Tyson Fury will have the chance to avenge his first career defeat when he rematches now undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk on December 21.
The Brit brought the WBC belt to the table last month, pitted against Usyk’s IBF, WBA and WBO to crown the first four-belt champion in the division’s history.
It was Usyk who took the spoils, scoring a sensational knockdown in the ninth that sealed a victory on the cards.
Three-weight world champion and Hall of Fame fighter James Toney believes that Fury underestimated his fellow champion.
Speaking to Pro Boxing Fans, the man from Michigan said he is certain Fury will make the necessary adjustments to stop Usyk second time out.
“Oh he will win the fight.
This time he’ll go and take the guy seriously. And this time he’ll knock him out … Tyson underestimated him and lost. He should have never lost to that guy.
Fury himself has admitted to shortcomings in the aftermath, but many feel he was on top form and the Ukrainian simply had too much on the night.
He will, however, take confidence from the middle rounds in which he was landing significantly with the uppercut – so much so that many analysts believed that the result was a foregone conclusion by then. It’s a testament to Usyk’s fitness and dedication that he snatched back momentum.
Whatever happens, most fans won’t grudge the rematch given the thrills the first instalment provided. The result should then open up the heavyweight division, with contenders waiting for their title shots and a potential retirement or two not out of the question.
