Well we are finally here. 6 months on from the first encounter. The rematch that the world has been waiting for. Undisputed world champion Oleksandr Usyk takes on The Gypsy King, and former WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. Live from The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The first fight back in May was a classic. At the halfway point most people had Tyson Fury ahead on the scorecards. Personally I had him 4-2 up. It was in the second half of the fight where it changed and Usyk won the fight. Round 9 was particularly critical. This was when Usyk had his moment. The moment that really turned the tables in the Ukrainians favour. Where he unloaded on Fury, almost knocking him out, as he stumbled back into the turnbuckles looking like Bambi on ice. Referee Mark Nelson gave Fury a standing 8 count and declared it a knockdown. Quite rightly. It was after all only the turnbuckles that stopped Fury from hitting the canvas. In fairness Fury was lucky that the same referee didn’t stop the fight in the very same round. Fury was in trouble. Big trouble. Not quite as much trouble as Diddy, but you get the picture right.

The next 3 rounds would decide the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. For the first time since 1999 when Lennox Lewis triumphed over Evander Holyfield in Las Vegas.

Both fighters fought well in the remaining 3 rounds and we headed to the scorecards. Everyone held their breath to see what the judges cards were. The decision was read out. Usyk beats Tyson Fury via split decision to become Undisputed. A result Fury still argues to this day. It could have gone either way. Now, we go again. Both fighters have stated it’s simply round 13. The rivalry renewed. Let’s battle commence!

So who wins this rematch? A question countless people have asked me this week. Which I’ll give you at the end of this article.

This fight is basically a case of can Usyk do it again? Or can Fury make the adjustments needed to win? Well ,the answer to both is yes. These guys are both elite level fighters. What I will say is it will be harder to make the adjustments for Fury. I’d like to think we will not see Fury clowning about in the early rounds like he did in the 1st fight. He needs to be dialled in from the off. Usyk will be. That’s a certainty. Fury needs to be exactly the same. Seeing his interviews in the build up to this fight, he appears to be very focused. He knows that not only his career is on the line, but the amount of money left on the table if he loses. As a lucrative 3rd fight with Usyk, would be pointless unless the scores are level at 1-1. I’ll go as far to say as if Fury doesn’t win on Saturday, we won’t see him fight again.

I don’t think we will see any big change in what Usyk does. He knows what he did to win last time. So it’s a case of repeating it. Which wont be easy. He will want to avoid going behind early, and relying on coming back in the 2nd half of the fight like he did 1st time around. But other than that, I think he will be his usual brilliant self. Will it be enough?! We will see.

So who wins I hear ringing in my ears. I’ll give you my take on it. The easy and most likely prediction by people is Usyk wins again. It certainly appears that way with the amount of money people are throwing on Usyk. Right now he is the best fighter in the division. Why back against him? Well, hear me out. Because i think Tyson Fury will win on Saturday and here is why. It’s win or bust time. I think Fury will be at his absolute best, and at his best he is an absolute nightmare for anyone. If he comes in heavy, like he did for his 2nd fight with Wilder. He may just stop Usyk. I think that’s the likely route Fury is going down this time. Really make full use of the size advantage. Lean on his foe when he can. Try to zap the gas tank of the champ. If that’s possible!? It’ll be interesting to see what they both weigh in at on Friday. I don’t see Usyk’s weight altering much. But do not be at all surprised to see Fury come in with even bigger size advantage this time. Fury was 18st 7lbs for fight 1. I bet he’s +19st for this one.

Only a few gave Fury a chance many years ago against Wlad in Germany. Few are giving him a chance this time. This is when Fury tends to shine. Proving the so called experts wrong. Saturday is his time to shine. And the NEW!

PREDICTION – Tyson Fury to win.

BEST BET – Fury to win via KO|TKO +330 US:UK 10/3

LONGSHOT – Fury wins in RDS 7-12 +800 US:UK 8/1

We have a solid undercard to warm us up for the main event. It isn’t quite as good now Israil Madrimov is out of the co-main event with Serhii Bohachuk. That was a banger of a fight in the making. Luckily in England we make our fighters fearless, as Leeds Ishmael Davis steps in on short notice to face the power punching slugger Bohachuk. It will be a huge upset if Davis can pull off the win! But he has nothing to lose, and he gets a nice payday for stepping up and saving the card getting broken up.

it’s worth also keeping a close eye on the Heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma, who takes on Aussie Demsey McKean. A big step up for the highly touted prospect Itauma. McKean has a record of 22-1, with his only loss to highly ranked Filip Hrgovic last time out. Getting stopped in the 12th round. So it’s safe to say, on paper at least, that McKean won’t be an easy out for Itauma. It’s a test I expect him to pass though. I’m very high on Itauma. This kids legit. Don’t blink.

I like the Issac Lowe v Lee McGregor fight. It should be action packed. Plus Johnny Fisher taking on Dave Allen should be fun whilst it lasts.

Lastly, If you want to have a bet on the undercard, here’s a couple of plays I like, to keep you entertained.

Fisher v Allen – Under 4.5 rounds @ -113

Itauma v McKean – Itauma in RDS 3 or 4 @ +430

McGregor v Lowe – McGregor via DEC @ +135

Please gamble responsibly you degenerates.

Enjoy the violence.
Phil. @PPDSports

(My above article is dedicated to my good friend Steve Jeffs, who sadly lost his big brother Tom following a brave and valiant battle against cancer last week. You’re the real champ Tom, no matter the result on Saturday. Hug your loved ones tight. You don’t know when you might not have them anymore. RIP Tom x)

*If you want a free bet on the fight, head over to the verified bookie.com and use code BANANA for a free 20$ bet on the fight. No deposit required.