Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk Rematch Won’t Happen, Predicts Former World Champ

Several fights have transpired in the first five months of 2024, but one stands alone in creating history after two plus decades. Yep, it’s the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury undisputed heavyweight clash in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, last weekend. As the Ukrainian boxing icon outboxed and outperformed his English counterpart, the whole boxing community rejoiced, including the former WBA heavyweight champion David Haye. 

It was indeed a monumental occasion, as both undefeated legends of the sport put everything on the line—their pride, their belts, and most importantly, their pristine records. And now that one of them has red in their resume, there’s much talk about a rematch between them, something Usyk has agreed to! Yet, while ‘The Hayemaker’ Haye revealed his thoughts on social media yesterday about the fight, he seemed unsure about the rematch taking place. 

David Haye feels Oleksandr Usyk scored three knockdowns

Being from the United Kingdom, David Deron Haye might have been cheering for his fellow countryman ahead of the fight, but Usyk’s skills, determination and prowess seem to have swayed his preference at the last minute. A handful of days after the fight concluded, he hopped on X to share his thoughts on the fight while enjoying the scenic views in Doha Qatar, an hour long drive from Saudi Arabia. 

Haye began by praising the Ukrainian for dethroning Tyson Fury to collect all the belts in the division, which have become so difficult in the four belt era. Yet Haye was even more impressed because Usyk did that in two divisions. He added, “What heart, what determination, what strategy, the game plan. I wasn’t expecting Usyk to be able to stick it on Tyson Fury in a way he did. He didn’t leave him alone. And that’s exactly what he said before the fight, ‘I won’t leave you alone.’ He stayed on him every second.”

Recollecting the fight, Haye explained how Usyk had pressed ‘The Gypsy King’ relentlessly, transitioning in and out of range that ended up tiring Fury little by little. Coming to the ninth round, Haye said, “That ninth round really sealed the deal. The referee, given the standing count, a lot of people say if the ropes keep your opponent up, it’s considered a knockdown.”

So, in Haye’s eyes, Usyk had scored three knockdowns, but with all said and done, “who cares, the right man won,” said Haye. Nearing the end of the clip, Haye turned to the potential rematch, suggesting, “I’m not sure if there’s going to be a rematch. I’m not feeling there’s gonna be a rematch for one reason or another, but what a fight, Usyk, you legend.” While Haye might not see a rematch on the horizon, Fury’s promoter does! 

Frank Warren says the rematch will be even better

From the very point, the ring announcer revealed the new undisputed champion, Fury has been adamant about a rematch. He will not become an undisputed champion even if he beats Usyk because the IBF are about to strip Usyk of the belt for not facing the mandatory. However, that’s not stopping ‘The Gypsy King,’ at least, that’s what Frank Warren says. 

According to a May 22 report from the BBC, the English promoter suggests the rematch, expected for October, will be announced in due time. “There will be a rematch. I think it will be better than the original fight,” Warren said. He noted that with both fighters having faced off, they now have insights into each other’s styles, likely leading to strategic adjustments and counterattacks in the rematch. 

Despite missing out on the opportunity to collect all the belts, Warren says, “He’s only asking for the rematch because he thinks he can win. He believes in himself and it would cement his legacy… He rang me and he said he wants the rematch, so here we are.”

Even though the fight itself was extremely competitive, the community seems divided about the rematch happening. Not to mention, all the retirement talk that’s been floating around, but there’s a lot of money to be made. So, the question is, will the money be able to sway Usyk back into the ring?