Tyson Fury Carries Substantial Weight Difference in Scale Against Oleksandr Usyk
Tyson Fury thinks he'll perform better if he's heavier.
On the eve of his rematch against WBA, WBO, and WBC heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, Fury tipped the scales at an impressive 281 pounds.
Usyk, on the other hand, weighed in at a more modest 226 pounds, meaning Fury holds a significant 55-pound advantage, or disadvantage, over his opponent.
This hefty weight increase is a stark contrast from Fury's previous fight with Usyk, where he weighed 262 pounds, giving him a substantial 39-pound edge.
The 281 pounds is the heaviest Fury has ever been in his 36-fight career.
"I'm still lean," Fury told ESPN. "Apart from the big beard, I'm doing well. I'm in good shape and I'm as fit as a fiddle. I'm ready for Saturday night."
What can we interpret from Fury's strategy for the rematch?
Although the specifics aren't clear, it seems that Fury is planning to assert his physical dominance over Usyk and potentially score a knockout. This theory aligns with his fight week comments centered on inflicting damage and removing the decision from the judges' hands.
As for Usyk, he appears to be in a similar shape as he was for their initial encounter. Usyk weighed 223 pounds for the first fight and demonstrated both freshness and effectiveness in the latter stages of the bout.
Will Usyk be able to repeat his late-fight performance in the rematch?
The odds are in Usyk's favor, at least if the fight lasts the distance. Traditionally, Usyk has shown tremendous stamina, outworking his opponents and proving to be a challenge to keep up with. With Fury's colossal weight, it remains to be seen if he can maintain this pace.
The weight narrative, in combination with the launch of Ring Magazine and the presence of rising heavyweights Moses Itauma and Johnny Fisher, makes Saturday's event in Riyadh a significant one for boxing, particularly the heavyweight division.
Don't forget to tune in for coverage, as well as the results of Itauma and Fisher's bouts and the reactions from the boxing community on Usyk versus Fury.
Here's the complete fight card:
- Oleksandr Usyk (c) vs. Tyson Fury
- Moses Itauma vs. Demsey McKean
- Johnny Fisher vs. Dave Allen
- Dennis McCann vs. Peter McGrail
- Isaac Lowe vs. Lee McGregor
Tyson Fury's significant weight gain at the Tyson Fury weigh-ins, reaching 281 pounds, indicates his intent to use his size advantage in the rematch against Oleksandr Usyk.
At the oleksandr usyk weigh-ins, the defending champion weighed in at 226 pounds, maintaining a lean and aggressive fighting style that served him well in the initial encounter with Fury.
