Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 prediction - knockout, split-decision, shock win

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are set to go head-to-head for the second time in seven months in a blockbuster world heavyweight championship rematch on Saturday.

Back in May, Usyk handed Fury the first loss of his professional career, winning a split-decision to become the first undisputed world champion in 24 years. Uysk soon vacated the IBF belt, meaning the unified titles are on the line against Fury, who will be seeking revenge in Saudi Arabia.

Usyk's narrow win over Fury kept him unbeaten, and he is the favourite to win the fight once again, though fans are expecting another tight contest. And here, our Manchester Evening News writers have delivered their pre-fight predictions ahead of another corker in the boxing world...

Kieran King

For me, I think Usyk's level is so high right now and I am backing him to beat Fury once again.

Like the first fight, I feel as though it will be another split-decision win for the Ukrainian, as I can't see either of them knocking each-other out. The expectation is that Usyk will be more confident than ever with his 22-0 professional record and I think that he will extend that to 23 and continue his winning steak. I wouldn't rule Fury out, as with his punching power and reach, he is capable of doing damage on his day.

Matty Hewitt

Here we go again. Tyson Fury steps into the ring looking to become the heavyweight champion of the world but takes on one of the best ever fighters to set foot in the ring.

Oleksandr Usyk came out on top first time round and is the favourite for the bout this time round. The Ukrainian got the better of Fury but was unable to knock him out, despite wobbling the British fighter.

This time round, Fury promises it'll be different. We've already seen just how quickly Fury can turn it on, demolishing Deontay Wilder in his rematch with the American and all the build up to this bout with Usky points to a similar approach.

It's such a difficult fight to call, but I think Usky wins via split decision. That being said, Fury often rises to the challenge of being the so-called underdog and I wouldn't rule out a masterclass from him.

Tom Coley

Usyk is certainly going to take immense confidence in the way he fought in the first meeting and it's hard to see how he doesn't make it two-from-two. You can never write off Fury, though, and seemingly the lower he appears to be, the harder he comes back.

It would be great to see these two titans truly going at each other in a hell-for-leather fight but given the way Fury went down and had to battle back last time, he might try and go the safer route here.

After such a good initial fight it would be good to see it going the distance again. Usyk will fancy himself the longer it goes on, though, and may well deliver on his tag as favourite.

Matthew Abbott

I don't like the look of Fury this week. After claiming nothing would change from the first fight, he's now coming in heavier than ever for this rematch.

Fury tipping the scales at 20-odd stone would suggest their game plan is going for the stoppage, which is how he beat Wilder in their second fight. That additional weight should help Fury be more heavy-handed, but carrying that around in the ring could hinder his movement as the fight continues.

Fury gassed in the first fight because Usyk dominated the pace. If that happens again, Fury could tire even quicker if he tries to dance or run around the ring at over 20 stone.

Usyk also knows he can hurt Fury, having done so earlier this year in a fight that could easily have been stopped by the referee. In the face of similar punishment this time, it remains to be seen whether Fury can hold on and get back into the fight with all that weight.

Anthony Joshua showed, though, that you can have more success when rematching Usyk than in their first fight. Fury has shown the opposite throughout his career, knocking out every opponent - John McDermott, Derek Chisora and Wilder - he had only beaten on points the first time around.

Usyk, though, is unlike any of those. I can see the champion defending his titles again, but unanimously rather than by split decision.

Isaac Johnson

Aside from money, I question what motivation Fury truly now has and whether he therefore has enough within him to go that extra mile to claim the win. This is not a unification bout and his undefeated record has gone.

Perhaps the fact he has never not defeated any of his professional opponents? Maybe. And never rule him out - he has remained somewhat ominously quiet in the build up.

This is a new experience for Fury, fighting following a professional defeat for the first time. There is no case study to know how he will bounce back. We do know how Usyk responds to a win - to win again.

He remains unbeaten in his 22 pro fights and has an awful lot more to lose - namely his three belts and his perfect record. And of course, the Ukrainian is representing something far bigger than sport itself right now.

All of that plays a part - fuelling the motivation to do the extra press-up, run the extra mile, throw the extra punch. For that reason, I think Usyk will win.

Fury has been preparing in the shadows this time and I believe he will surprise a few people - but not enough to overturn a points defeat.

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Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are set to lock horns again on December 21 with the Brit attempting to avenge his defeat by the Ukrainian in May. Victory for Fury could also set up a huge domestic showdown with bitter rival Anthony Joshua next year

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