"Usyk will be the first boxer in history to knock out Tyson Fury," says a boxing expert.
– Usyk has entered the top-10 oldest champions in the 140-year history of heavyweight boxing. Does he have the potential to surpass Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko in this ranking?
– Perhaps Wladimir. However, there is a nuance. If he defeats Tyson Fury again in December, and subsequently takes on IBF champion Daniel Dubois (or Anthony Joshua, should he take the title from Dubois), he may find himself lacking motivation and worthy challenges to continue his career. In that case, he might not quite reach the level of Klitschko Jr.
However, if Oleksandr decides to step into the ring at least once more (after those two fights) and defends his titles, he will almost certainly push Wladimir out of the top-3 oldest heavyweight champions in history, taking a spot right after Vitali.
On the other hand, if he loses to the "Gypsy King," things become more complicated. I doubt the Ukrainian will immediately go for a championship fight – a third with Fury, a second with Dubois, or a third with Joshua. It’s more likely that the British fighters will determine a new "absolute" champion among themselves. And if the champions decide to arrange a rematch, as has been the recent trend, we may have to wait a long time.
Will Usyk want to be in such a position? That’s the question. Will he have the motivation at 38 years old to strive for another championship opportunity through ranking or eliminator fights? Especially if the champions' defense/unification schedules do not offer a clear and attainable prospect to fight for a title again. Another question.
Oleksandr Usyk
– In December, Usyk faces a rematch with Tyson Fury. Will it be harder for Oleksandr than in their first fight? What scenario do you envision for this match? And what about the outcome?
– Knowing Tyson Fury's track record, I wouldn't be too surprised if something happens to him before December, forcing the rematch to be postponed or canceled.
I don’t want to repeat the cliché that this is heavyweight boxing, where one punch can change everything. But it truly is a fight "with three possible outcomes." There is a high probability of making an incorrect prediction. But let’s apply some logic.
Oleksandr struggled immensely in the middle rounds of the first fight with Fury. He was operating at the edge of his abilities. But he managed to endure and turned the unfavorable tide of the match in the later rounds. I’m not sure he would have the stamina to withstand another one or two "sixth rounds" like the first fight. If Fury can improve his already exceptional endurance and prepare well for an intense fight, he might finish Usyk – likely in the middle rounds.
In my opinion, Tyson will fight more aggressively in the rematch than in the first bout. Dirtier. Utilizing clinches, leaning on his opponent, focusing on body shots. On the edge and slightly beyond what is permissible. He will try to maximize his advantage in size. He will apply pressure and constant aggression to make Usyk expend more energy on defense, tire him out, and reduce his mobility.
But we know that Oleksandr possesses an exceptional set of qualities to effectively counter a significantly larger opponent. He has repeatedly demonstrated his incredible resilience and ingenuity under pressure. If he can "survive" the middle rounds (not passively, of course, but by employing asymmetric defense and exhausting his opponent with effective counterattacks), I dare to suggest that in the later rounds, we might witness a historic event. Usyk will add another achievement to his numerous accolades – he will become the first boxer in history to knock out Fury. The Brit has been down in his career, it seems, in eight knockdowns. It’s time to open the list for knockouts.
Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, first fight
– If Usyk wins against Tyson Fury, he will face Dubois again for the absolute championship, since Usyk voluntarily relinquished the championship title in favor of Dubois. Many were surprised by this generous gesture from Oleksandr. What logic do you see in this decision? Why did Usyk do this?
– It’s better to relinquish a title than to have it taken from you due to an inability to meet the mandatory defense deadline. Usyk's team made the right move by voluntarily giving up the IBF title. If everything goes as it should, next year Oleksandr has a chance to once again write his name in the history of world boxing, further solidifying his already monumental boxing legacy – becoming the only two-time "absolute" champion in the heavyweight division during the era of four belts.
– It seems that Usyk's upcoming fights will take place exclusively in Saudi Arabia? Do you think the hosting of major sports and musical events is the right position for the Saudis, who wish to reduce their country’s dependence on natural resources in the long term?
– It’s not a fact that Usyk will only box in Saudi Arabia. Turki Al-Sheikh, as the key architect of Saudi Arabia's cultural transformation, is closely involved in his country. His activities extend far beyond its borders. Recently, he announced a contract with one of the pound-for-pound leaders, Naoya Inoue, clearly with an eye on entering the Japanese market. Before that, he had already made inroads into the British boxing market.
As for the correctness of the Saudis’ position. I understand that sports and music projects are part of reducing dependence on oil, creating new opportunities for tourism and entertainment development. But I’ve also heard that such events can be a kind of "sportswashing" – a tool for improving the country’s reputation amidst human rights violations.
– The Ukrainian's career is currently at its peak while simultaneously on a downward trajectory. Who will succeed Usyk in the heavyweight division? Thanks to the Klitschko brothers and Usyk, we have grown accustomed to the dominance of Ukrainians in the heavyweight category. Will we soon have to let go of this pleasant familiarity?
– Unfortunately, yes. After Usyk’s career ends, we will have to closely monitor and cheer for Ukrainian representatives in other weight categories for some time.
Maxim Rozenko, Champion