by Mick the Ram

Boxing fans are gearing up for the eagerly awaited heavyweight rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. The two battered each other for 12 brutal rounds back in May with the Ukrainian just coming out on top in a split decision.

On Saturday 21 December they face off again in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the Brit seeking revenge for what was seen by many as a surprise upset the first time around.

Usyk has been installed as slight favourite, but most pundits agree that it is a fight that could easily go either way.

One big round swung it

The first meeting might be described as a contest not so much of two halves, but maybe more accurately a fight of three thirds. Usyk it could be argued, shaded the opening exchanges, but from rounds three to eight, Fury looked to have wrestled control, as he threw and more importantly, landed double the amount of punches to his Ukrainian opponent.

Then Usyk found a missing gear in round nine, producing a brilliant display of combination punching that inflicted just the eighth knockdown of Fury’s career. Although the bell came to his rescue the bout had swung back the other way and even though to his credit the British fighter recovered, he simply did not have sufficient left in the tank to take the fight back to Usyk, which was enough to convince two of the three judges to score in his favour.

Adaptability can be key

As well as the obvious talent and immense courage, adaptability is possibly the greatest strength of Oleksandr Usyk. He has several styles that he can switch to depending on the opponent, or indeed the nature of the bout he finds himself in.

He can dance around the ring even at the age of 37, picking off shots and creating angles and counters with his sharp movement, and at the same time minimising damage. However, as demonstrated in the first meeting, he can quickly calculate what is required and change strategy mid-fight.

There is always an air of class about his work, giving the impression that he has great boxing intelligence.

Dubois victory alarms critics

He will be keen to maintain his 100% record, with 22 wins and 14 knock-outs, but some people like to point to his fight with Daniel Dubois in August last year, when he eventually won in the ninth round; but that doesn’t begin to tell the story, after he was put on the canvas in the fifth and was staring at defeat, only for the punch that put him there to be ruled too low.

That controversial decision allowed him time to regain his composure from which he took full advantage. Having seen that vulnerability, many are looking for it again against Fury, and he will be aware that his opponent will probably have a different approach for this rematch. Nevertheless, he will quite rightly enter the fight full of confidence and it’s unlikely that he’ll look to change anything, rather wait and adapt if necessary.

Is the fire still there for the gypsy?

The “Gypsy King” with his 6’9” frame and 85-inch reach, is an imposing figure, but there were signs in the first fight that time may be catching up with him. He put on a good show, but the knock down in the ninth visibly shook him and it will be interesting to see if that has any lasting effect.

After Usyk altered his approach Fury was essentially holding on and although he had an argument to get the decision, not many disagreed that the better man won on the night.

Chance to join a select group

At 36-years-old maybe it is about how much Fury wants this. Victory would almost certainly guarantee another huge pay-day with a third fight already spoken of.

However, maybe he will be more driven by the prospect of joining a select band of all-time greats (Muhammad Ali, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis and Vitali Klitschko) and become just the fifth boxer in history to win a heavyweight title on three separate occasions. That could be the extra motivation he needs.

Mind-boggling purse

Boxers, and particularly heavyweight boxers, have always commanded a huge purse. According to reports, the two men split $150 million for their first meeting, with Fury getting 70% of that, as the bigger star entering the fight.

For the rematch, reports have surfaced that the total purse has been increased to upwards of $200 million, with Usyk expected to take home a guarantee of 60% (not counting pay-per-view revenue) or $114 million. Not a bad hourly rate if you can get it!

Snatched defeat from jaws of victory

Some believe Fury adopted the wrong tactics first time around and almost over-thought the contest, possibly becoming complacent from a winning position. If he has learned the necessary lessons he could hold significant advantages, as it should not be forgotten that he remains one of the best all-round boxers on the circuit.

That said, it is unfamiliar territory for him to step into the ring with someone who has got the better of him and pretty much beat him up. Usyk is the favourite with the bookmakers, but only marginally.

Usyk full of confidence

There is respect between the fighters, even though Fury tried to suggest his opponent only won the first fight because of a sympathy vote for the Ukrainian due to the war situation for his country.

Usyk will have the confidence of knowing he can hurt the Brit, whose punch resistance is clearly on the decline.

Classic on the cards

The usual swagger that Fury displays in his demeanour was not so evident, but what he will be remembering is just how battered the Ukrainian looked post-fight, so he too will know how much he can hurt his opponent.

Redemption is a massive keyword for Fury and it would be a brave man who wrote him off. It promises to be a classic.