Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk II-A Highly Anticipated Rematch That Could Earn £150 Million in Prize Money

The upcoming Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk II is set to be one of the most lucrative boxing matches of all time, with prize money projected to reach a staggering £150 million. This rematch, which will take place on December 21, 2024, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is expected to eclipse the earnings of their first encounter earlier this year.

The first fight between these two boxing giants, which took place in May, saw Oleksandr Usyk defeat Tyson Fury by unanimous decision after 12 grueling rounds. Despite the victory, the financial rewards were not equal. Fury, being the more well-known and marketable boxer, earned a hefty £85 million, while Usyk only pocketed £30 million. The significant difference in earnings was due to the terms in their contract, where Fury’s name recognition and drawing power in the sport earned him a larger share of the prize money.

A Shift in Fortune for Usyk

However, the tables have turned since that first match. Usyk has solidified his position as the top heavyweight boxer, having recently been recognized as the undisputed champion in the division. Even though Usyk lost the IBF heavyweight title to Daniel Dubois, his reputation and status as the reigning heavyweight champion have significantly increased. Now, despite Fury being without any titles, Usyk has become the higher-ranked fighter, and as a result, the prize money distribution for the rematch has shifted.

This time around, experts predict that the total prize purse for Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk II will be an eye-watering £150 million, with Usyk likely to receive a larger portion. Many believe that Usyk, with his superior form and skill, will be the favorite to win, and his financial rewards will reflect that. The stakes are high, and the fight has the potential to be one of the most significant in the history of heavyweight boxing.

Predictions and Analysis: Who Will Prevail?

As the fight draws near, many boxing experts and legends have weighed in on who they believe will win the highly anticipated rematch. One of the most notable voices comes from Wayner Alexander, a former UK middleweight champion. He believes that Usyk will emerge victorious in a more convincing manner this time around, noting that Fury’s defensive skills and stamina are no longer what they once were.

Alexander stated, “I believe this fight will end with a more convincing win for Usyk, as I think Fury is nearing the end of his career. Fury’s ability to take hits and his defense are not what they used to be. The damage he sustained during his battles with Deontay Wilder has taken a toll on his body.” He even went as far as suggesting that Fury could lose by knockout or fail to survive the full 12 rounds, marking the first time in his career he would be defeated in such a fashion.

Mike Tyson’s Perspective on the Rematch

Another influential figure in the world of boxing, the legendary Mike Tyson, shared his thoughts on the match. Tyson, a former heavyweight champion, acknowledged Usyk as the best heavyweight in the world at the moment. However, Tyson made it clear that his loyalty still lies with Fury, due to a personal connection.

“Usyk is the best heavyweight boxer in the world right now,” Tyson admitted. “But I’m going with Fury to win because I’m a fan of him. His father named him after me, and I won’t abandon him now.”

Despite Tyson’s belief in Fury’s potential to win, many others remain skeptical of his ability to perform at the level required to defeat Usyk. Fury’s lack of titles, combined with his recent struggles, have led some to believe that his prime may be behind him. Usyk, on the other hand, is seen as a more refined and dominant force in the division.

What’s at stake in this epic rematch?

The Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk II rematch not only carries significant financial implications but is also a chance for both fighters to cement their legacies in the heavyweight division. For Fury, a win could restore his reputation and reaffirm his position as one of the all-time greats. For Usyk, victory would further solidify his claim as the best heavyweight of his era and potentially earn him the recognition he deserves as the sport’s dominant champion.

As the fight approaches, fans around the world eagerly anticipate what could be a thrilling and historic contest. With £150 million on the line and so much at stake, the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk II fight promises to be one for the ages.