Boxing promoter Frank Warren has confirmed there will be a rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
In doing so, he became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, as he retained the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO titles, while also claiming his opponent’s WBC belt.
Usyk almost floored Fury in the ninth round with a bombardment of punches, and although he could not deliver a knock-out blow, he did enough on the judge’s scorecards.
Warren told the Press Association that the fight is far from the end of the pair’s rivalry though.
“There will be a rematch,” he said. “I think it will be better than the original fight.
“They both know each other, they’ve shared the ring and they’ll be looking to use what they’ve gained from the fight as an advantage to beat their opponent.”
The win in the initial bout means Usyk has taken his professional record to 22 wins from as many fights, on top of the gold medal he won at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
On the other hand, it was the first time Fury had been beaten in his 36 contests.
Britain’s Anthony Joshua, also an Olympic champion 12 years ago, had been talked about as a potential opponent for the victor.
But Fury called for a second fight as soon as the contest had concluded, and Warren has now revealed that a rematch clause will be activated.
“Fury wants to win and he’s got to win,” he continued. “He’s only asking for the rematch because he thinks he can win.
“He believes in himself and it would cement his legacy. Everyone out there thinks Usyk is the best out there so let’s see what Tyson does.
“He rang me and he said he wants the rematch so here we are.”
The rematch is expected to take place later this year, with a date in October being reported.
It is unlikely to be another undisputed contest though, as Usyk is set to be stripped of his IBF title, because he will not be taking on their mandatory challenger.
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