresee a Fury win, but these two are the greatest heavyweights of my time and I’m so fortunate to be here and witness it in person. Hopefully it can be half as good as last time.”

#          #          #

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.

RIYADH – December 18, 2024 – As we get closer to another historic heavyweight boxing matchup, unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) and former unified heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs), conducted open workouts for fans and media 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. 

When interviewed in the ring by DAZN announcer Claudia Trejos, Fury offered few words other than promising “a lot of pain,” “smash and damage” and “hurt, serious hurt,” for his opponent.   

When Trejos told Usyk later of his opponent’s promises and no-nonsense behavior, the champion confidently shrugged and offered a simple “okay.”

Speaking with the DAZN studio team after the brief workout, Fury’s trainer, SugarHill Steward, commented on his fighter’s all business attitude. “Tyson Fury is just ready right now, along with myself. He’s always had a silly demeanor, playing around, but always been serious. But this is a different side of him. He’s just ready, 100 percent.”

Reflecting on being in the evening co-main event, surging heavyweight contender Moses Itauma (10-0, 8 KOs) remarked “when you’re in the ring, you don’t really pay attention whether you’re co-main event or three fights before. It’s obviously nice and I am grateful for it, but the main thing is to be in the main event, to be the top man. Obviously, if I beat Demsey McKean, it doesn’t matter if I’m the first fight or the last fight, I still beat him. ‘

Stepping back into the ring for the first time in over a year, Itauma’s opponent Demsey McKean (22-1, 14 KOs) is confident in his preparation. “I feel like I’m coming in in the best condition possible. It’s been a great training camp, I know every fighter says that on fight week but I honestly think it’s been my best one. My body feels great, I’ve been sparring really well. I’ve never been a good sparrer in the past, but in my sparring I’ve been hitting all my strides lately as well, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

In the first of the night’s trio of featured heavyweight fights,undefeated Johnny Fisher (12-0, 11 KOs) told the studio team that “I’m the underdog everytime I get into the ring. And listen, I’ve got to be like that because if you want to be the best you need to have that mentality. You have to prove yourself every single time. And by doing that, you’re doing it in the gym, as well, where you learn as you go. I want to show what I’ve learned as I’ve gone. “
 

Fisher will take onveteran David Allen (23-6-2), who promised to end his night before the final bell. “This is boxing, and I fully expect to knock [Johnny Fisher] out. I expect to level him completely. I’m good enough to beat him, 100%. My talent beats him, and beats anyone else outside of the top 10. I’ve always believed that. I can box with my eyes shut. This fella is not in my league.”

Immediately following the open workout, six fights emanated live from Riyahd’s Boulevard World, put on by Queensbury Promotions in conjunction with Matchroom Boxing and K2 Promotions. 

In international welterweight action, Scotland’s Luke Bibby (8-0, 2 KOs) outclassed Jordan Ellison (15-56-5, 1 KO) of England over six rounds to a decision victory (59-55). 20-year-old Englishman Levi Barnes(7-0, 2 KOs) took Guadalajara’s Ramiro Garcia Lopez (8-17, 7 KOs) the distance, earning a decision victory (40-36) across four rounds. 

Riyadh native Abdullah Darkazanly (1-0, 0 KOs) made his professional debut in his hometown, as he faced Costa Rica’s Jose Aguirre (2-9, 0 KOs) over four rounds in an international middleweight contest. Darkazanly didn’t disappoint in his debut and took home the decision victory (40-36).

Super lightweight Aadam Hamed (5-0, 2 KOs), of Dubai, impressed in his bout against Colombian Jesus Gonzalez (3-6, 0 KOs), earning a TKO 26 seconds into round 4. 

Rounding out the card featured super welterweight Chris Kongo, (17-2, 7 KOs) of London, clashing with Colombia’s John Mosquera (5-21, 1 KO) in a six-round bout. Kongo displayed a tough performance and cemented his 17th victory in a 60-54 decision.

DAZN subscribers can access the action this weekend 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. 

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.

