Renowned heavyweight contender Zhilei Zhang has made a bold prediction regarding the highly anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, set to take place on December 21. Zhang, who has become a prominent figure in the boxing world, believes that Usyk will once again emerge victorious and leave Fury devastated.
Usyk’s initial victory over Fury in May was a historic moment, as he became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in over two decades. The Ukrainian boxer, who has also achieved undisputed status in the cruiserweight division, displayed remarkable skill and resilience. Despite facing a fierce middle-round assault from Fury, Usyk managed to secure a split decision win on the scorecards.
Zhang, who recently rebounded from a loss to Joseph Parker by knocking out Deontay Wilder, shared his thoughts on the rematch during an interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour. “I always have faith in Usyk’s boxing skills. I believe Tyson Fury did really well on that night too, but Usyk was the better man. They’re fighting again in December – I think it all comes down to who has a better training camp.”
Expressing confidence in Usyk’s abilities, Zhang predicted a repeat of the first fight’s outcome. “I’m leaning towards Usyk because I think he found the key to beat Tyson Fury in the first fight and he’s going to capitalize on that. You have to make adjustments by seconds and use your brain, not your body.”
Zhang didn’t hold back in his bold assertion about Fury’s fate in the rematch. “He will have to cry and call his mother,” Zhang said, emphasizing the emotional and physical toll he expects Fury to endure.
Usyk has acknowledged his mistakes from the first bout and is determined to correct them for an even more convincing victory. Meanwhile, Fury remains adamant that he should have won the initial fight, claiming he was only hurt in the ninth round because the contest had been ‘too easy’ up to that point.
As the date for the rematch approaches, the boxing community eagerly awaits to see if Usyk will solidify his dominance or if Fury will reclaim his status as the top heavyweight. One thing is certain: with predictions like Zhang’s, the rematch promises to be an electrifying and emotionally charged showdown.
