The former UFC champion expects an exciting and competitive confrontation.
Former UFC champion in two weight categories Conor McGregor shared his expectations for the upcoming rematch between the holder of the WBA, WBO, WBC and IBO heavyweight champion Alexander Usyk and former champion Tyson Fury.
The mixed martial arts star is convinced that the second fight between the Ukrainian and the Briton will be very interesting and difficult for both boxers.
“Of course, you don't want to lose, especially to fighters like Oleksandr Usyk, but the first fight was close. Fury had some good moments in that fight. Tyson is the guy who can change a lot in his style.
If you look at his trilogy with Wilder, he's improved from fight to fight. I expect Fury to be much more focused and tactical.
He has a significant size difference with Usyk, but Oleksandr is an experienced boxer. It will be a tough fight,” McGregor was quoted as saying by talkSPORT.
It was previously reported that Usyk and Fury had their first battle of eyes before the rematch.
The Usyk-Fury rematch will take place on December 21 in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). All the 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 had previously renounced the IBF title. Now it is in the hands of Daniel Dubois, who has already managed to defend it by knocking out Anthony Joshua.
Recall that on the night of May 19, 2024, Usyk defeated Fury by split decision in a fight for the title of absolute world heavyweight champion. At the end of the ninth round, Alexander knocked his opponent down.
Thus, Alexander defended the 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.