On December 21st, WBO, WBA and IBF heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk will once again clash with lineal champion Tyson Fury in a massively anticipated rematch. Their first encounter in May was a closely contested affair, with the fleet-footed Ukrainian maestro edging it on the scorecards. But both men made tactical mistakes they must correct to prevail in the sequel. In a fight of this magnitude, it’s the finest of details and adjustments that will make all the difference.
Fury’s Keys to Victory
For Fury, excessive use of the long guard to control distance left him vulnerable to Usyk slipping inside and attacking the body. The Gypsy King’s low hand position and tendency to back straight up also played into the challenger’s hands. To reverse the outcome, Fury must:
- Use more lateral movement, especially to the left
- Increase combination punching when Usyk closes distance
- Utilize more bodywork to sap Usyk’s stamina
Fury’s feinting, probing jab and uppercuts when Usyk lunged in did find success in the first fight. Coupling that with these adjustments could swing the tactical battle in his favor.
Usyk’s Path to a Repeat
Usyk’s masterful footwork, rapid pace, and relentless pressure troubled Fury for much of their initial encounter. His ability to take dominant lead foot position and slip the long guard was key. However, he was occasionally caught lunging in with a high guard, leaving the body exposed.
I expect Fury to stop attacking from the same angle this time and vary his attack points throughout the night.
– Timothy Bradley Jr., ESPN boxing analyst
To foil Fury’s tactical tweaks, Usyk should focus on:
- Avoiding lunging and over-reaching
- Increasing combination volume and variety
- Cutting off the ring and negating Fury’s movement
If Usyk can make these subtle adjustments while maintaining his blistering pace, his supreme technical skills could again carry him to victory.
The Deciding Factors
Ultimately, several key factors could determine the outcome of this fascinating chess match:
- Punch resistance – Can Usyk handle Fury’s power if he plants his feet more? Will Fury’s chin hold up to Usyk’s blistering combinations?
- Bodywork – Usyk’s one clear weakness is to the body. Can Fury exploit it consistently without leaving himself open upstairs?
- Stamina – At age 36, will Fury’s gas tank hold up if Usyk pushes an even more frenetic pace for 12 rounds?
In the end, the fighter who can make the smartest adjustments and impose his tactical will should have their hand raised. With Usyk’s edge in speed and skill, and his uncanny ability to adapt, I favor the champion to score a late stoppage. But with heavyweight boxing, one can never be sure.
One thing is certain – with the tactical brilliance of these two modern day gladiators, the rematch will be a pugilistic masterclass for the ages. Combat sports aficionados will be dissecting this one for years to come.