LONDON – December 2, 2024 – DAZN, the leading destination for boxing fans around the globe, will broadcast the highly-anticipated heavyweight rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury on Saturday, 21 December, 2024, live on DAZN PPV, from the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This event will serve as the grand finale to DAZN’s extraordinary 2024 boxing lineup, which has delivered a weekly schedule of premium fights featuring the sport’s brightest stars.

Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs), the reigning WBA, WBC, and WBO Heavyweight World Champion, is set to defend his titles after his historic victory over Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) earlier this year in Riyadh. The closely contested bout marked Fury’s first professional loss and crowned Usyk the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999. Fury now seeks redemption, while Usyk looks to solidify his place among boxing’s all-time greats. Highlights from their first legendary encounter can be found on DAZN Boxing’s YouTube Channel. 

DAZN continues to raise the bar in boxing coverage, offering fans unmatched access to elite matchups and rising stars. The Usyk vs. Fury rematch underscores DAZN’s mission to provide fans with the best boxing content year-round. “This fight is the perfect conclusion to an incredible year for DAZN and boxing fans everywhere,” said Alfie Sharman, Vice President DAZN. “Usyk vs. Fury 2 exemplifies the level of world-class events we are committed to delivering regularly, bringing fans the biggest names as well as the most competitive and exciting matchups the sport has to offer.”

The blockbuster main event will be complemented by a stellar undercard featuring elite talent across multiple divisions, including heavyweight clashes between top teenage prospect Moses Itauma (22-0, 10 KOs) andthe Australian Demsey McKean (22-1, 14 KOs), and undefeated Johnny Fisher (12-0, 11 KOs) against former Commonwealth title challenger Dave Allen (23-6, 18 KOs). Fans can also look forward to former WBA 154-pound Champion Israil Madrimov (10-1, 7 KOs) taking on former WBC 154-pound interim titleholder Serhii Bohachuk (24-2, 23 KOs), Dennis McCann (16-0-1, 8 KOs) defending his European Super Bantamweight title against Peter McGrail (10-1, 6 KOs), 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. 

The blockbuster card is available worldwide on DAZN for $39.95. Fans purchasing the event on DAZN Pay-Per-View before Saturday, 4 December will automatically enter a sweepstake for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid VIP trip to Riyadh, including ringside seats. Information on how to enter can be found HERE.

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. 

– ENDS –

ABOUT DAZN
DAZN is the home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, and the NFL in more than 200 markets. DAZN is building the ultimate sports entertainment platform, based on premium sports rights, world-leading technology, and multi-platform distribution. DAZN believes that fans from across the globe should be able to watch, read, bet, play, share, socialise, buy tickets and merchandise, all in one place, with one account, one wallet and on one app. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit www.dazngroup.com.   

By Norm Frauenheim –

On the career map, redemption is a risky stop. Retirement is right around the corner. So, too, is a rematch.

It could go either way for Tyson Fury, who has repeatedly called his second fight with Oleksandr Usyk Dec. 21 for the heavyweight title as a chance at redemption for his lone loss by split decision to the tireless, stubbornly resilient Usyk last spring.

The stakes, heightened by an either-or scenario, were there Wednesday at a London news conference notable more for what wasn’t said than what was. Fury didn’t have much to say. Or sing.

He’s known for turning a boxing newser into a lousy lounge act. One liners, cheap insults, a few lyrics from Bye-Bye Miss American Pie and mocking gestures have long been a part of the Fury show. 

But the well-rehearsed act wasn’t there Wednesday, perhaps because he knows it played a part in his scorecard loss in Riyadh last May.

“What’s going through my mind?’’ Fury said when asked about the looming rematch, the only time he’s ever had to come back from defeat.  “I’m just looking forward to a fantastic fight. Last time in May, it was a fantastic fight. Oleksandr won the fight, fair and square. Just looking to put on a great fight again. 

“It was very close last time, he got it by a point. A little bit more focus, a little bit more lack of complacency, and I should do the job I need to do. Nothing drastic has to change. A bit more of the same. A little bit more focus, like I say, and I will be victorious.”

