RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — The official weigh-in for the highly anticipated rematch between Tyson Fury and heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Friday. The scale revealed a notable figure as Fury tipped in at a career-high 281 pounds, marking a significant increase from his weight in their previous encounter. In contrast, Usyk weighed in at 226 pounds, showcasing a noticeable 55-pound difference between the two formidable fighters.
For British boxer Fury, this weight surpasses his previous heaviest recorded weight for a fight, which was 277.7 pounds. This weight milestone was achieved during his sensational victory over Deontay Wilder in February 2020, where Fury emerged victorious in the seventh round of their epic championship bout. In comparison, Usyk, the esteemed 2012 Olympic gold medalist hailing from Ukraine, showcased a slightly increased weight from their last bout in May, weighing in at 223.5 pounds.
Standing at an imposing height of 6-foot-9, Fury towers over his opponent Usyk, who stands at six inches shorter. The weigh-in ceremony served as a precursor to the highly anticipated rematch, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying showdown between two of the most formidable heavyweights in the boxing world.
The location of the weigh-in added to the grandeur of the event, with the Wonder Garden in Saudi Arabia providing a fitting backdrop for the intense face-off between Fury and Usyk. As the two fighters stood face-to-face for a fleeting moment, the tension and anticipation in the air were palpable, hinting at the fierce battle that awaited them in the ring.
The contrasting weights of Fury and Usyk not only underscored their physical differences but also hinted at the strategies and tactics each fighter might employ in their upcoming bout. Fury’s significant weight advantage could potentially translate into added power and strength, while Usyk’s lighter frame may allow for greater agility and speed in the ring. These contrasting styles and attributes are sure to factor into the dynamics of the rematch, adding an intriguing layer of complexity to the anticipated showdown.
As the countdown to the rematch between Fury and Usyk draws closer, fans and pundits alike are eagerly awaiting the moment when these two heavyweight titans will collide once again. With Fury’s career-high weight and Usyk’s determined demeanor, the stage is set for a battle of epic proportions that is poised to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact on the world of boxing.
For more sports news and updates, visit the AP sports section at https://apnews.com/sports.
