The boxing world is eagerly counting down the days until Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury lock horns in their highly anticipated rematch. Fury's split-decision loss in Saudi Arabia handed Usyk the coveted title of Undisputed Heavyweight Champion and marked the first defeat of Fury’s professional career. However, many believe the “Gypsy King” is primed for redemption. In this article, we delve into why Fury is poised to reclaim the belts on December 21st, setting the stage for a blockbuster trilogy fight in 2025.

Fury is more tactically adaptable than he looks

Many fight fans mistake Tyson Fury's pre-fight bravado for a lack of intellect, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Fury's boxing IQ is among the best in the history of the sport, paired with a natural talent that sets him apart as one of the most gifted heavyweights of his generation.

For the rematch, Fury’s strategy should focus on cutting off the ring and maximizing his size advantage. Fury himself has stated that he doesn’t need to make significant adjustments to secure victory, pointing to his dominance in the opening six rounds of their first bout. It’s a valid observation, but his success will depend on maintaining focus and avoiding complacency, even if the fight starts to tilt to his advantage.

Fury will relish the underdog tag

For the first time since his clash with Wladimir Klitschko in Germany, Tyson Fury enters a fight as the underdog. The "Gypsy King" is currently listed at 7/5 to win his highly anticipated rematch against Oleksandr Usyk, while the Ukrainian champion is the favorite at 11/20 in the latest boxing betting markets.

In some ways, Fury faced similar odds when heading into his second bout with Deontay Wilder in the United States. Following their initial encounter, which ended in a controversial split draw, many questioned Fury's ability to withstand Wilder’s power after being dropped in the ninth and twelfth rounds. However, Fury’s resilience and ability to defy expectations have always been central to his narrative in boxing.

Despite out-landing Wilder for much of their first fight, there were question marks over Fury’s ability to beat the count if he was hit similarly hard in their rematch. What happened was a genuine heavyweight boxing masterclass, with Fury dominating Wilder to clinch an iconic victory in Wilder’s back yard. Although Riyadh is by no means Usyk’s backyard, it would be similarly sweet for Fury to return to the scene of the first fight and right the wrongs.

Fury will utilise his physique more aggressively

When it comes to physical attributes, Tyson Fury holds a clear advantage. Standing at 6’9” with an 85-inch reach, Fury’s towering frame and long arms give him the tools to overwhelm even a masterful technician like Oleksandr Usyk. By comparison, Usyk’s 78-inch reach and a nearly 30-pound weight disadvantage in their first encounter highlight the physical disparity.

To turn the rematch to his advantage, Fury must make it a war of attrition. Targeting Usyk’s body—where the Ukrainian has shown vulnerability—should be a priority, while using his size and strength to lean on and wear down his opponent at every opportunity. By playing to his physical strengths, Fury can disrupt Usyk’s rhythm and impose his will in the fight.

Fury is motivated by his legacy

Another reason to back Fury in the rematch is his relentless drive to cement his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights in boxing history. A loss to Usyk has only added fuel to the fire, intensifying his determination to silence doubters and reclaim his position at the top of the division.

A dominant performance in the rematch could reestablish Fury as the premier heavyweight, even if not all the belts are on the line this time. While Usyk remains unbeaten as a professional, it’s worth noting that he suffered 11 defeats during his amateur career—a reminder that even the best can be vulnerable under the right circumstances.