Oleksandr Usyk is set to face Tyson Fury in a rematch on 21st December in Riyadh after winning their undisputed heavyweight boxing bout earlier this month.
Usyk defeated Fury by split decision to become the first undisputed champion of the four-belt era on 18th May.
However, a rematch was rumored for October, but Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s general entertainment authority, says the date has been moved to December.
Alalshikh revealed on his X account, “The world will watch another historical fight again.
“Our commitment to boxing fans continues. We hope you enjoy it.”
Usyk made history by becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999. He added Fury’s WBC belt to his WBA, WBO, and IBF collection when they fought in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia earlier this month.
The 37-year-old Ukrainian has won all 22 of his professional fights.
Alashikh, however, did not name a venue or destination for the rematch but stated it would take place “during Riyadh Season”.
Riyadh Season is an entertainment festival held every winter since its launch in 2019 which has hosted a number of high profile boxing events.
The contest would give Briton Fury, the opportunity to gain revenge after tasting defeat for the first time in his 16-year professional career against Usyk.
It is very unlikely that all four belts will be on the line in the rematch with the IBF planning to strip Usyk as he will not be facing its mandatory challenger next.
Fury’s promoter Fank Warren told news outlets this week, “I spoke to him [Fury] after the fight and obviously when he got back just to make sure he’s okay. He was very disappointed but very philosophical.
“The rematch was signed before the first fight took place anyway…both fighters said they want it and we’ll go from there.
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“It was a fabulous fight, two absolute gladiators who didn’t leave anything in the ring in an epic fight in the most important fight of the 21st century.
“A very, very close fight and I think it will be an even bigger one next time.”
He further added, “It was a fight of two halves, Tyson knows what he has to do and I’m sure Usyk does. Both of those guys were in an absolute war, that has taken a lot out of both of them.
“It will be interesting to see when it does happen who it has impacted the most.”
