Tyson Fury shocked onlookers by tipping the scales at a career-high 281 pounds, dwarfing his opponent Oleksandr Usyk’s 226-pound frame. The weigh-in, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, set the stage for what promises to be an epic clash of styles and physiques in the ring.
Tyson Fury has MASSIVE weight advantage over Oleksandr Usyk ahead of their rematch in Riyadh ⚖️ 🥊 https://t.co/vs4YLpsWmu pic.twitter.com/KZnfFzMrNX
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) December 20, 2024
Fury, known as the “Gypsy King,” stepped onto the scales fully clothed, sporting a leather jacket that added to his already imposing figure. This unorthodox approach to the weigh-in left many speculating about his true fighting weight, with estimates suggesting he could be around 270 pounds come fight night. The British heavyweight’s weight represents a significant increase from their first encounter in May, where he weighed in at 262 pounds.
In stark contrast, the unified champion Usyk maintained a relatively consistent weight, coming in at 226 pounds. This marks a slight increase from his previous weight of 223.5 pounds in their first bout, suggesting a strategic decision to add some mass without compromising his renowned agility and speed.
The 55-pound weight difference between the two fighters has become the talk of the boxing world, with experts and fans alike debating its potential impact on the fight’s outcome. Fury’s team seems to be banking on the added bulk to overwhelm Usyk, potentially signaling a change in tactics from their previous encounter.
However, skeptics argue that Fury’s increased weight could be a double-edged sword. In their first fight, Usyk’s footwork and pressure proved effective in backing up the larger man, and some fear that a heavier Fury might gas out more quickly against the Ukrainian’s relentless pace. The weigh-in itself was a spectacle, with Fury’s demeanor noticeably different from earlier in the week. He appeared more relaxed, even exchanging handshakes with Usyk’s entourage. However, the face-off was brief, lasting only seven seconds – a stark contrast to the 11-minute staredown at the previous day’s press conference.
Usyk, for his part, remained characteristically stoic. When asked about his thoughts on the challenge ahead, the Ukrainian champion simply replied, “Nothing,” maintaining his laser focus on the task at hand. The weight disparity has added another layer of intrigue to an already compelling matchup. Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, downplayed the significance of the weigh-in results, stating, “You can analyze it however you wish, but tomorrow night will reveal who is truly the best. Both fighters are ready to engage in an extraordinary battle.”
Adding to the pre-fight drama, reports have emerged of a dispute between the teams regarding Fury’s beard length, with Usyk’s camp contesting the approval given during the rules meeting5. Such controversies are par for the course in high-stakes bouts, but they serve to heighten the tension as fight night approaches.
With both men at career-high weights, Saturday’s clash promises to be a defining moment in heavyweight boxing history. Fury seeks redemption and a return to the throne of the division, while Usyk aims to cement his legacy as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of his generation.
As the hours tick down to this monumental rematch, fans around the globe are bracing for a collision of titans that could reshape the landscape of heavyweight boxing. Will it be Fury’s size and power or Usyk’s skill and heart that prevails? The answer lies in the ring, where these two warriors will settle their differences once and for all, with the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world hanging in the balance.