Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk: What time, what channel, what’s at stake and all you need to know
Tyson Fury and his entourage during a media day in Riyadh. Photo credit: Nick Potts/PA Wire.
There’s a huge night for boxing this weekend as the long-awaited fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk finally takes place. Here’s the lowdown on the bout.
Where and when?
The fight takes place on Saturday at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The ringwalks for the main event are scheduled for around 11.00pm but that is subject to change depending on the undercard.
What’s at stake?
All four main heavyweight belts are on the line with Fury holding the WBC belt and Usyk the WBA, IBF and WBO champion. The winner will become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era.
What channel is the fight on?
The fight will be available via DAZN and Sky Sports Box Office in Ireland. It can be streamed through the DAZN app and Sky Go.
It will cost €27.95 on Sky and €24.99 for new DAZN customers including a free month’s subscription to the streaming service. It’s €23.99 for existing DAZN customers.
Tale of the tape
Tyson Fury
Nationality: British
Born: August 12, 1988
Height: 6-9
Reach: 85 inches
Total fights: 35
Record: 34-0-1 with 24 wins via knockout
Oleksandr Usyk
Nationality: Ukrainian
Born: January 17, 1987
Height: 6-3
Reach: 78 inches
Total fights: 21
Record: 21-0 with 14 wins via knockout
What's on the undercard?
Joe Cordina vs Anthony Cacace (for IBF and IBO super-featherweight titles)
Jai Opetaia vs Mairis Briedis (for vacant IBF cruiserweight title)
Mark Chamberlain vs Joshua Oluwaseun Wahab
Sergey Kovalev vs Robin Sirwan Safar
Isaac Lowe vs Hasibullah Ahmadi
David Nyika vs Michael Seitz
Moses Itauma vs Ilja Mezencev
Agit Kabayel vs Frank Sanchez
What can I read about it on Independent.ie?
Tyson Fury’s father John was involved in an altercation with the Usyk camp and we have details below along with Alex Pattle’s fight preview.
Read more
What are the fighters saying?
Tyson Fury:
"I believe every time you go in a ring you leave with less than you had when you went in there first time. It takes a little bit more out of you, a little bit, a little bit more and a little bit more. But it's a good job I live for today and don't think about the future.
"I was probably better [before]. I was younger, in my early 20s, now I'm in my mid-30s. I was a better fighter 12 years ago, I had the fountain of youth, now I have the wisdom instead," he reflected.
"My youth has evaded me and my experience has to take over, I'm no spring chicken.
"If you look at the greats, when they were 35 they were said to be finished and over the hill. I've got to put youth to one side and use my experience and mentality."
Oleksandr Usyk:
"It's a big thing to become because undisputed champion means you're number one in the division, all that stuff that comes with it, to have all the belts at once. Before, last time, there were only three belts.
"There's a lot more to fight for now. It's the first time in history that there's been more belts than Lewis and Holyfield fought for back in the day. I'm really excited and looking forward to the task."
What are the odds?
Fury is slight favourite at 11/10, with Usyk Evens and the draw 14/1.
