Fight results

The styles of Oleksandr and Tyson were perfectly showcased in their first bout. Usyk and Fury are creative boxers in the ring, but their approaches differ significantly.

The Ukrainian is a high-tempo fighter who relies on multi-punch combinations and increases the pace of the fight as the rounds progress. His biggest strength is his endurance, which poses challenges for opponents of any level of preparation. Keeping up with Usyk's pace and volume of punches is no easy task, and reading his changing angles and directions of attack is equally demanding.

The Briton, on the other hand, is fundamentally more of a tactician. In his younger years, Fury outmaneuvered his opponents with mobility and footwork, which, combined with his massive frame, created a plethora of problems for his rivals.

Over time, Fury transitioned to a more offensive style, leaning closer to that of a puncher. A notable example is his victory over Deontay Wilder, where he overwhelmed the American with his size, aggression, and precision.

That said, both fighters are versatile in their styles. They can box on the front foot or the back foot, apply pressure, and capitalize on their opponents' mistakes. For most of the first fight, Fury tried to do just that—counter Usyk with sharp combinations and build on his success. Whether he changes this approach after the loss in their first encounter remains to be seen, and only the ring will reveal the answer.

Both fighters are almost the same age — Tyson is 36, and Oleksandr is 37. However, their career experiences differ.

Usyk boasts an extensive amateur background with hundreds of fights at that level. In the professional ranks, though, he has fought 14 fewer bouts than Fury. Yet, the quality of those fights is a crucial factor to consider.

Oleksandr claimed his first championship title in just his 10th professional fight, whereas Tyson was still battling journeymen at the same point in his career.

It’s also essential to consider the tough matchups that take a toll on a boxer’s health and stamina. For Usyk, the last fight was undeniably challenging. He himself has called Fury the toughest opponent of his career.

For Tyson, that fight was similarly grueling — he was knocked down and couldn't turn his stronger rounds into a victory. Additionally, many point to his three brutal encounters with Deontay Wilder. Across those fights, Fury was knocked down four times, which may have had an impact on his physical reserves.

Ahead of the rematch, the most intriguing statistic is from their first encounter — the punch stats. And there are some key takeaways.

First, Usyk threw fewer jabs but landed them far more effectively. The Ukrainian champion had a 32.7% accuracy rate compared to Fury's 21.7%. Despite Fury throwing 286 jabs and landing 62, Usyk threw only 147 but landed 48.

Second, Usyk was significantly more efficient overall. His punch accuracy in the fight exceeded 40%. Oleksandr landed 170 of 407 punches — an impressive 41.8%. Tyson, on the other hand, landed 157 of 496 punches, or 31.7%. No one has ever been this precise against Tyson Fury.

In terms of power punches, Usyk was also more accurate, though the difference was slight: 46.9% compared to Fury's 45.2%. Both fighters demonstrated exceptionally high power punch accuracy, especially given the elite level of their matchup. Both men gave everything they had.

There’s currently no reason to believe that Usyk’s effectiveness in the rematch will diminish. However, much will depend on the styles each boxer employs for the second fight.

This year, Fury and Usyk have been entirely focused on each other. It's interesting to review their opposition leading up to this moment.

Oleksandr Usyk had two fights against Anthony Joshua and one against Daniel Dubois. He secured two wins via decision and one by knockout.

Fury, on the other hand, defeated Dillian Whyte, Derek Chisora, and Francis Ngannou, achieving two stoppage victories and one via decision.

No matter how you look at it, the level of Usyk's opposition during this period was noticeably higher. For Usyk, the training camp ahead of the rematch is just another preparation for a top-tier bout, and the fight itself is yet another high-stakes challenge.

For Tyson, it’s crucial to understand the caliber of the matchup and his opponent, and to be 100% ready for the challenge.

The advantage lies with Fury. He is the bigger and heavier fighter. He has repeatedly proven that not only does he pack a punch, but he also knows how to deliver it effectively. For the Briton, the latter is even more important. Fury isn't a pure knockout artist who can turn off the lights with a single blow, but his accuracy and speed make his punches exceptionally dangerous.

At the same time, underestimating Usyk's power would be a mistake. He knocked out Daniel Dubois with a jab after systematically wearing him down during the fight. He also sent Fury to the canvas, and the situation came dangerously close to the referee stopping the bout altogether.

Both fighters have proven they can take punches. However, in the heavyweight division, when over 40% of power punches land, anyone can go down.

Usyk faced challenges after an uppercut in their first encounter, while Fury was knocked down altogether. Many experts also point out that Tyson's punch resistance seems to have declined since his battles with Deontay Wilder.

Thus, while both fighters can absorb punches, they are also vulnerable to being knocked out. In this aspect, the matchup is fairly even.

When it comes to judging in Saudi Arabia, there were no significant questions about the ringside officials in the first fight. Perhaps Tyson Fury's team had some concerns, but they didn’t voice them publicly, only hinted at them.

However, fans have expressed worries about impartiality. This stems from the fact that the fight's organizer, Turki Al Al-Sheikh, has publicly called Fury his friend and even recorded a video message with him directed at Usyk.

As for the climate and weather conditions, Saudi Arabia is known for its heat and humid air. Nonetheless, both fighters have experience competing and preparing in such conditions, so it shouldn’t pose any issues.

Both fighters are highly motivated. Fury is determined to avenge the first loss of his career, while Usyk is unwilling to give up his titles or his undefeated record.

Their motivations, however, are different. Oleksandr draws energy from his success, while Tyson is fueled by the sting of defeat. It's crucial for the champion to perform in camp just as well, if not better, than before the first fight and to maintain strong motivation. The challenger’s drive is clear — to prove that the loss was a mistake.

At the moment, both boxers appear extremely composed. Fury remains his usual lighthearted self but promises not to mess around this time, focusing on hard work and serious boxing. Usyk, as always, exudes confidence and calmness at press conferences and official events.