RIYADH/LONDON: Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury are ready to rumble again in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at the end of the year.
The heavyweight duo came face-to-face for the first time since their all-action fight in May, with London’s Guildhall staging the opening press conference ahead of the pair’s blockbuster “Reignited” heavyweight title rematch on Dec. 21.
The event promises to provide a fitting finale to Riyadh Season 2024.
Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena will host the fight that the boxing world has been waiting for, having been the setting for the first clash that saw Usyk triumph by split decision to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion this century.
With the rematch now set and the WBA, WBC and WBO titles on the line, the two heavyweight fighters came together in London’s famous Guildhall, as Usyk seeks to defend his titles and preserve an undefeated professional record (22-0) against Fury (34-1-1), looking to become a three-time heavyweight champion.
Oleksandr Usyk said: “I approach the upcoming rematch with love and gratitude. I am thankful to the Lord for my strength and guidance I’ve received. I appreciate Tyson Fury for the challenge, and I thank Turki Alalshikh for organizing the fight. To my resilient people, I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Ukraine. Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you on Dec. 21.”
Tyson Fury said: “Thank you to Riyadh Season and Turki Alalshikh for making this rematch and giving me the opportunity to regain what is mine. I look forward to reminding the world exactly who the Gypsy King is on Dec. 21 and taking the belts back home to Morecambe with me. Get up there.”
Promoter Frank Warren said: “What a fabulous card topped by what is, in my mind, the best fight that can be made in boxing. Although it didn’t go our way last time, we have complete faith in our man Tyson Fury to prove people wrong once again and put on a boxing display that will go down in history. Thank you to Riyadh Season and Turki Alalshikh for continuing to make the biggest fights possible and I cannot wait for 21st December.”
Promoter Alex Krassyuk said: “The undisputed heavyweight championship between the two best athletes in the world was a unique phenomenon. To see them fighting again is almost a miracle. Thanks to Turki Alalshikh for making fans’ dreams come true. We pray that both guys come out of their camps healthy and fit. God bless all of us. Let the best man win…. Again.”
