BOXING
Oleksandr Usyk promises confirmation on Saturday
Calm and confident, the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world sees Saturday’s rematch with Tyson Fury as a confirmation of his greatness.
In the dim glow of a Riyadh evening, Oleksandr Usyk stands poised to etch his name deeper into boxing’s record books. Fresh from a split-decision victory over Tyson Fury in May - a bout that crowned him the undisputed heavyweight champion - Usyk now contemplates a return to familiar territory: the cruiserweight division.
“I win again a second fight,” Usyk muses, his voice tinged with determination. “I’ll try cruiserweight again. I’ll try.”
This ambition isn’t merely about reclaiming old glories. Usyk envisions becoming the first boxer to hold undisputed titles in two weight classes simultaneously - a feat that would solidify his legacy among the sport’s elite.
Yet, the path ahead is fraught with challenges. Fury, stung by his prior defeat, is resolute in his quest for redemption. “I want the third fight. I want the trilogy,” Fury declares, his intent clear. “When I beat him on the 21st there’ll be a third fight, 100 percent. There has to be a trilogy.”
Usyk, however, remains unperturbed. Reflecting on their initial encounter, he notes the missed opportunities that Fury failed to capitalize on. “Tyson said I had the chance,” Usyk remarks. “Yeah, no problem. We have a second fight; I’ll try.”
Beyond the immediate horizon, Usyk’s potential return to cruiserweight has stirred interest among notable contenders. Jai Opetaia, the current IBF and Ring Magazine cruiserweight champion, views a bout with Usyk as career-defining. “Fighting Usyk would be a dream,” Opetaia reflects. “He’s achieved so much, and to test myself against him would be monumental.”
Similarly, Michael Hunter, who previously faced Usyk in 2017, expresses a desire for a rematch, this time in the heavyweight division. “I want to avenge that loss,” Hunter asserts. “Under better circumstances, I believe the outcome would be different.”
As the days inch closer to the rematch, Usyk’s camp has adopted a meticulous approach to preparation. Sergey Lapin, Usyk’s team director, reveals their integration of advanced sports science techniques. “We’ve partnered with top experts to monitor and optimize his physical and cognitive functions,” Lapin explains. “Every aspect, from training routines to nutrition, has been refined.”
In the end, the narrative converges on December 21. The rematch between Usyk and Fury isn’t merely a contest of physical prowess but a battle of wills, strategies, and legacies. For Usyk, a victory could pave the way for an unprecedented return to cruiserweight dominance. For Fury, it’s a chance to reclaim lost honor and set the stage for a trilogy. The world watches, breath held, as these titans prepare to clash once more.
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