Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury 2 shocking weight difference: How 55lbs could decide fate of heavyweight division

Tyson Fury weighs a career-high 281 pounds for his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.


Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury 2 shocking weight difference: How 55lbs could decide fate of heavyweight division

There is a significant weight difference for the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 fight (Image via Instagram/@tysonfury)

Preparations before a fight play a crucial role in a boxer’s chances of success. In just a few hours, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia will witness former undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk face Tyson Fury. However, the significant weight difference in the Usyk vs Fury 2 fight has sparked considerable discussion in the boxing community ahead of their match.

In their first thrilling showdown back in May 2024, Tyson Fury tipped the scales at around 262 pounds as he faced off against Oleksandr Usyk. Fast forward to their highly anticipated rematch, and Fury has come in with a staggering weight of 281 pounds—a career-high for the British heavyweight!

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On the other hand, Usyk has opted for a leaner approach, weighing in significantly lighter than Fury. The stage is set for an electrifying clash between these two titans of the boxing ring! In their previous encounter, Fury weighed approximately 262 pounds while Usyk was around 223 pounds.

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For the upcoming clash this weekend, Usyk has gained some weight but significantly less than Fury. He now weighs in at 226 pounds. Interestingly, both heavyweight boxers stepped on the scale while wearing their clothes, which may account for the weight difference. The question remains: will this affect their performance in the fight?

Can the 55-pound weight difference between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk impact the outcome of the fight?

Usually, weight differences in boxing play a significant role and can impact the outcome of a fight. As such the boxers weighing heavier in a fight can generate more punching power. Due to this, the different weight categories in boxing and other combat sports are created to level the playing field for competitors. However, in their previous encounter, Tyson Fury being heavier didn’t impact the fight’s outcome.

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk at the weigh-ins for the rematch
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk at the weigh-ins for the rematch (Image via Instagram/@tntsportsboxing)

Usyk delivered an impressive performance in the ring and won a closely contested battle against Fury by split decision. With this victory, the Ukrainian boxer became the undisputed heavyweight boxing champion. However, Usyk later vacated one of his titles to facilitate a fight between other top heavyweight contenders. Despite this, the stakes remain high for the upcoming rematch between Usyk and Fury.

What are the stakes for the rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk?

After their first fight, which was a grand success, Fury lost his WBC heavyweight title. However, despite losing his boxing title, the Brit earned a substantial amount through match purses. As for the second fight between Fury and Usyk, there is still a lot at stake for the British boxer. The Ukrainian fighter is putting four of his heavyweight titles—WBA, IBO, WBO, and The Ring—on the line.

Regarding the monetary rewards, the match purse is expected to be around $190 million, with the majority reportedly allocated to Usyk. His share is estimated to be approximately $105 million, while Fury is set to receive about $85 million. Although the financial incentive for the British boxer is lower than in their previous encounter, Fury may still be motivated to win belts again.

Tyson Fury has a lot to win in his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk
Tyson Fury has a lot to win in his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk (Image via talkSPORT/Eurosport)

Winning the belts would open the door to thrilling matchups for the British boxer. As such, it can pit him against fierce contenders like Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua. On the flip side, Oleksandr Usyk finds himself in a bit of a corner; he’s already taken down most of the heavyweight contenders, leaving his options somewhat limited.

Let’s not forget the buzz surrounding potential super fights on the horizon—a growing number of MMA fighters are eyeing the lucrative paychecks that come with boxing, which could lead to some electrifying showdowns in the ring!