The news conference was not without some theatrical touches, of course. Usyk showed up in costume, dressed like Hitman: Agent 47. It’s a film and a video game. But the eyes were all Usyk. Their intensity is impossible to disguise.

“I don’t have motivation,’’ Usyk said, cryptically.  “Only my regime, only my concentration.’’

That concentration is unmistakable. It’s also a challenge Fury couldn’t crack in May. It’s there, within Usyk, at a sustained level rare in any sport. Fury was winning the first fight through eight rounds.

In the ninth, however, Usyk found a way, throwing combinations that knocked down Fury. Fury recovered, but without the will or the energy to win a close fight. Maybe, that changes in the rematch with a more committed, better-conditioned Fury. The odds, however, make Usyk a slight favorite, in part perhaps because he knows how to win the close ones.

Usyk’s singular concentration seems to make him immune to Fury’s clever bag of tricks. Usyk might not have the power to knock out Fury. Deontay Wilder couldn’t either. Over three fights, Fury withstood Wilder’s power, which accounted for a 97.67 percent KO rate, astonishing even for the heavyweight division.

Fury got up in their first meeting, Lazarus-like, in the 12th and final round in 2018 for a draw in downtown Los Angeles. In retrospect, Fury’s ability to survive what no one else could in his initial meeting with Wilder dictated the rest of the trilogy. 

Fury didn’t exactly take away Wilder’s only real weapon, but he survived it, leaving Wilder with doubts. Fury fractured Wilder’s singular confidence in a way he has not in trying to crack Usyk’s concentration. 

Meanwhile, questions persist about what Fury has left in the wake of the Wilder rivalry, including a violent third fight. Fury won that one, an 11th-round stoppage in October 2021 in Las Vegas. But neither fighter emerged unscathed. There were five knockdowns — Wilder down three times, Fury twice. It was dangerous, definitive and dramatic.

Promoters called it:

“Once And For All.”

For Wilder, it looks as if it was. He has lost his last two fights, first a decision to Joseph Parker in December and then a fifth-round stoppage to Zhilei Zang in June. In both, he looked like a shell of the feared fighter he was against Fury.

Yet, Fury, too, often looks as if he doesn’t have the same durability. He got knocked down by Francis Ngannou, a mixed-martial arts fighter and novice boxer, yet managed to escape with a debatable split-decision. Then, he wasn’t able to overcome a late knockdown delivered by Usyk, whose versatile skillset and knowhow are seemingly inexhaustible.

In an interview this week with DAZN, Fury said he had little fear of Usyk. Wilder’s raw power, he suggested, was a more immediate threat.

“Whether it is round one, round ten or round twelve with two seconds to go – one mistake, it’s game over,’’ Fury told the streaming network,  “With Usyk, I don’t feel that much terror.’’

Fury went on to praise Usyk. He called him a good boxer.

“But there’s different levels to power,’’ Fury said. “One man can switch you off like a TV, and one man can hit you and hurt you and wear you down.’’

In the end, this one, like the last one, figures to go the distance. Question is: Can Fury still go there?

(Sept. 25, 2024) — ESPN today announced its new ESPN Original Series, The Fight Life, will premiere on ESPN+ on October 7, with subsequent linear airings across ESPN2. 

The series chronicles a year in the world of Top Rank boxing through the journeys of five of the sport’s elite boxers — Tyson Fury, Naoya Inoue, Seniesa Estrada, Teofimo Lopez, and Josh Taylor — alongside unprecedented and exclusive behind-the-scenes access with Top Rank’s executives. As the boxers prepare for some of the biggest fights of their careers, episodes document the traveling circus that is the business of the sport, offering a living, breathing, punching, 360-degree portrait of “the fight life.”

“The Fight Life showcases all the traits that make boxing so compelling: rich personal stories of sacrifice and determination, pressure-packed stakes, and of course – conflict,” said Lindsay Rovegno, Vice President of Production for ESPN Originals. “Whether you’re a diehard boxing fan or someone who just loves great characters and high-quality storytelling, this exciting new series features the unique perspectives of exceptional fighters that we’re excited to share with viewers.”

