This Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, IBF, WBA, and WBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is set to face WBC champion Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated undisputed championship bout. Vasily Lomachenko, fresh off his IBF lightweight title victory over George Kambosos, has expressed his support for his fellow Ukrainian, Usyk, to triumph over Fury and claim the title of undisputed heavyweight champion. The fight will be available on DAZN PPV and ESPN+ PPV from 2:00 p.m. ET and is priced at $69.99 in the U.S.
Fans are eagerly hoping Fury will make it to the ring this time without any issues, especially after he had to pull out of a previous bout last February due to a cut, at a time when a $10 million penalty for withdrawing was not in effect. There is some concern among boxing enthusiasts about Fury’s commitment to his training regimen, given his physical appearance.
The fight presents a fascinating matchup in size and strategy, with the 6’3”, 220+ pound Usyk facing off against the significantly larger Fury, who stands over 6’9” and weighs more than 275 pounds, potentially out-weighing Usyk by 35-40 pounds. Despite Fury's size advantage, he has slimmed down significantly from over 290 pounds, likely entering the ring in the low 260s. The lightest Fury has been in recent years was 254 pounds for his 2019 fight against Otto Wallin.
Can Oleksandr Usyk become undisputed in two weight classes?: Watch
Lomachenko shared his thoughts with the media, emphasizing his close bond with Usyk and his desire for Usyk to emerge victorious:
"My opinion is I’m with my friend, I’m with my brother, Oleksandr Usyk, and, of course, I wish him to win this fight. The best man wins this fight. This is a very historical moment for boxing, for people around boxing, and, of course, for Ukraine. It’s a very important fight. I will pray for Oleksandr, and I hope the best man wins.”
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum also commented on the fight, noting that it has evolved into an even money match, saying:
"That’s a great fight, an even money fight. At first, I thought Fury was too big for him and would demolish Usyk. Now, I think it’s much more competitive. It could go either way. The betting apps show that fight to be an even money fight."
As the much-anticipated event comes closer, who do you think will be the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years?
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