The showdown boxing fans have been calling for has finally been signed and the heavyweight division will soon crown one ruler after Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk put pen to paper for their undisputed clash.
Just as hopes had started to fade that the fight might never materialise, it was announced that both parties had a agreed a deal to face off during Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia.
One man with a better insight than most is popular British heavyweight Dave Allen. Allen has been a sparring partner to both Fury and Usyk in the past and has now given his prediction to Boxing Social ahead of the fight.
“Fury wins! Fury wins! He’s too big. He’s too big and too good.”
Some fans are still skeptical that the two will actually step inside the ropes and won’t fully believe it until the first bell rings.
Another potential stumbling block lies in the form of former UFC champion, Francis Ngannou. The MMA star takes on ‘The Gypsy King’ on October 28 and has vowed to derail any Usyk plans by knocking out the current WBC champion.
Fury’s inactivity isn’t ideal preparation for what many predict will be the toughest test of his career so far, having fought just once in the last 12 months with that being a one-sided beatdown against Derek Chisora. Former super-middleweight champion, George Groves, believes Fury’s lack of top level opposition in recent years will prove costly against the quick-footed Ukrainian.
Usyk was last in action defending his unified titles against Daniel Dubois, stopping the Brit in the 9th round after a controversial low blow moment which floored the former cruiserweight champion and has raised questions about a potential weak spot.