The Fight Life is produced by ESPN in association with Words + Pictures and Top Rank.
Episode descriptions and streaming/linear schedule (tentative and subject to change) are outlined below.

Episode Descriptions
EPISODE 1 | Tyson Fury: A Heavyweight Task
Premieres on ESPN+ on October 7 | Airs on ESPN2 on October 9 at 6pm ET
Tyson Fury gears up for a showdown against Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk to crown boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years. After a near-defeat to MMA star Francis Ngannou, “The Gypsy King” must prove he still sits atop the heavyweight throne. Go behind the scenes with the executives and matchmakers of Top Rank as they shape the business of boxing.
 
EPISODE 2 | Teofimo Lopez: The Giant Slayer
Premieres on ESPN+ on October 8 | Airs on ESPN2 on October 16 at 10:30pm ET
Teofimo Lopez prepares for a career-defining clash against reigning WBO junior welterweight world champion Josh Taylor. Following several subpar outings, including losing his lightweight crown to George Kambosos Jr., the Top Rank brass question if the mercurial Lopez still has what it takes. Once considered the future of boxing, Lopez has one last shot to prove he’s still one of the sport’s most sublime talents.
 
EPISODE 3 | Josh Taylor: The Crossroads
Premieres on ESPN+ on October 9 | Airs on ESPN2 on October 16 at 11pm ET
After losing his WBO belt to Teofimo Lopez, Josh Taylor must face the question: how many more chances will he have to fight at the top of the sport? Age and injury have begun to plague the former undisputed champion, but his path to recapturing his junior welterweight title starts with a rematch against past rival Jack Catterall. It’s a fight that Top Rank executives make clear will dictate Taylor’s future in the sport.
 
EPISODE 4 | Seniesa Estrada: Love & Hate
Premieres on ESPN+ on October 10 | Airs on ESPN2 on October 16 at 11:30pm ET
Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada has dreamed of becoming the undisputed champion of the world, and she finally has her shot against fellow unified champion Yokasta Valle. Estrada is a trailblazer in women’s boxing, but to become the first-ever undisputed minimumweight world champion, she must overcome injury and the mental pressure of settling a personal score against her former promoter, Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.
 
EPISODE 5 | Naoya Inoue: The Perfect Fighter
Premieres on ESPN+ on October 11 | Airs on ESPN2 on October 22 at 12:30am ET
Many experts consider Naoya “Monster” Inoue to be the world’s best pound-for-pound boxer, and to Top Rank executives who’ve been in the business for decades, one of the best fighters they’ve ever seen. But for many Western fans, the undefeated Japanese star is the greatest fighter you’ve never heard of. The undisputed junior featherweight champion can make a global statement when he faces Japanese boxing’s most reviled figure, Luis Nery, in front of a sold-out crowd of 50,000-plus at the world-renowned Tokyo Dome.

# # #

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the No. 1 sports streaming platform, serving fans in the U.S. with exclusive access to more than 30,000 live sports events each year, an unmatched library of on-demand replays and acclaimed original content, and premium written articles by the top reporters and analysts from ESPN.com. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $10.99 a month (or $109.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or in the ESPN App on mobile and connected devices. For more visit the ESPN+ Press Kit.

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.

Sheffield, England – 19 December 2023 – GBM Sports will launch 2024 with a mega fight card in Sheffield on Friday 9th February at the Canon Medical Arena that will feature red-hot and unbeaten middleweight star Shakiel Thompson; European Super-Bantamweight Champion Thomas Essomba, who’s life story reads like a Hollywood script, and a blistering 50/50 English Super Bantamweight Title showdown between Stevi Levy and Ebonie Jones, all LIVE and FREE on TalkSPORT YouTube Boxing Channel.

GBM Sports Promoter Izzy Asif follows up his phenomenal ‘Clash on the Court’ event last October that officially opened the brand new Canon Medical Arena, the new home to the basketball teams the Sheffield Sharks and Hatters, with high praise from fans and media.

