Zhang Zhilei considers the Ukrainian the favorite in the upcoming fight with the “Gypsy King”.
Former WBO interim world heavyweight champion Zhang Zhileishared his expectations for the rematch between WBA, WBO, WBC and IBO title holder Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury.
The 41-year-old Chinese boxer believes that the Ukrainian will be able to defeat the “Gypsy King” for the second time.
“I think Usyk will win again. Both boxers performed well in the last fight, but I believe that skill pays the bills in boxing, and Usyk is definitely a skilled boxer. He moves well, is light on his feet and hits a lot, uses combinations well.
Fury is also a great boxer, I like his style, but I'm a little inclined towards Usyk,” Zhilei said in an interview with Seconds Out.
The Usyk-Fury rematch will take place on December 21 in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). All titles held by the Ukrainian boxer will be at stake.
Unlike the first fight, this time the title of absolute world champion will not be at stake, since Alexander previously renounced the IBF title. Now it is held by Daniel Dubois, who has already managed to defend it by knocking out Anthony Joshua.
Usyk vs. Fury: results of the first fight
On the night of May 19, 2024, Usyk defeated Fury by split decision (115-112, 114-113, 113-114) in the main fight of the boxing show in Riyadh. At the end of the ninth round, Alexander knocked his opponent down.
On our website you can watch videos of the best moments of the Usyk vs. Fury fight, as well as videos of the Ukrainian’s emotional reaction after his victory over the Briton.
Thus, Alexander defended his WBO, WBA, IBO and IBF belts, and also took the WBC title from the “Gypsy King”. Usyk became the first absolute world champion in the heavyweight division in the 21st century.
Before that, the last “absolute” heavyweight champion was Lennox Lewis, who won this status in 1999, when he defeated Evander Holyfield. At that time, the WBA, WBC and IBF titles were at stake. The WBO belt was recognized as equal in 2007, so Usyk became the first “absolute” heavyweight champion in history with four main titles.