In a recent interview on Ariel Helwani's MMA Show, the new date for the highly anticipated heavyweight title bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk was finally announced. Originally scheduled for February 17, the fight had to be postponed due to a nasty cut Fury sustained during sparring. But fans can now mark their calendars for May 18, as that will be the day these two heavyweight giants collide in the ring.
The location for the fight remains unchanged, with Riyadh, Saudi Arabia playing host to this monumental event. This comes as no surprise, considering the recent surge in high-profile fights taking place in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has been positioning itself as a major player in the world of combat sports, drawing in top athletes and hosting marquee matchups.
During the interview, Tyson Fury confirmed that the injury, which required 11 stitches, occurred during a sparring session. With approximately 90 days between the injury and the new fight date, it is expected that Fury will have sufficient time to heal and be in prime condition for the bout.
Although the focus was primarily on Fury and Usyk, the interview also shed light on other exciting developments in the world of combat sports. Turki Alalshikh, a prominent figure in Saudi Arabia's sports scene, discussed potential scenarios for fighters like Francis Ngannou and Anthony Joshua, who are set to square off later this year in Riyadh. Alalshikh also revealed that a highly anticipated match between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev is scheduled to be the main event of an upcoming Saudi event in June.
The interview provided further insight into the growing influence of Alalshikh and Saudi Arabia in the combat sports landscape. With their impressive track record in hosting major events and attracting top talent, it is clear that they are solidifying their position as a significant force in both boxing and mixed martial arts.
Amidst all the buzz, one thing is certain - the Fury vs. Usyk rematch is set to be the biggest heavyweight fight of the year. Fans can now eagerly anticipate May 18 as the day these two formidable fighters step into the ring and battle it out for the undisputed heavyweight title.
