Adrian Mills’ tips for Saturday night’s huge heavyweight world title rematch in Riyadh include a win for the champion inside the distance.
There’s a huge showdown on Saturday night when Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury rematch for the WBA, WBC and WBO world heavyweight titles.
Usyk was awarded a split-decision verdict by the judges following a thrilling contest between the big hitters in May and Fury will need to turn the tables on the unbeaten Ukrainian if the Gypsy King is to regain his throne at the top of the heavyweight division.
Usyk is an 8/11 chance for a repeat result at the Kingdom Arena, while Fury is a 6/5 shot to inflict the first defeat of the Ukrainian’s career, and we have the best bets for the Saudi Arabia extravaganza.
Selections
Oleksandr Usyk to beat Tyson Fury
4/5
Oleksandr Usyk to win by KO, TKO or Disqualification
11/4
Undefeated Usyk set for a repeat success
Oleksandr Usyk secured a split-decision victory over Tyson Fury when the pair clashed in Saudi Arabia in May and there seems little reason to think the brilliant, unbeaten Ukrainian won’t score a repeat victory over the British challenger.
Usyk was a fantastic and undisputed cruiserweight king, but the stature and power of the Simferopol southpaw was questioned when he made the move up to heavyweight.
However, Usyk has twice dominated Anthony Joshua, beat Fury in this first fight between the pair and landed a stoppage success over Daniel Dubios.
Of course, the Cat was downed by Dubios, but that was a punch that was deemed illegal and Triple D has since franked that form by becoming a world champion and destroying Joshua.
Usyk has answered every question posed to him in the heavyweight division and it’s likely to be more of the same on Saturday night.
Fury has to improve on his effort in the first bout between the big hitters, but it’s difficult to see where that progress will come from at the age of 36.
The Gypsy King was involved in three gruelling bouts against Deontay Wilder, who has looked shot since. The Morecambe man has led an ill-disciplined lifestyle when not in camp and there are plenty of miles on the 36-fight veteran’s career.
Offers of 8/11 about a repeat Usyk victory look well worth taking.
Gypsy King won’t reclaim his throne
A small play on Usyk to win by stoppage could also be worth a punt on Saturday night.
Fury was knocked down by the Ukrainian in May, hit the canvas against Ngannou and was also floored on three occasions during his trio of fights with Wilder.
He doesn’t have stunning one-punch power, but Usyk is a supremely gifted and skilful fighter who will find gaps in the Fury defence.
The Gypsy King has shown miraculous powers of recovery in the past, but there have been a lot of hard fights in a 16-year career and his punch resistance may be ebbing away.
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