The famous American believes that the Ukrainian will win by decision.
Former absolute world champion in two weight categories Evander Holyfield shared his opinion on the upcoming rematch between WBA, WBO, WBC and IBO heavyweight title holder Oleksandr Usyk and former champion Tyson Fury.
The 62-year-old American said that the Ukrainian could knock out the Briton if he lands a lot of accurate punches.
Holyfield admitted that he sympathizes with Usyk and believes that he will defeat the “Gypsy King” by decision.
“When I met Usyk, he said to me, 'I'm going to do what you did, become the undisputed heavyweight champion, move up to super heavyweight and become the champion there.' I said, 'Power to you.' And guess what, he did it.
At this stage of their career and at this age, there are only a few little things they can change. Usyk is a guy who throws a lot of punches. He has fast hands and great reflexes. He is small and may have to take a few punches to give them back. Alexander will do what he needs to do to win.
Usyk is a guy who works hard all the time. I like that. I was like Alexander – when I had to work, I always gave it my all.
I think if Usyk lands consistently, he can knock Fury out. Tyson has the height and reach and he is a good boxer. He is hard to hit. It all comes down to timing, combinations and timing.
For some reason, they didn't stop the first fight in the ninth round. I try not to argue because I'm a fighter myself. I trained to be the best. I like both of those guys. They're both skilled, and whoever wins is a worthy winner. But I like Oleksandr. I think he's going to win on points,” Holyfield told The Ring.
The Usyk-Fury rematch will take place on December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All of the Ukrainian boxer's titles will be on the line.
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 owned by Briton Daniel Dubois, who has already managed to defend it by knocking out his compatriot 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.
