In less than seven days, the heavyweight division will deliver another pivotal verdict. The two finest fighters of this era are set to face off for the second time at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. On one side stands Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning champion and victor of the spectacular first bout on May 18; on the other, Tyson Fury, the flamboyant British giant, determined to take revenge. Usyk vs Fury 2 promises to captivate countless viewers worldwide, with fans and pundits eagerly offering their predictions and analyses.
At Boxe Punch, we reached out to several former Italian champions—athletes who have brought glory to Italian boxing by winning prestigious titles during their careers—and asked them to weigh in on who they believe will emerge victorious in Riyadh and why. Here is a full roundup of their responses!
Stefania Bianchini, former WBC and European Champion: Usyk
“In my opinion, Usyk will win again. I was very impressed by his performance in the first fight, where he showed great focus and preparation, even though his opponent is certainly no slouch. Still, I believe the Ukrainian will triumph once more.”
Leonard Bundu, former European Champion: Fury on points
“I think Usyk is a world-class fighter, as he demonstrated when he landed the punch that changed the outcome of the first bout. However, for this rematch, I’m giving my prediction to Fury. If Fury has trained well, doesn’t underestimate Usyk, and doesn’t mess around (which isn’t guaranteed), I believe he has a slight edge for a points victory due to his style, reach advantage, and mobility. Fury moves exceptionally well for such a giant, although Usyk is brilliant at capitalizing on any opportunity to land punches.
“That said, I’ll still be rooting for Usyk. I rooted for him last time too, and I genuinely hope he can find the key to closing the distance and landing decisive punches. However, I think Fury has a better chance of winning as long as he stays focused and properly prepared.”
Francesco Damiani, former WBO Champion, European Champion, and Olympic Silver Medalist: Usyk
“I think Usyk has a 60% chance of winning, especially since he proved in the first fight that he’s the superior boxer. Tyson Fury struggles against opponents who are very mobile and fast. If Fury manages to turn it into a physical battle, he’ll have a clear advantage, but Usyk doesn’t allow that kind of fight.
“This will certainly be another closely contested match since both fighters respect each other, and Usyk knows he must be wary of Fury’s physicality. However, from my perspective, the chances are 60% in Usyk’s favor and 40% in Fury’s. Unless, of course, they’ve agreed to a result to set up a third match, but I don’t believe in those kinds of things. I’m confident Usyk will win.”
Giovanni De Carolis, former WBA Champion: Usyk
“Before the first fight, I saw Tyson Fury as the favorite, even though I was rooting for Usyk. Now, ahead of the rematch, I believe the Ukrainian is far more confident, as he has already figured Fury out.
“I expect Fury to look more uncertain because of the heavy punches he endured in their first encounter. The Englishman might start aggressively, trying to put Usyk in trouble by using his physical advantage, but I think Usyk will prevail even more convincingly than he did in May. He leaves nothing to chance and has tactical intelligence that’s out of this world. So, I see Usyk winning—this time, more decisively.”
Alessandro Duran, Former WBU and European Champion: Fury
“I believe it will be a balanced contest. It’s tough to make a definitive prediction. In my opinion, Fury won’t repeat the mistakes he made in the first fight. He had the match in hand but gave Usyk too much confidence and got punished for it, losing in the later rounds. This time, I think he’ll be much more cautious and will bring more substance to his boxing. Usyk has proven himself to be a great champion, but I think this time he’ll face a more determined Fury. I believe Fury will win.”
Massimiliano Duran, Former WBC and European Champion: Fury
“These predictions are always tough. I’m rooting for Usyk, but I think Fury will win because the physical difference between them is just too significant. In the first fight, Fury experienced a notable physical drop-off while he was ahead on points. I don’t think that will happen this time, even though I hope I’m wrong.”
Mauro Galvano, Former WBC and European Champion: Fury by KO
“It’s a very open fight, and the outcome will depend on how both fighters approach it. Usyk is very elusive, a southpaw, and hard to pin down, so I would favor him if it goes to the scorecards. However, if Tyson Fury has learned from his mistakes in the first fight and has tailored his preparation to exploit his physical advantages, there will be no contest. Fury is much stronger physically and can win by knockout. If I had to bet, I’d go for a Fury victory inside the distance, assuming he can turn it into a physical battle and enforce a fight based on close combat.”
Sumbu Kalambay, Former WBA and European Champion: Fury
“Tyson Fury is a more complete boxer who can also take punches and recover quickly when he’s knocked down. He’s very intelligent, knows how to box, and always finds a way to trouble his opponent. I believe the outcome of this fight will be different from the first one.
“Let’s hope it’s a great match and not one of those dull ones where the fighters clinch every few seconds. I hope they honor the Noble Art and may the best man win.”
Emiliano Marsili, Former IBO and European Champion: Usyk
“In my opinion, Oleksandr Usyk will defend his title again. Tyson Fury suffered a significant defeat that likely left a lasting mark. It was a particularly tough loss in terms of morale.
“When Fury was knocked down by Wilder in the final round and got back up, he seemed possessed—he resumed attacking at full speed. Against Usyk, it was a completely different story. I don’t think Fury has fully processed that defeat, and I believe Usyk will win again in convincing fashion.”
Valerio Nati, Former WBO and European Champion: Usyk
“I believe Usyk will win because he’s an aggressive fighter, just like I was.”
Luca Rigoldi, Former European Champion: Fury on Points
“This is an extremely tough prediction to make. Usyk is undoubtedly a very disciplined and well-prepared athlete with exceptional skills. Tyson Fury, on the other hand, is more flamboyant, and much will depend on his psychological and physical condition.
“Before the first fight, I didn’t favor Usyk at all, primarily because of the significant physical disparity. Fury is much more imposing, whereas Usyk, in my opinion, isn’t a true heavyweight but rather an exceptional cruiserweight. Still, Usyk achieved an incredible feat in the first match.
“It’s really hard to predict who will win and how. I expect a more focused Fury this time, someone who will try to avoid repeating his mistakes from last time. So, I predict that Fury might edge it out—though only slightly—provided he stays mentally sharp.”
Cristian Sanavia, Former WBC and European Champion: Usyk by KO
“We’re all eagerly awaiting this match to see how it turns out. I think it will end just like the first one. Fury may have trained harder this time to redeem himself, win, and prove to the world that he’s the best, but Usyk has an even greater hunger. I’m convinced the Ukrainian will succeed again.
“I believe he’s trained even better this time because he wants to win by KO. I think he’ll achieve it within the sixth round.”
Andrea Sarritzu, Former European Champion: Usyk
“I see Usyk winning again, even though Tyson Fury has always shown himself to be better in rematches. This fight could go any way, but I think Usyk will come in even sharper and more determined than before, securing an easier victory this time.”
Loris Stecca, Former WBA and European Champion: Fury
“I believe Tyson Fury will win. Much will depend on how he’s lived over the past few months. If he’s maintained an athlete’s lifestyle and acted like a true professional, then he should come out on top.
“Of course, it’s hard to know what personal challenges a fighter might face. Usyk is also incredibly strong, but I think Tyson Fury will prevail.”
Paolo Vidoz, Former European Champion and Olympic Bronze Medalist: Usyk
“I see the Ukrainian Usyk as the favorite because of his vast technical expertise. However, my heart is with Tyson Fury, as he’s such an eccentric character who brings a lot to the sport in terms of promotion. So, I predict a win for Usyk but hope for Fury.”
Final Tally:
- Oleksandr Usyk: 8
- Tyson Fury: 7