A breakthrough year for GBM Sports saw it secure a multi-fight broadcast agreement with the world’s largest sport radio station talkSPORT to live stream its events on the official YouTube Boxing Channel.

Undefeated Sheffield Middleweight Thompson (10-0-0, 6 KO’s), features on the card via Sky Sports and promoter BOXXER, faces a competitive test against a former European Kick Boxing champion in Gino Kanters.  

The fast rising Sheffield star has amassed an unbeaten ten-fight record with over half coming by stoppage and aims to deliver a powerful performance to demonstrate that he is ready to challenge for belts this year.

Sheffield based Cameroonian, Essomba (12-8-1, 4 KO’s) who made headlines around the world when he and his teammates from the Cameroon boxing team walked out of the athletes’ village at London 2012 and defected.

Just over a decade later and an incredible journey that could by turned into a Hollywood movie, Essomba was crowned European Champion in May when he sensationally dethroned Italian Alessio Lorusso in Monza.

Now calling Sheffield his home after being granted full citizenship in 2020, Essomba will make the first defence of the title on home turf against the tough Frenchman Konki (14-1-0, 1 KO).

Essomba said, “I’m just so happy to be defending my EBU title at home and looking forward to putting on a show for my Sheffield people.  A massive thank you to my brother Sunny Edwards and Chris from RCP Electric who have funded this fight for me and thank you to GBM Sports and Izzy Asif for putting the show on.  After all the messing around from the French team, I’m looking to causing Konki a lot of problems on the night.”

Levy (9-2-0), Norfolk’s first ever female professional boxer, and Portsmouth’s Jones (4-0-1), a former soldier in the Royal Engineers, collide in a real 50/50 battle with the Vacant English Super-Bantamweight title on the line.

A dearth of hot Sheffield talent from the GBM Sports stable will all feature as they continue to build their careers in 2024.

Unbeaten super-featherweight Faraqat ‘Frak’ Ali (8-0-0) defeated Mexican Christian Lopes Flores last time out and is now on the edge of contention to challenge for the first title of his career.

With three out of four opponents stopped early, dynamite punching prospect Nohman Hussein (4-0-0, 3 KO’s), who also works as an NHS Cardiac Arrest Practitioner, continues to raise pulses whenever he fights.

Former Sheffield Sharks basketball star Neptahali Nembhard (1-0-0) made a successful transition to boxing and follows up his pro debut victory when he totally outclassed Vasif Mamedov.

Conisbrough Welterweight Joe Hayden (11-0-0) looks to maintain his winning record as he looks to keep on course for his first title tilt.

Even more Sheffield boxers’ fighting out of the talent laden city feature on the card, starting with cruiserweight talent Sheldon McDonald (7-1-0, 2 KO’s), mentored by local legend Johnny Nelson, who aims to continue his 3-fight winning run with a victory as he targets titles.

Liam Cameron (21-5-0, 8 KO’s) is another boxer on the card with a remarkable life story that could be made into a movie.  The Sheffield favourite made a triumphant return in October by defeating Robbie Connor after five years out of the ring after serving a four year ban following a failed drugs test and alcohol issues.  Conquering his demons, Cameron is now focused on getting himself back into title contention.

Colourful unbeaten super-middleweight Red Johnson (4-0-0) is back to thrill the fans with his own brand of entertainment in and out of the ring.

Another incredible story on the card sees super-welterweight Owen Durnan (1-0-0) who overcame cancer to make his pro-debut with a victory just last month and now have his second fight.

Finally Bree Wright (Burbeary) (4-0-0, 1 KO) has turned her life around after she was close to taking her own life, suffering mental issues and family tragedies only to be inspired by Tyson Fury’s own comeback and now she is an unbeaten pro with an unbeaten record.

Promoter Izzy Asif is thrilled to put this card together and begin 2024 with a bang.  He said, “Boxing is a sport driven by the stories and characters in the sport and you won’t find a fight card with more real life Rocky stories than on this one.  Each one of them has an inspirational story and how they overcame the odds to be on this card.  GBM Sports promote great shows with in-arena entertainment for the fans to creates an electric atmosphere, but primarily it’s the fighters and fights that make it the event.  This is the start of a big 2024 for GBM Sports, our biggest year yet, where we intend to stage eight shows around the UK and really stamp our brand nationally along with our new broadcast partner talkSPORT.  Watch out!”

