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?