The rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is set to take place on Saturday, December 21, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's head of general entertainment, Turki Alarcik, announced.
Usyk won a split decision when the two rivals met earlier this month to become the first unbeaten heavyweight champion in the four-belt era and since Lennox Lewis in 1999.
It was widely reported before the fight that Fury and Usyk's contracts included a rematch clause.
Ararcik posted on social media on Wednesday: “The rematch is scheduled for December 21, 2024 during the Riyadh season.
“The world will once again be watching a historic fight as our commitment to boxing fans continues. We hope you enjoy it.”
Fury's promoter, Funk Warren, Sky Sports This week: “I talked to him [Fury] I made sure he was OK after the game and of course when he came back, he was very disappointed but very calm.
“The rematch was contracted before the first fight took place. Both fighters have said they want a rematch, so we'll go from there.”
“It was a fantastic fight, the most important bout of the 21st century, an epic battle between two absolute fighters who left nothing behind in the ring.”
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Promoter Frank Warren said both Usyk and Fury want a rematch.
“It was a very close match, but I think the next one will be even bigger.”
Fury looked to have the upper hand in the middle stages of the bout but Usyk made a stunning breakthrough and the Ukrainian threatened to stop “The Gypsy King” in the ninth round, earning a standing count.
Warren is confident Fury can make the necessary adjustments and avenge his first career defeat in their second bout.
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Check out this new angle from ringside as Usyk knocks Fury into the ropes
“I think he can, I believe he can,” Warren said. “There was actually a moment in the fight, I think at the end of the seventh round, where he landed a couple of really good uppercuts on Usyk and he was struggling a little bit.”
“But he went back to his corner, picked himself up again, came out and caught Tyson with a really good shot on the tip of the nose. Tyson looked a little bit embarrassed and lost a little bit of momentum. Of course, we all know what happened in the ninth round.”
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Speaking on the Toe2Toe podcast before the rematch was confirmed, George Groves and Ellie Scotney discussed the possibility of a Fury vs. Usyk rematch.
“This fight was in two parts. Tyson knows what he has to do and so does Usyk. They both fought hard and they were both pretty tired.”
“When that actually happens, it will be interesting to see who it affects the most.”
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