Tyson Fury weighs in with a massive weight advantage over Oleksandr Usyk

On By Littum

Tyson Fury must believe that he will be better if he is heavier.

On Friday in Riyadh, Fury weighed in at a whopping 281 pounds ahead of his rematch on Saturday against WBA, WBO and WBC heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

With Usyk weighing in at 226 pounds, Fury has a glaring 55-pound weight advantage—or disadvantage—against his rival in their rematch.

Fury’s size is a huge jump from what he weighed in May when the two men clashed for the undisputed heavyweight championship. In the first fight, Fury weighed in at 262 pounds, and outweighed Usyk by a considerable 39 pounds.

The 281 pounds is the biggest Fury has ever been in his 36-fight professional career.

“I’m quite skinny” Fury told ESPN. “Besides the big beard, I’m fine. I’m in good shape and fit as a fiddle. I’m ready for Saturday night.”

What does this tell us about Fury’s game plan in the rematch?

Although it is not certain, it appears that Fury is looking to physically impose his will on Usyk and is preparing to knock out the champion. This concept seems to line up with what Fury has been saying all fight week.

He has only talked about hurting Usyk and taking the decision out of the hands of the judges. Traditionally, when a heavyweight chooses to come in on the heavier side, it’s because they have the design to deliver punishment.

On Usyk’s side, he is in the same form as he was for the first match. The former undisputed cruiserweight champion weighed in at 223 pounds for the first fight. At that weight, he proved to be the fresher and more effective fighter late in the first encounter.

Will that be the case in the rematch?

That’s fair – unless Saturday’s game doesn’t go far. Usyk has traditionally outworked his heavyweight opponents. His work rate has been difficult for opponents to keep up with, and you have to wonder if it will be any different for Fury – especially at nearly 300 pounds.

The weight story, added to the relaunch of Call Magasinet and accompanied by the presence of two upcoming young heavyweights such as Moses Itauma and Johnny Fisher, make Saturday in Riyadh a special event for boxing, and more specifically the heavyweight division.

In case you missed it, here’s a look at the full map:

  • Oleksandr Usyk (c) vs. Tyson Fury
  • Moses Itauma vs. Demsey McKean
  • Johnny Fisher vs. Dave Allen
  • Dennis McCann vs. Peter McGrail
  • Isaac Lowe vs. Lee McGregor

Be on the lookout for coverage of the fight, Itauma and Fischer’s results, as well as reactions to Usyk-Fury from the boxing community.