5 days to go before Usyk vs. Fury 2: Full fight card and standout schedule ahead of the biggest heavyweight rematch of the year

The stage is set for Usyk vs. Fury 2, the much-anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, taking place on December 21 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As the reigning WBA, WBC, and WBO heavyweight champion, Usyk will face Britain’s Fury, a former titleholder, in a battle that promises high drama and action.

With a full slate of pre-fight events lined up, fans can get an inside look at the fighters’ preparations and mental states leading up to the main event.

Pre-Fight Events: Full Schedule of Activities

The official pre-fight events begin on Tuesday, December 17, offering fans and media a comprehensive build-up to the heavyweight showdown. Here’s the full schedule (times listed in Kyiv time):

• Tuesday, December 17, 19:00: The official meeting ceremony between Usyk and Fury in Riyadh.
• Wednesday, December 18, 18:00: Open training sessions featuring both fighters, showcasing their techniques and conditioning.
• Thursday, December 19, 17:00: The final press conference, where the fighters will share their thoughts before stepping into the ring.
• Friday, December 20, 19:00: The official weigh-in ceremony, culminating in the traditional face-off between the fighters.
• Saturday, December 21, no earlier than 24:00: The main event—Usyk vs. Fury 2.

These events will not only build anticipation but also provide valuable insights into the fighters’ preparations and strategies, setting the tone for an epic clash on fight night.

A Tale of Two Unbeaten Records

Both Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury enter the rematch with stellar track records, making this bout a true clash of champions.

• Oleksandr Usyk: The Ukrainian champion is undefeated in his professional career, boasting a record of 22 wins with 14 knockouts. Usyk first rose to global prominence after defeating Anthony Joshua in September 2021 to claim the WBA, WBO, and IBF belts. In May 2024, he achieved a historic victory over Fury, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years. His technical precision, speed, and adaptability have made him one of the most feared fighters in the sport.

• Tyson Fury: Known as “The Gypsy King,” Fury was also undefeated before facing Usyk. His professional record includes 36 fights, with 34 wins (24 by knockout). Fury made history in 2015 by defeating Wladimir Klitschko, ending the reign of one of heavyweight boxing’s icons. Although he drew in his first fight against Deontay Wilder, Fury’s resilience and skill in the ring have solidified his status as one of boxing’s greats.

The stakes are high, and while the winner won’t claim the title of absolute world champion this time, the fight is an important milestone in their respective legacies.

Riyadh: Boxing’s Global Stage

The fight will take place in the Kingdom Arena, a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s rise as a global sports hub. This high-profile event underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to its Vision 2030 goals, which include diversifying its economy and promoting cultural and sporting excellence.

Hosting events like Usyk vs. Fury 2 not only boosts Saudi Arabia’s global profile but also places Riyadh at the center of the sports world. The Kingdom Arena’s state-of-the-art facilities and ability to host large-scale international events make it the perfect venue for this heavyweight spectacle.

Countdown to the Main Event

As fight night approaches, the anticipation surrounding Usyk vs. Fury 2 continues to grow. The clash between Usyk’s tactical brilliance and speed and Fury’s power, reach, and unorthodox style promises to deliver fireworks.

The pre-fight events, from open training sessions to the weigh-in ceremony, will only heighten the tension and excitement. Under the bright lights of Riyadh, this rematch will be a defining moment for both fighters.

Who will emerge victorious in Usyk vs. Fury 2? Fans won’t have to wait long to find out. One thing is certain: this bout will leave an indelible mark on the history of heavyweight boxing and continue to elevate the sport on the global stage.