Boxing heavyweights Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk set to clash in Riyadh

RIYADH: As the clash between boxing heavyweights Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk draws near, the boxers’ weigh-in is scheduled for Friday (today) at 9 pm local time.

After the weigh-in, the undercard event is set for Saturday at 7 pm local time, followed by the main fight at 1 am local time on Sunday at the Kingdom Arena.

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Meanwhile, the undercard features notable matchups like the battle for the vacant IBF cruiserweight title between Jai Opetaia and Mairis Briedis.

The fight was originally scheduled for February, however, it had to be postponed due to a cut Fury suffered.

Here’s a profile of the two heavyweight boxers, both considered legends in the world of boxing.

Tyson Fury

British boxer Tyson Fury holds an impressive record of 34 wins, with 24 of those victories coming by knockout, and has never been defeated. Fury has held the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight title since 2020 and stands at an imposing height of 6 feet 9 inches.

Oleksandr Usyk

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk boasts an undefeated record with 21 wins, 14 by knockout. He currently holds the World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Organization (WBO), International Boxing Federation (IBF), and International Boxing Organization (IBO) belts. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall, Usyk is a formidable force in the ring.

Fury and Usyk will contend for the WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF titles, marking the first four-belt, undisputed heavyweight title fight since 1999.

Pre-fight brawls

A boxing match wouldn’t be complete without its fair share of controversy and pre-match drama.

According to reports, tensions escalated during the face-off between the two fighters when Fury declined to make eye contact with Usyk.

Another notable incident involved Tyson Fury’s father, John Fury, and a member of Oleksandr Usyk’s team. John, who is a former boxer, headbutted the individual, causing him to be bloodied. Following the altercation, John issued an apology, citing heightened emotions and tensions typical during fight week.

Reports indicate that John Fury responded to what he interpreted as a disrespectful remark directed at his son. Despite the altercation, Usyk’s teammate opted not to retaliate, considering the age difference.

Previously, Tyson Fury shoving Oleksandr Usyk at a press conference reportedly angered the Ukrainian’s mother herself.

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As boxing fans eagerly await the match on Sunday, it appears that the weather isn’t the only thing heating up in Riyadh.

The fight will be streamed and broadcasted on various regional platforms through pay-per-view services.