The clash to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the world in almost 25 years is finally set to happen as Tyson Fury's bout against Oleksandr Usyk was announced earlier this month.
Fury's narrow win over MMA fighter Francis Ngannou in late October, which saw him dropped in just the third round, will no doubt warn some people away from the 35-year-old, who only just managed to protect his unbeaten record which now stands at 34-0-1. In previous years, his bouts against Deontay Wilder, Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora have shown why he's still held as the bookies favourite heading into the bout.
Usyk, on the other hand, hasn't fought since August when he defended his belts against British heavyweight Daniel Dubois. It meant his record moved to 21-0, following back-to-back wins over Anthony Joshua and one over Chisora before that.
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When is Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk?
Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk will take place on February 17, 2024, with the fight taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It's the same venue where Fury beat Ngannou in a split decision victory as Usyk watched ringside.
Who is on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk?
It's not clear who will be on the undercard as details are yet to be announced. However, given that there were three other title fights across different weight classes in Fury's bout against Ngannou, fans can expect a packed card for such a hyped fight as this one.
What channel will Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk be broadcast on?
Fury's bought with Ngannou was broadcasted on TNT Sports Box Office, and it's believed that'll likely stay the same for the fight against Usyk.
What titles will be on the line when Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk takes place?
As the WBC title holder, Fury will be looking to not just defend his own belt but also take Usyk's WBA, WBO and IBF championship belts, with all four on the line for the fight.
What has been said by Tyson Fury ahead of the fight?
At a press conference in London ealrier this month, Fury was his usual show-off self, firing insults towards Usyk as the two came to blows shortly after. He said: "You're welcome to be sharing a ring with the future undisputed heavyweight champion - me. You are all dossers, he's getting knocked out, and you two [Usyk's promoter Alexander Krassyuk and Klimas] are going to be working for me carrying my bags, so remember I said that on this stage.
"I already relieved one Ukrainian [Klitschko] of all the belts and I'll relieve that idiot of all the belts I gave him, including that Ring Magazine I only vacated last year so I could win it back three times, sausage.
"You know what's coming, you're getting smashed to pieces. You're fighting the best British heavyweight there's ever been. You beat all the rest of them, but you ain't beating Tyson Fury, [you] sausage."
What has been said by Oleksandr Usyk ahead of the fight?
After Fury's tirade of words, Usyk appeared unfazed, instead simply claiming that he'll be the first to ever beat Fury in the ring and likened him to a pig. He said: "No, I am a man, I don’t work like that. Tyson Fury is closer to me than Ngannou. Ngannou is a nice guy and I respect him.
"I just can’t use dirty tricks. I have children and my sons watch me, many people watch and follow me. One cannot behave like a pig and remain a human being at the same time. If you behave like a pig, you are a pig."
Usyk also made a biblical comparison to the David vs Goliath story, claiming that he was David that'll eventually 'slay' Fury. He continued: "I want to tell one story which looks very similar to our story with Tyson, about David and Goliath. When the Lord gives me Tyson in my hands, I will make my job. The Lord has nothing impossible."
