Tyson Fury will rematch Oleksandr Usyk but a clause in the contract has been changed, it has been revealed.
On 18 May, Usyk inflicted Fury's first ever career defeat, producing an incredible display to become undisputed heavyweight world champion.
He followed up his achievements at cruiserweight by adding the WBC world title to his collection.
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An automatic rematch clause was included in the contract, with the second bout initially slated for October.
However, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh has confirmed a new date for the fight.
After a pulsating first encounter, the pair will lock horns again on December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Taking to X, Alalshikh wrote: "The rematch between the Undisputed Champion Oleksandr Usyk and the Champion Tyson Fury is now scheduled on the 21 of December 2024 during Riyadh Season...The world will watch another historical fight again...Our commitment to boxing fans continues...We hope you enjoy it.."
Former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew had predicted that neither man would be ready for an October date and his assessment has been proven correct.
Both will have to engage in intense training camps before they trade punches for the second time in the squared circle.
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Yet the delay could mean that the showdown is not for all of the belts. Usyk could be stripped of the IBF title, with the winner of the upcoming bout between Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois instilled as mandatory challenger.
Alexander Krassyuk, Usyk's promoter, has confirmed that an IBF exception will be requested.
The Ukrainian could be given some leeway as the Fury fight was delayed for a long time an then subsequently postponed after the Gypsy King suffered a cut to the eye in sparring.
“Of course, we will ask the IBF for an exception,” Krassyuk told World Boxing News.
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News of the fight announcement represents a blow for Anthony Joshua, who may well have to fight twice before he gets a world title shot again.
Topics: Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury
Josh Lawless