The stage is set for one of the most monumental boxing fights in recent memory, as the upcoming ‘Ring of Fire’ brings together the formidable Tyson Fury and the skilful Oleksandr Usyk in a battle for the undisputed heavyweight championship.
The countdown is on, the Fury vs Usyk odds are out, and anticipation is building. So, here’s a list of everything you need to know as we approach one of the biggest fights of the year and a blockbuster bout that could shape the Blue Riband division.
When and Where Is The Fight Taking Place?
The championship bout was due to take place on Saturday, February 17, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — which has become a global hub for large-scale boxing events in recent years.
However, Fury suffered a freak injury in sparring just weeks before the original date, and Ring of Fire was rescheduled for May 18 as a result.
At the time of writing, no start time or ring walks have been announced for the main event — be sure to keep an eye out for those so you don’t miss a minute!
The Fighters
Fury, known as ‘The Gypsy King,’ has a remarkable 34-0-1 record. He has displayed an impressive mix of skill, agility, and resilience throughout his lucrative career.
His wins over the likes of Deontay Wilder and the legendary Wladimir Klitschko prove that he has what it takes to beat Usyk.
Ukrainian Usyk is a former undisputed cruiserweight champion who has seamlessly transitioned to the heavyweight division despite doubts surrounding his size and stature from fans and pundits alike.
With victories over Britain’s Derek Chisora, Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua, Usyk’s technical prowess and adaptability have made him a formidable force in the Blue Riband weight class.
The Stakes
The significance of the Ring of Fire match cannot be overstated.
The winner of this historic bout will be crowned the undisputed champion of the heavyweight division, holding the WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO, The Ring, and WBC titles.
Both Fury and Usyk enter the ring with the weight of legacy on their shoulders, aiming to etch their names in the annals of boxing history.
The Odds
That leads us nicely onto the boxing odds.
Fury is the heavy favourite to win all the belts at 8/11, while Usyk is 11/10 to add the WBC title to the rest of his belts and become the undisputed champion.
The fight looks set to go the distance, with the Gypsy King priced at 7/4 to win by decision while Usyk is 2/1 to win on the judge’s scorecards.
A win by KO/TKO for Fury is 3/1, with his Ukrainian counterpart backed at 9/2 to win via stoppage.
The Tale of The Tape
As the fighters prepare to step into the Ring of Fire, the tale of the tape becomes a crucial aspect of the pre-fight analysis.
Height, reach, fighting styles, and recent performances will be dissected by pundits and fans alike, contributing to the speculation surrounding the outcome of this epic showdown.
Fury v Usyk
Age: 35-36
Fights: 35-21
Wins: 34-21
Losses: 0-0
Draws: 1-0
KOs: 24-14
Height: 6ft 9in-6ft 3in
Reach: 85in-78in
Stance: Orthodox-Southpaw
The Undercard
Joe Cordina vs Anthony Cacace – IBF and IBO super-featherweight titles
Jai Opetaia vs Mairis Briedis – vacant IBF Cruiserweight title
Moses Itauma vs Ilja Mezencev
Sergey Kovalev vs Robin Sirwan Safar
Bakhodir Jalolov vs TBC
Isaac Lowe vs Hasibullah Ahmadi
David Nyika vs TBC
Fury and Usyk are poised to deliver a spectacle that will be remembered for generations. The undisputed heavyweight championship hangs in the balance, and in May, the ‘Ring of Fire’ will not only illuminate the Kingdom Arena but will also etch a new chapter in the storied history of heavyweight boxing. Get ready for a night that promises to be nothing short of legendary.
