As the boxing world gears up for the highly anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, fans are eager to see if Usyk can once again claim victory over his fierce competitor. With the potential to solidify his status as the reigning heavyweight champion, Usyk could open doors to an even more thrilling matchup on the horizon. Here’s a look at what’s at stake and who might challenge Usyk if he emerges victorious.
Fury vs. Usyk rematch – The ultimate Boxing showdown of 2024
On December 21, a highly anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury is set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This rematch marks their second clash after a thrilling bout earlier this year. Back in May, Usyk claimed victory by points, taking the WBC title from Fury and becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion with all four prestigious belts. In this December bout, Usyk will retain the WBA, WBO, and WBC belts along with The Ring title, as he relinquished the IBF belt. Nonetheless, this fight is one of the most significant events in boxing, capturing the attention of fans and industry experts alike.
Usyk’s path forward if he defeats Fury again
If Usyk manages to defeat Fury once again, the question is: Who will challenge him next? According to Usyk’s manager, Egis Klimas, Daniel Dubois is a top candidate. Dubois, a British fighter, currently holds the IBF heavyweight title and has already showcased his talent by delivering a knockout to Anthony Joshua. Klimas noted that Dubois’ potential could make him a worthy challenger for Usyk’s titles.
The controversial Usyk vs. Dubois fight – Body shot dispute
Usyk and Dubois previously met in August 2023 in a heated, controversial bout. During the fifth round, Dubois landed a body shot that dropped Usyk, but the referee did not count it, citing it as an illegal low blow. However, Usyk made a comeback and defeated Dubois in the ninth round to maintain his undefeated record. A possible rematch between these two would be a highly anticipated event, potentially bringing a new undisputed heavyweight champion.
Conditions for a Usyk vs. Dubois rematch
For a Usyk vs. Dubois rematch to happen, several conditions need to align. First, Usyk must defeat Fury in the December rematch. At the same time, Dubois will need to successfully defend his IBF title in his scheduled fights, set for February 2025 and again in either June or July 2025. With these wins, Dubois would be primed for a title unification fight against Usyk. Notably, promoter Frank Warren has stated that a rematch between Dubois and Anthony Joshua is off the table, paving the way for a major showdown with Usyk.
Conclusion
The Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk rematch promises to be a highlight of the boxing world in 2024. Should Usyk emerge victorious again, it could set the stage for an epic bout with Daniel Dubois, the current IBF champion. This potential unification match would be a can’t-miss event for fans, marking a major milestone in Usyk’s journey to becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion.