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. 

By Norm Frauenheim-

Tyson Fury exited Saudi Arabia with a bag full of cash and a lot of questions after a controversial, problematic performance that dropped boxing’s old flagship division back into a familiar mess.

Fury is still the lineal champion, although a novice almost interrupted that long line of heavyweight succession. For the record, he can still say he beat the man who beat the man.

But one judge, a lot of active fighters, retired fighters, pundits and the social-media mob argue otherwise. Before reporters even learned how to spell his name, the unlikely Francis Ngannou knocked down Fury and did enough to win on one of three scorecards last Saturday.

It was Fury, by split decision, a split that ensures that this controversy won’t go away quietly. Everybody said all the right things, picked up their paychecks, praised their hosts and headed home as if to say: “Let’s move on, nothing to see here.’’

In Fury’s bruised left eye and bloodied forehead, there was plenty to see. Plenty to question. Is he the same guy, or just another fighter who has suddenly grown old?

It comes as no surprise that his performance has forced some quick adjustments. Remember all of those reports about a December 23 date with Oleksandr Usyk? Not going to happen then. Not after what happened Saturday.

Frank Warren, Fury’s UK promoter, confirmed to reporters Thursday that there’s been a postponement. Probably in February, also in Saudi, Warren said.

“The fight will happen before 2 March and it will be for the undisputed title and all four belts,” Warren said. “The IBF (International Boxing Federation) have given consent for that now and it’s all done. The fight is on. Everybody’s agreed, and it will be announced fairly soon.”

For now, the timing of that announcement hinges on how quickly Fury heals. He’s been here before. He was badly bloodied in a unanimous decision over Otto Wallin in September 2019.  He was cut twice, once above the right eye and then along the eyelid. 

Reportedly, he needed 47 stitches to close the wound, which could have forced an early stoppage in what would have been a huge upset.

But a Fury rematch with Deontay Wilder was at stake. It was planned for Feb. 22, 2020. Then, there were similar questions about whether Fury could heal up in time. He did, and he went on to a seventh-round stoppage of Wilder on the projected date in Las Vegas.

But he was about three years younger and perhaps a lot more resilient than the 35-year-old, who struggled against Ngannou, a former mixed-martial arts champion with a big punch. Also, he had yet to face Wilder in a third fight, a violent brawl that Fury won after getting knocked down twice in October 2021.

Fury got up all over again in the third round against Ngannou. But this time it was with evident hesitancy instead of the inexhaustible resiliency he displayed against Wilder. 

He finished that trilogy definitively. Dramatically. He left no doubt in an 11^th round KO that represents the peak of a great heavyweight in his prime.

Against Ngannou, he simply held on, looking like an aging fighter with a couple of titles, plenty of money and ominous scars.

“Look, you can get somebody becoming very old in boxing overnight,” Warren said “I don’t think it’s the case with Tyson,  and we’ll find out in his next fight.

“My opinion is that I don’t think anybody expected that from Ngannou. I did expect he would be tough. But I genuinely never expected that Ngannou could shape up as a boxer like he did.’’

For the next couple of months, expect just about anything.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Oct. 28, 2023) — It wasn’t without its fair share of surprises, but The Gypsy King prevailed.

WBC & lineal heavyweight boxing world champion Tyson Fury overcame an early knockdown to secure a 10-round split decision victory over lineal MMA heavyweight world champion Francis Ngannou Saturday evening at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

The long-awaited battle of behemoths kicked off Riyadh Season, one of the world’s leading entertainment festivals, which runs throughout the winter months in the Kingdom’s largest city. 

In the opening seconds, Fury leaped from his corner to land a quick right, but Ngannou’s awkwardness and strength soon slowed the pace. Then, as he appeared to get his rhythm, Fury was dropped with a counter left hook from Ngannou.

