Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk: Breaking down the pivotal moments from Ring of Fire

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The countdown is on to one of the biggest heavyweight boxing matches in recent memory, as Britain’s Tyson Fury looks to avenge his sole career defeat against Oleksandr Usyk at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia on December 21.

The Fury vs Usyk odds are firmly in the Ukrainian’s favour after his split-decision victory over the Gypsy King in Riyadh back in May, claiming Fury’s belts to become the undisputed heavyweight champion and complete his monumental rise to the top of the Blue Riband division.

Fury and his team will need an excellent game plan to overturn the result from earlier this year, as Usyk seemed relatively comfortable against the Gypsy King in their first bout and will be confident going into this matchup.

That said, as both boxers apply the finishing touches to their intense training camps and preparations, let’s take a look back at some of the key moments from the first fight in May—which was officially billed as Ring of Fire.

Rounds 1-3: Usyk gets off on the front foot, but Fury grows into the fight

Asserting dominance in the opening rounds was key for both fighters, but it was who Usyk secured the upper hand.

The Ukrainian landed a number of crucial blows, including a left hook and several southpaw jabs before seeing out the first three minutes with a big left to Fury’s chin.

Usyk began the second round with a powerful combination, but Fury started to land some punches of his own and taunted his opponent a couple of times as he took rounds two and three.

Rounds 3-6: Fury finds his rhythm

Fury gained confidence from his flurry in the second and third rounds and fought on his toes in the middle rounds.

Using his jab wisely to keep Usyk at bay, Fury landed a huge uppercut in the fourth, followed by a strong body shot that forced the Ukrainian to retreat.

The Gypsy King continued on the front foot in the fifth round, but the first big moment of the fight came in the sixth when another uppercut from Fury caused visible damage to Usyk and temporarily put him into defence mode.

Rounds 7-9: Usyk fights back

The seventh round started with Fury landing another uppercut, but Usyk started to recover some momentum after a topsy-turvy few rounds—breaking Fury’s guard with a strong right and seeing out the seventh with a combination.

The eighth was when momentum truly switched in ‘The Cat’s’ favour. A three-punch combo was followed with an overhand left that resulted in Fury stumbling back onto the ropes.

Usyk then sent shockwaves through the Gypsy King with a deadly right hand in the round, causing swelling under Fury’s eye.

Now back in the swing of things, Usyk had everyone in the Kingdom Arena on their feet when a crushing left had Fury against the ropes again.

Another left opened up a potential for the Ukrainian to end the fight in devastating fashion, and he tried to take his chance with several big combinations—ultimately scoring a knockdown before the bell.

Championship rounds: Usyk sees out the victory

With Fury coming out still somewhat dazed at the start of the championship rounds, many boxers might have smelt blood and tried to go for the stoppage.

However, as we know from Usyk’s first fight with Anthony Joshua, he remains calm and composed when gaps appear to open.

The Ukrainian landed punches with relative ease in the final three rounds, fighting on the front foot and pushing Fury back.

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The boxing odds have Usyk priced at 8/15 to win the rematch, with Fury 6/4. The draw is 14/1.