Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will be clashing head-to-head on Saturday, May 18th, in what may be the most important bout in the past two decades as they finally tie up all the four world heavyweight titles to determine the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999. The two are set to headline at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia and start the first chapter to what may even become a legendary series of bouts―depending on whether there will be a rematch.
With the rematch clause that has reportedly been included in the bout contract or this heavyweight undisputed bout is perhaps the single most important aspect of the fight, next to the fight itself.
The rematch essentially sets a precedent for both failure and success, with the first match between Ukrainian unified heavyweight champion and The Ring lineal champion Oleksandr Usyk (1-0, 14 KO’s) and British WBC champion Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24 KO’s) primarily important due to the historic possibility of all four world heavyweight titles being unified for the first time in the history of the sport. However, it will likely not be the match to truly determine the best heavyweight of this era due to the lurking presence of a rematch; which can lead the way to a trilogy depending on who wins the second match.
The upcoming May 18th match will take place almost 25 years after Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield on November 13th in 1999 to become the heavyweight undisputed champion. That match is now regarded as the last undisputed heavyweight bout of the third-belt era, with Usyk and Fury now set to herald in the first undisputed heavyweight match-up of the four-belt era.
However, unlike the Lewis-Holyfield bout, the rematch that is set to occur may pave the way for a legendary trilogy; which can set off a new historical record in the process.
But all of it depends on who will on Saturday, with neither Oleksandr Usyk or Tyson Fury regarded as a certain winner―making their fight as competitive as it is important with their bout being regarded as a fair 50-50 fight.
This equilibrium is embodied by the fact both fighters are regarded as highly skilled in a multitude of departments, and further have unique styles that make it impossible to dictate which fighter will come out on top. While the physical advantages would on the surface be attributed to Tyson Fury, who stands at a height of 6 ft. 9 and therefore also enjoys a reach and weight advantage, Oleksandr Usyk has shown to have the quickness, stamina and ring IQ to beat every heavyweight contender or champion despite his 6 ft. 3 height; something he has clearly demonstrated in his two past victories over Anthony Joshua (28-3, 25 KO’s).
When it comes to mental advantages, Usyk may be the one to edge out in this department, having been known throughout his entire career as a consummate professional, a calm and confident fighter, and highly intelligent in the ring―though this trait has also been associated with Fury himself. Any mind game attempts by Fury to offset Usyk have failed thus far; including the latest attempt where Fury refused to look at Usyk during yesterday’s presser face-off.
Current betting odds seem to pinpoint Tyson Fury as the slight favorite, with DraftKings picking Fury over Usyk with odds of -120 against +100. BetMGM bears similar odds, with Fury listed as a favorite with odds of -120 against Usyk’s +120. British-based gambling company William Hill appears much more positive of Usyk’s chances in comparison, giving him a -105 chance to win against Fury’s -110.
Betting odds aside, it is not merely the outcome that will be of importance, but the performance of both fighters itself which can either lower interest towards undisputed fights, or increase them substantially. There is plenty of cause for a fight between the two heavyweights to go either way, and to do so in a disappointing fashion.
Both Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury have been involved in matches that might not be considered particularly entertaining or exciting; with Usyk winning out in this department despite the feats he achieved throughout his career. Known for a more focused style that minimizes a lot of risks, Usyk will fight however he needs to to come out on top; which has not often resulted in his fights being thoroughly captivating.
Fury, on the other hand, has shown plenty glimpses of being an entertaining fighter but he has also diverted towards fighting much less entertaining; most memorably when he faced and defeated Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 to become a unified heavyweight champion; a bout that concerned many questionable tactics by Fury.
On the positive side, there are a multitude of factors that can turn this match-up into a competitive behemoth of a fight; factors such as the susceptibility of Fury’s cut which has occurred several times throughout his career and purportedly recently too―which forced this undisputed bout that had originally been set for February 17th to be moved to the current date of May 18th.
Either way, the first match between Usyk and Fury will be the most significant fight of the year, and whether it can become considered to be the most significant match of the past decade [or two], a new heavyweight undisputed champion will finally be decided and finally determine who is the best heavyweight of the modern era.