Fury got back to his feet to face a fired-up Ngannou, but a few robust right hands from The Gypsy King help to temper the MMA legend’s aggression. Fury continued to box, though he received numerous punches as he engaged with Ngannou on the inside in the eighth round, after which he resumed his outside game to try to secure the final two rounds. 

Fury returned successfully from an almost 11-month layoff with scores of 96-93 and 95-94, which overruled one score of 95-94 for Ngannou.

Fury said, “That definitely wasn’t in the script. He’s one hell of a fighter. He’s strong, a big puncher, and a lot better as a boxer than we thought he would ever be. He’s a very awkward man, and he’s a good puncher. I respect him a lot, before the fight and afterward.

“He was very awkward. He wasn’t coming forward. He was standing back and waiting for me to land my punches and then try to counter. He’s a good fighter. He’s given me one of my toughest fights in the last 10 years.

“It’s part of boxing. I got caught behind the head again. My legs weren’t hurt or nothing. I was alright. And I got back up and it was what it was. And I got back to my boxing. I don’t know how close it was. But I got the win, and that’s what it is.”

Ngannou said, “We can run it back again, and I’m sure I will get the better. This was my first boxing match. It was a great experience. I’m not giving any excuse. I know I came up short. But I’m going to go back and work harder with a little more experience and a little more feeling of the game. And I will come back even stronger. 

“At first, I was a little nervous. This is a new sport that I never did. Now I know I can do this sh*t. So, get ready!”

Heavyweight: In an all-British showdown, Fabio Wardley (17-0, 16 KOs) put an exclamation point on a bitter, months-long rivalry with David Adeleye (12-1, 11 KOs) by scoring a seventh-round TKO. Wardley pressed the action while Adeleye circled the ring. Adeleye found openings in the fifth round, but in round seven, Wardley was back in control with firm jabs. Then, while separating from a clinch, Wardley landed a right-left combo that floored Adeleye and ended matters with another combo shortly thereafter. Time of stoppage: 2:43.

Heavyweight Former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker (33-3, 23 KOs) defeated Canadian knockout artist Simon Kean (23-2, 22 KOs) via third-round TKO. Parker spent the first two rounds deciphering Kean’s defense. He then began to land uppercuts in between Kean’s guard, first wobbling him and then stopping him with another. Time of stoppage: 2:04.

Heavyweight: Montreal-based wrecking ball Arslanbek Makhmudov (18-0, 17 KOs) notched a first-round TKO against Junior Anthony Wright (20-5-1, 17 KOs). Makhmudov dropped Wright with a right hand followed by consecutive left hooks. Wright survived the knockdown, but another right hand by “The Lion” nearly had Wright out on his feet, forcing referee Steve Gray to stop the fight. Time of stoppage: 1:10.

Heavyweight: 18-year-old British prodigy Moses Itauma (6-0, 4 KOs) iced Istvan Bernath (10-2, 8 KOs) via first-round TKO. Itauma sent Bernath to the canvas with a jab before ending matters with combinations around Bernath’s guard. Time of stoppage: 1:53.
 

By Norm Frauenheim –

Tyson Fury-Francis Ngannou defies description. Fight or fraud? Fish or foul? It depends on who’s doing the marketing and/or the mocking.

Sift through all of the possibilities, and there’s only one: Exhibition. That, and all of its interpretations, was on parade at a news conference Thursday in Riyadh.

 At times, it was slapstick funny. Send in the clowns. At times, it began to redefine what it means to be cringe-worthy.

A cringe-worthy moment: Fury stripped off his jacket and vest for a bare-chested pose in a forehead-to-forehead stare-down with Ngonnou. His 59-year-old father, John Fury, quickly joined the strip show shedding his shirt and then stepping in front of the camera. Gently, John Fury – animated as in cartoon-like — had to be moved to one side. It wasn’t his show. At least, it’s not supposed to be.

All of the time, it was clear it was all about the cash.

There’s plenty of that being exhibited, although none of the numbers have been confirmed. Let’s just say that Fury’s income could make him an oil baron.

