The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Fury vs Usyk 2 LIVE: Latest updates and results from heavyweight title rematch
The biggest rematch of the year has arrived, as Tyson Fury bids to avenge his first loss – against unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk
Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk is today, as the Briton aims to claim the unified heavyweight titles – seven months after suffering his first professional loss, against the Ukrainian.
In May, Usyk won a split decision against Fury to become the division’s first undisputed champion in 24 years. Now, the pair return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Usyk defends the gold against the “Gypsy King” – minus the IBF belt, which he vacated in spring.
Fury fought impressively in May, leading the fight after the midway stage, but a phenomenal rally from Usyk secured victory, keeping the former cruiserweight king unbeaten. Usyk, 37, even came close to stopping Fury, 36, in round nine, and will take great confidence from that in the rematch.
The pre-fight press conference brought a ridiculous, 12-minute face-off between Fury and Usyk, who both refused to back down. There was a much shorter face-off at Friday’s weigh-in, after both boxers tipped the scales at career-heaviest weights, and there is now a dispute over Fury’s beard after Usky’s camp flagged it as a potential concern.
Follow all the build-up to Usyk vs Fury 2, with ring walks expected at 10.15pm GMT tonight, below. You can watch the fight live on DAZN this weekend. (We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.)
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and weigh-in LIVE
The heavyweight rematch between Fury and Usyk will feature scoring from a fourth ‘judge’ powered by artificial intelligence.
Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, announced the implementation of the AI judge in a post on X, adding that it is an “experiment” which “won’t impact the official results”.
“For the first time ever, an AI-powered judge will monitor the fight”, said the post. “Free from bias and human error brought to you by The Ring. This groundbreaking experiment, which won’t impact the official results, debuts during the biggest fight of the century.”
The announcement is sure to split opinion in a sport that has long been affected by controversial judges’ decisions, with some fans on social media welcoming the decision.
More here:
Fury v Usyk to include ‘AI-powered’ fourth judge
The announcement was made by Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and weigh-in LIVE
Yesterday’s press conference followed Wednesday’s open workouts.
They, too, were intriguing, as Fury laced up his gloves but refused to throw a single punch... before Usyk shadow boxed and danced around the ring.
There was some major news, though: Fury’s head coach, Sugarhill Steward, claimed that the boxer’s father, John, has been axed from their corner team...
More here:
Tyson Fury carries out baffling open workout as Oleksandr Usyk dances in ring
Despite donning his gloves, Fury threw zero punches on Wednesday, ahead of his rematch with Usyk
Fury vs Usyk 2 build-up and weigh-in LIVE
Welcome back to our Usyk vs Fury 2 fight-week blog! It feels slightly surreal to say, but fight night is tomorrow...
A huge rematch in Saudi Arabia, as Fury tries to avenge his sole professional loss and take the unified heavyweight belts from Usyk.
At 5pm GMT today, we’ll have the weigh-in, but first, let’s take a look at what happened at yesterday’s press conference.
Little was said before Fury and Usyk faced off for TWELVE, WHOLE, MINUTES.
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk engage in tense 12-minute staredown at press conference
Both champion and challenger were tight-lipped at the event, before sharing a remarkably long face-off
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments