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By: Salaheddine Lalouani
On December 21, 2024, the boxing world eagerly awaits one of the most titanic fights in heavyweight history: Tyson Fury against Oleksandr Usyk. This revenge, after a first clash in May 2024 where Usyk won a split decision, is not reduced to a simple duel of boxers, but embodies two opposing trajectories, contrasting styles, and above all a fight for heavyweight supremacy. A look back at the fascinating journeys of these two giants, who marked the history of boxing before battling it out again.
Tyson Fury: Rise, fall and redemption
Tyson Fury’s journey is anything but linear. After creating a sensation in 2015 by defeating Vladimir Klitschko, an undefeated champion who had dominated the heavyweight division for almost a decade, Fury became the heavyweight king. This triumph, achieved through fluid footwork and exceptional tactical intelligence, marked the beginning of his legend. But the glory will be short-lived. After his victory against Klitschko, Fury retired from the ring due to personal problems, including depression and alcohol addiction. A descent into hell which could have destroyed his career. But Tyson Fury is no ordinary boxer.
After three years of absence, the giant made his comeback in 2018, ready to take back what was rightfully his. His trilogy against Deontay Wilder, which began that same year, is one of the most notable moments in modern boxing history. After a controversial first match, where he miraculously recovered from a knockout, Fury ended up dominating Wilder in a breathtaking second fight, and closed it with a masterful knockout in the third, proving that he was not just a champion of passage, but a true master of the category. In every fight, Fury has shown that he can rise from any difficulty, adjusting and improving with each challenge. His comeback is a real lesson in resilience and strategy.
Usyk: The master of cruiserweights, the challenge of heavyweights
On the other hand, Oleksandr Usyk has traced a parallel, but equally remarkable, path. Originally from Ukraine, Usyk first established himself in the cruiserweight category, where he became undisputed champion, conquering all the major belts. His journey has been marked by impressive victories and unfailing domination in a category where size and power are often decisive assets. But it was when he moved up to heavyweight that Usyk really made his mark. In 2021, he defeated Anthony Joshua, a much bigger and more powerful boxer, to become heavyweight champion. Usyk won this victory thanks to his impeccable technical style, his fluid movements and his ability to dodge attacks while imposing his own rhythm. He is a pure technician, a master of distance and exchange management. His footwork, speed and ability to read fights make him one of the most difficult boxers to face. Usyk, by beating Joshua, proved that he can compete with the greatest, even if he does not have the stature of his opponents.
First Fight: Usyk surprises Fury
The first fight between Fury and Usyk takes place in May 2024, in a context already tense after months of negotiations. Expectations were immense: Fury, with his immense size and reputation, was seen as the big favorite, while Usyk, despite his victory against Joshua, remained seen as the underestimated challenger. But from the start, Usyk demonstrates his technical mastery and his ability to control the pace of the fight. By constantly moving, dodging Fury’s attacks and striking with precision, he manages to destabilize the British giant. Fury, who usually imposes his game thanks to his size and power, seems overwhelmed by Usyk’s speed and tactical intelligence. Even if Fury manages to stand up to his opponent, it is Usyk who takes the decisive rounds. The judges’ split decision marks a controversial, but undisputed victory for Usyk. This fight revealed one thing: despite his power, Fury cannot rely on his size to win against a technician as skilled as Usyk. The Ukrainian boxer’s intelligence and ability to manipulate space were the keys to his victory, and it exposed the weaknesses in Fury’s game.
The Style of the Two Boxers: Contrasts Guaranteed
One of the most fascinating aspects of this fight is the clash of styles. Fury, with his imposing build of over 2 meters, is an agile boxer for his size. He uses his arm length to control distance and surprise his opponents with his feints and power. Fury likes to control the pace of the fight with constant pressure, but he can also defend with a technicality that sets him apart from other giants. He has smooth footwork and, although he is more known for his knockouts, he knows how to adjust tactically. On the other hand, Usyk is a pure technician. His speed and footwork make him a formidable opponent. He avoids direct exchanges by constantly moving around, striking where his opponent is vulnerable. Compared to Muhammad Ali, he has this rare ability to destabilize his opponents through unpredictable movements and perfect ring management. His main asset remains his ability to manage combat rhythms and control distance.
The Revenge of December 21: Who will win?
The December 21 fight will be an opportunity to see if Fury has learned lessons from his first defeat against Usyk. The British giant will have to find a way to break down Usyk’s technical armor, while avoiding getting drawn into an exchange where he would be at a disadvantage. Fury will have to impose his size, his power and his cunning, but he will also have to remain vigilant against the tactical intelligence of Usyk. For his part, Usyk will have to maintain the same strategy that allowed him to take the advantage: stay mobile, strike at the right times and avoid the exchange of blows. If he can do what he does best – manipulate space and direct combat – he could well defend his status as undisputed champion.
A historical conclusion
This fight will not be just another rematch in heavyweight history. This will be the final act in a saga that saw the rise of two giants, each with their own legend and boxing philosophy. On December 21, the ring will become the arena where these two boxers will face off to determine once and for all who will reign over the heavyweights. A battle of styles, mentalities and resilience, with much more than belts at stake: a place in sporting history.
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