Tyson Fury’s Surprising Stance: Why He’s Glad Oleksandr Usyk Won Their First Battle—and What He Plans for Their Rematch

Tyson Fury’s Surprising Stance: Why He’s Glad Oleksandr Usyk Won Their First Battle—and What He Plans for Their Rematch

 

In a twist that few saw coming, Tyson Fury, the self-styled “Gypsy King,” expressed genuine contentment over Oleksandr Usyk’s victory in their first fight. Despite experiencing the first defeat of his professional boxing career back in May, Fury insists that Usyk’s triumph was “meant to be” and that the Ukrainian’s victory came at a time ordained for him. With this in mind, Fury is now prepared to meet Usyk once again on December 21, aiming to reclaim his throne as a three-time heavyweight champion.

 

Fury’s outlook on the initial fight, held in Riyadh, caught the world’s attention. Usyk secured the win through a split-decision, marking a pivotal moment for the 36-year-old Fury, who hadn’t lost since turning pro. Yet instead of wallowing, Fury says he was “happy” that Usyk was awarded the win. Reflecting on that night, he claimed, “It wasn’t my time to win or God would have given me victory,” acknowledging the humbling nature of his loss. Now, however, Fury believes that December’s rematch will be his moment, one he intends to seize with every fiber of his being.

 

At the press conference announcing their much-anticipated rematch, Fury seemed eager to remind everyone that it’s been over four years since he last entered a fight as the underdog—his 2020 clash with Deontay Wilder. Having spent years dominating the heavyweight scene, Fury is embracing the unfamiliar role of challenger with a newfound focus, something he admits he lacked in the previous encounter. “Last time, I’ll admit, it was close, but I was a bit complacent,” Fury confessed. “I’ll be a bit more focused this time, and I believe that’s all I need to be victorious. Nothing drastic has to change; it’s just about channeling that focus and being in the right place mentally.”

 

The defeat, as Fury sees it, was a necessary lesson, one that every boxer, father, and husband could benefit from. Life, he says, is about growth, and boxing is no different. “All things that happen—positive or negative—are lessons,” Fury noted, underscoring the humbling value of each win and loss. “What we know as fighters is to go out there, knock each other out, and put on a show for the paying customer. I hope you guys will enjoy this fight as much as I will.”

 

Fury’s resolve to “put on a show” is evident, and he has repeatedly promised that his game plan for the rematch will be far from passive. This time, he’s making it clear that he’ll avoid any reliance on the judges’ scorecards. With the bitterness of a split decision fresh in his memory, he’s determined to leave no room for ambiguity. In a recent interview promoting the video game Undisputed, Fury alluded to his fighting approach for December, hinting at an all-or-nothing strategy. “I’m going to roll the dice,” Fury revealed. “It’s going to be you or me…best foot forward and swing away. I’ve never been afraid to get knocked spark out. I’ve always put it on the line every time.”

 

For Fury, a calculated risk is second nature. Looking back at his storied rivalry with Deontay Wilder, he recalled, “I needed to get Wilder out of there or he’d have gotten me out of there. That’s the type of fight it had to be—a 50/50 gunsling against the biggest puncher in history.” That philosophy, he assures his fans, will apply once more in his clash with Usyk. To him, every punch carries a mission; every round is a test. This time, however, he’s determined to “get Usyk out of there” with a definitive knockout. “I don’t think I’m going to get a decision no matter what I do,” Fury admitted. “So I’m going to have to take it out of the judges’ hands, like I did in America that time. I’ve got to get him out of there.”

 

As the date for the rematch looms closer, Fury’s fans can sense the intensity behind his words. His journey in the heavyweight division has always been one of bold proclamations and even bolder performances, and this upcoming showdown promises to be no exception. Whether he achieves victory or suffers another loss, one thing is for certain: Fury plans to leave everything in the ring. And for those who’ve followed his career, that’s exactly what they’ve come to expect from the Gypsy King.