Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk 2: Undercard suddenly changes as fight nears

The highly anticipated rematch between heavyweight titans Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is just days away, but a last-minute change to the undercard has created a ripple of concern among boxing fans. The fight, scheduled for December 21, promises to be a thrilling event as the two fighters prepare to clash again, but a significant alteration to the co-main event may impact the overall spectacle.

Fury vs Usyk 2: The Main Event

Tyson Fury, the “Gypsy King,” is set to take revenge on Oleksandr Usyk after suffering his first professional loss to the Ukrainian in May. In a close and competitive fight, Usyk won by split decision, claiming the title of undisputed heavyweight champion for the first time since Lennox Lewis in 1999. The rematch, coming just a few months after their first encounter, is set to be a historic battle.

Fury has made it clear that he feels confident heading into the rematch, stating that he won’t need to make drastic changes to his strategy. In the first fight, Fury controlled the middle rounds but was ultimately undone by complacency and overconfidence. He acknowledged Usyk’s fair win and expressed his determination to come back stronger and more focused. “Nothing drastic has to change. A bit more of the same, a bit more focused, and I will be victorious,” Fury said.

Understudy Drama: A Change to the Undercard

While the main event remains unchanged, the undercard has taken a hit. The co-main event was initially set to feature a highly anticipated fight between Uzbekistan’s Israil Madrimov and Ukraine’s Serhii Bohachuk. However, Madrimov has had to withdraw from the bout due to a severe case of pneumonia.

Turki Alalshikh, a key figure in the event’s organization, confirmed the news on X, stating that Madrimov’s doctors advised him to pull out in order to recover fully. With less than two weeks until the fight, British boxer Ishmael Davis has stepped in as Madrimov’s replacement to face Bohachuk.

This change will be a disappointment to many, as Madrimov (10-1-1) was looking to bounce back after his loss to Terence Crawford earlier this year, while Bohachuk (29-2) had his own motivations for redemption after suffering defeat to Vergil Ortiz Jr. in 2024. Despite the substitution, both fighters are expected to bring an exciting level of competition to the ring, albeit with a shift in expectations.

Rising Stars: Other Key Fights on the Card

In addition to the Fury vs. Usyk clash, the event will also feature rising stars in the heavyweight division. Moses Itauma is set to return to the ring for what could be the most challenging fight of his career. Itauma will face Demsey McKean, an Australian fighter with an impressive record who has only been defeated by Filip Hrgovic. This will be a pivotal test for Itauma’s growing reputation in the boxing world.

Also featured on the undercard is Johnny Fisher, the undefeated heavyweight sensation, who will take on Dave Allen. Fisher’s rise has been meteoric, and this fight will be a critical step in his journey toward bigger challenges. Additionally, Dennis McCann will defend his European super bantamweight title against Peter McGrail in another exciting undercard matchup.

An Exciting Night Awaits

Despite the setback in the co-main event, the December 21 showdown between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk remains a must-watch for boxing fans. With Fury’s quest for redemption and Usyk’s determination to retain his title, the main event promises to deliver an intense and thrilling fight. Meanwhile, the undercard still holds promise, with rising talents and the revised co-main event offering plenty of intrigue. The stage is set for what could be one of the most electrifying nights in boxing this year.