WBA, WBO, IBF, and Ring Magazine champion Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) is slated to take on WBC titleholder Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia on
February 17th.
The bout will mark the first undisputed heavyweight championship in boxing since Lennox Lewis held the honor 24 years ago, this time with four belts on the line.
Initially expected on December 23, the fight was rescheduled after Fury, 35, faced a challenging bout against Francis Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, on October 28. Fury emerged with a split decision victory despite sustaining cuts and bruises, causing postponement to February.
Usyk, 36, a skilled southpaw, last fought in August, securing a ninth-round knockout against Daniel Dubois.
Top Rank chairman Bob Arum commented, “Fury and Usyk are the top heavyweights of their era, and this undisputed clash in Riyadh promises to be a historic event. Fury is an all-time great, but Usyk, an Olympic champion across two weight divisions, should never be underestimated.”
The official announcement for the 'Ring of Fire' fight card took place in London, where Fury expressed his determination, stating, “Usyk, you can try to run, but The Gypsy King is coming. Your undefeated record and belts will be mine!”
Both fighters acknowledged the significance of the event, with Fury expressing gratitude to the Saudi officials for bringing the fight to Riyadh and Usyk cryptically stating, “I have no goal, only the way. And my way is 'The Undisputed.' That's why this was the only fight for me. When that bell rings, I will bring the fire.” Photo by Johnnynajjar, Wikimedia commons.