Speculation puts his payday at $60 million for an exhibition (Saturday, 2 pm ET/11 am PT, ESPN + pay-per-view), that looks a lot like a tune-up for a fight – a real one –projected for Dec. 23 against Ukrainian heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, also in Riyadh and also for an astonishing bankroll. Talk – and that’s all it is – puts that paycheck at $100 million.

For the Saudis, Fury looks to be another investment in their so-called sports wash. He’s another name, another possible diversion from the controversy surrounding the Saudi Kingdom’s reputation for repression. Their sports collection includes Phil Mickelson, Formula One auto racing, soccer and horse racing. A major addition would be Fury-Usyk, one of the biggest heavyweight fights in a fabled history.

“Tyson Fury is certainly the best heavyweight since Muhammad Ali and maybe ever,’’ said Fury’s 92-year-old American promoter, Bob Arum, also Ali’s former promoter.

But boxing isn’t golf. It’s a risk, one that maybe Mickelson wouldn’t even bet on.  With one punch, everything can go wrong and often does.

Fury-Ngannou, at $79.99 pay-per-view, is being mocked precisely because it looks like a set-up for the reported December date with Usyk. The Saturday exhibition is not even listed under Fury’s BoxRec entry. If the reliable, go-to BoxRec doesn’t list it, it’s not a fight. Then, there’s Fury’s World Boxing Council heavyweight belt. It’s not at stake, although WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman was there with a specially-made belt, named “the Riyadh Champion belt.’’ That makes interim sound like a promotion.

The guess is that if the unlikely happens, the WBC belt would still be in play in December against Usyk, who holds the three other belts. Then, there’s Ngonnou, a UFC champion, a mixed martial arts fighter known for unprecedented power.

Even Mike Tyson, a celebrity cornerman for Ngannou, marvels at power that once defined him.

“Nobody takes a punch like Tyson Fury, but this is a different kind of power,’’ said Tyson, who wore a businessman’s suit to Thursday’s exhibit of Fury exhibitionists.

Tyson is there to help sell the show. He’s an intriguing angle. In 1988, John Fury named his son after Tyson, who had just begun his wild run through the heavyweight division.

Mike Tyson warns his namesake about Ngannou’s power. It’s a limb-breaker, he says.

“I saw him hit this guy,’’ Tyson said as he gestured with an imaginary blow to the jaw. “And the guy wound up breaking a leg or ankle or whatever.’’

But there are doubts about whether Ngannou, of Cameroon, will ever land that big punch. He’s a novice boxer. Video of him hitting the mitts showed power, but no precision or hand speed. Autumn could turn to winter in the time it takes Ngannou to land. The clever Fury could feint, duck, feint again and counter within that long moment. Leg-breaker? Yeah Ngannou might break his own in a wild miss.

The real measure of Ngannou’s feared power is also hard to judge. He’ll be wearing 10-ounce gloves for the first time. He executed 17 stoppages in mixed martial arts wearing four-ounce gloves.

In his memorable trilogy with Deontay Wilder, he was knocked down four times by a right hand as explosive as any in history. What would Wilder’s power have done had he been wearing four ounces, instead of 10? He and Fury probably would have never gone beyond the first fight and Fury’s 12th-round resurrection from a crushing knockdown.

There are other possibilities, hard to predict and all common to boxing’s familiar chaos. Fury knows them. He’s been there. In September 2019, he fought Swede Otto Wallin in a fight perceived to be a tune-up for his first rematch with Wilder. The heavily favored Fury won a debatable unanimous decision in Las Vegas. He also suffered a nasty cut to his right eye.

A Wallin punch caused the cut in the third round. Wallin would do further damage, enough to argue that the fight should have been stopped in his favor.

Fury needed a reported 47 stitches and time to heal. There was speculation that it would delay the second fight with Wilder. It didn’t. Wilder conceded it was risky, that the cut might rupture. But he never gave a clueless Wilder the chance to try, blowing him away in the seventh round February 2020 in Vegas.

Call it a warning, Exhibit A among risks to a Saudi bet that it’ll host some heavyweight history.