The highly anticipated heavyweight title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is scheduled for Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Tyson’s father, John Fury, added some early drama by headbutting a member of Usyk’s entourage and cutting his own forehead in the process. This incident shows just how intense the clash between the two undefeated champions was. It should be a thrilling showdown for all heavyweight titles.
[How to watch Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk]
Tyson Fury’s current form is in question after he narrowly avoided defeat in his last fight against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, despite being a heavy favorite. Ngannou’s subsequent poor performance against Anthony Joshua cast further doubt on Fury’s recent performances and suggested he may have underestimated his opponent. This will make Fury’s future fight with Usyk even more interesting and will reveal whether his fight was a one-off or a sign of decline.
Known for his superior technique and consistent performance, Usyk has steadily climbed his way to the top of the heavyweight division. He was initially seen as the underdog, but the odds are now even, reflecting Fury’s uncertain position.
This fight promises unpredictability, highlighted by John Fury’s outburst, and sets the stage for a contest where anything can happen. This uncertainty fuels the excitement and anticipation surrounding this epic heavyweight battle.
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Result: Moses Itauma def. Ilya Mezentiev, R2 0:50 TKO
Ituama (9-0, 7 KOs) is a fighter to watch. The 19-year-old heavyweight has the speed, power and fight IQ to go the distance.
And it was over. Itauma’s hype continues and after yet another quick knockout, he has good reason to remain undefeated.
Mezentiev survived the first round after absorbing several hits to the head and body. This won’t last long.
It’s time for heavyweight action as undefeated 19-year-old Moses Itauma, a -10,000 favorite, takes on 25-3 Ilya Mezhentyev, a +1,600 favorite.
Great photo by Getty’s Richard Pelham of Chamberlain’s left straight that dropped Wahab. Chamberlain said after the fight that the first thing he threw was his left hand, and then Wahab got up, he said.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – MAY 18: Mark Chamberlain defeats Joshua in the WBC Silver Lightweight title fight between Mark Chamberlain and Joshua Oluwasun Wahab on May 18, 2024 at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. – Punches Oluwasun Wahab and knocks him down. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Result: Mark Chamberlain def. Joshua Oluwasun Wahab, R1 2:42, TKO
Turki Alarusik’s favorite fighters get the job done without breaking a sweat. It was Chamberlain’s second TKO victory in Riyadh in just over two months.
Riyadh’s Mark Chamberlain is standing there with Sea Rebel Kane, Motivated BJ and TRT Vitor.
Oh my God! Wahab just dropped in the first round with a picture-perfect straight left hand! Although he beat the count, Chamberlain quickly got back on top of him and finished off the knockout victory with a quick attack.oh
The next lightweight bout will be between undefeated Mark Chamberlain (15-0, 11 KOs) and Joshua Oluwaseun Wahab (23-1, 16 KOs).
Result: Robin Sarwan Safar def. Sergey Kovalev unanimous decision 97-92, 99-90, 95-94
While Safar improves to 17-0, Kovalev will have to reevaluate where he is in his career and whether it’s time to hang up the gloves.
Robin Safar viciously knocked down Sergey Kovalev in the final seconds of the fight.Kovalev made the count and saw 10 full rounds and lost 97-92, 99-90, 95-94 on his UD
The former light heavyweight champion was given no round. After his great career, it’s time to retire. pic.twitter.com/TcuxTP7rg9
Safar landed some big shots in the fight, but nothing of note followed up… until he dropped Kovalev with a sharp right and a follow-up shot in the final moments of the 10th round. Once the round is over, it’s time to announce the scorecard.
Kovalev has struggled in recent rounds. He’s gassy and looks his age no matter where you look.
Safar landed a huge right hand in the third round that rocked Kovalev and sent him on the backfoot. He survived the round, but he won’t last long if he keeps hitting shots like this.
Next up, 41-year-old Sergey Kovalev returns after a year off to face -140 favorite and undefeated Robin Silwan Safar.
David Nyika finished the job by TKOing Michael Seitz at 2:45 of Round 4, remaining undefeated (9-0, 8 KOs).
The Ring of Fire pay-per-view card begins live from the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a cruiserweight bout between David Nyka and Michael Seitz.
Heavyweight: Oleksandr Usyk (c) +115 vs. Tyson Fury (c) -115 Cruiserweight: Jay Opetaia vs. Maylis Briedis Super Featherweight: Joe Cordina (c) -500 vs. Anthony Cacace +400 Heavyweight: Frank Sanchez -225 vs. Ajit Kabayel +188 Heavyweight: Moses Itauma -10000 vs. Ilya Mezhenchev +1600 Lightweight: Mark Chamberlain def. Joshua Oluwasun Wahab, R1 2:42, TKO Light Heavyweight: Robin Sarwan Safar def. Sergey Kovalev unanimous decision 97-92, 99-90, 95-94 Cruiserweight: David Nyika def. Michael Seitz, 4th round 2 minutes 45 seconds, won by TKO
