A look at Tyson Fury’s notable wins ahead of Oleksandr Usyk showdown
Boxing fans remain in a state of shock following the announcement that Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk has been postponed until May.
WBC champion Fury suffered a nasty-looking cut in a recent sparring session, which required stitches and a prolonged period of rest. The heavyweight champions will now meet in a unification bout at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, May 18.
Attention now turns to the new date when our wait for one heavyweight champion ends. But how will the delay impact the fight? Not too much, according to traders working at the leading gambling apps.
The best bookies allowing customers to bet on boxing online still have the Englishman as their favourite in the fight-winner market. Fury is deemed the most likely winner and unified champion, and he’s the pundits’ pick, too. According to the odds, the probable outcome is a points win for Fury, but do you agree?
News of Fury’s injury has led some boxing fans to wager on Usyk upsetting the script. Could the unbeaten Ukrainian, who unified the cruiserweight division and now has his sights set on doing the same at heavyweight, rip up the script? Fans know heavyweight boxing is unpredictable and can change with a single punch, especially in the top division. One shot landed on the scar left by Fury’s cut could swing the clash in Oleksandr’s favour.
Ways to bet on Fury vs Usyk
Recent developments add an extra edge of excitement to the occasion, and, as the old saying goes, good things come to those who wait. The new date is a relief for boxing purists who feared we’d never see Fury and Usyk share a ring. Of course, we’ve come close in the past, with previous attempts faltering during contract negotiations. But until the latest injury news, there appeared to be light at the end of the tunnel.
How do you see the fight going in May? Perhaps you expect the circus to continue with yet another delay, injury, or excuse. Nothing is certain in boxing, especially at an elite level, and there are several hurdles to overcome for a fight of this magnitude to see the light of day. If Fury is to bounce back, silence his critics, and unify the division, how will he achieve it and etch his name into the history books? The Englishman won four of his last five by stoppage, with the spare being a split decision points win over Francis Ngannou last time.
Another stoppage win seems more likely than the points verdict, as Tyson is naturally bigger, heavier, and stronger than his opponent. He halted Deontay Wilder without fuss when relieving the Bronze Bomber of the WBC title in 2020. Fury is known as a talented boxer with good footwork, fast hands, and great defence. But he will arrive in Saudi Arabia for fight night, boasting a fearsome 70% KO average. His record stands at 34 wins and one draw, with 24 knockout victories.
While we wait for Fury vs. Usyk, let’s run down the clock by reflecting on some of the Gypsy King’s best wins. These are the fights in which he showed the world he has the raw power to back up his skills.
Steve Cunningham (2013)
In April 2013, Tyson Fury made his debut on American soil, facing former cruiserweight champion Steve Cunningham at Madison Square Garden. Cunningham, known for his speed and agility, posed a unique challenge for the towering Fury. The fight took an unexpected turn in the second round when Cunningham landed a right hand that dropped Fury to the canvas.
However, true to his resilient nature, Fury rallied back with a vengeance. In the seventh round, Fury unleashed a devastating right hand, catching Cunningham flush on the chin and sending him sprawling to the canvas. The knockout was a pivotal moment in Fury’s career, showcasing his ability to overcome adversity and finish a fight with concussive power.
Dereck Chisora (2014)
The rematch between Tyson Fury and Dereck Chisora on November 29, 2014, was a stark contrast to their first encounter. Fury had already won the initial bout via unanimous decision, but in the rematch, he elevated his performance to a new level. Displaying superior boxing skills and a relentless offensive onslaught, Fury systematically broke down Chisora.
The culmination came in the 10th round when Fury, sensing an opportunity to close the show, unleashed a barrage of punches that left Chisora defenseless. The referee had no choice but to intervene, declaring Fury the winner by technical knockout. The victory not only solidified Fury’s dominance over Chisora but also marked a pivotal moment in his ascent towards the heavyweight summit.
Wladimir Klitschko (2015)
Tyson Fury’s showdown with the long-reigning heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko on November 28, 2015, is arguably the defining moment of his career. In a masterclass of strategic boxing, Fury outmaneuvered and outclassed Klitschko, ending the Ukrainian’s nine-year reign as the undisputed heavyweight champion.
While the fight did not end with a traditional knockout, Fury’s performance was so commanding that it deserves inclusion. The defining moment came in the 11th round when Fury landed a clean right hand, sending Klitschko to the canvas. The moment symbolized the passing of the torch in the heavyweight division and established Fury as the new standard-bearer.
Deontay Wilder (2020)
Tyson Fury’s rematch with Deontay Wilder on February 22, 2020, was highly anticipated, and the fight delivered spectacularly. After their first encounter ended in a controversial draw, Fury entered the ring with a point to prove. From the opening bell, Fury showcased a newfound aggression and dominated the powerful Wilder.
The climax came in the seventh round when Fury, displaying a blend of power and precision, dropped Wilder with a thunderous right hand to the temple. The Alabama native struggled to beat the count, and the referee waved off the contest, declaring Fury the winner by technical knockout. The victory not only avenged the draw from their first meeting but solidified Fury’s standing as the WBC heavyweight champion.
