Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2: Reliving Five Iconic Boxing Rematches

Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) vs. Oleksandr Usyk 2 is upon us, with “The Gypsy King” looking to gain revenge and Usyk eager to repeat his historic win from earlier in the year. The rematch will be for Usyk’s WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight titles. The bout will take place at the Kingdom Arena, Riyadh. Ahead of Usyk Fury 2, Big Fight Weekend are looking back at five memorable rematches from boxing history.

Usyk Fury 2: Looking Back at Five Memorable Boxing Rematches

Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder

Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder 1 was memorable for many reasons including Fury surviving a dramatic last-round knockdown to claim a controversial draw with many feeling “The Gypsy King” had done enough to win the fight. Their rematch saw Fury fight aggressively, letting his jab go and knocking Wilder down with a big right hand in round three.

Read More: ‘I Believe He Can’: Frank Warren on Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk Rematch

Fury forced the pace and never let “The Bronze Bomber” have a moment, knocking him down again in round five. Blood was flowing freely from the mouth and ear by this point, and a flurry of heavy punches in the seventh saw the corner of Wilder throw the towel in. This was the Brit at his destructive best.

Evander Holyfield vs. Riddick Bowe

Evander Holyfield and Riddick Bowe put on a heavyweight classic in November 1992 – with Bowe winning decisively on the scorecards (117-110 x2 and 115-112). Their rematch on November 6, 1993, will be remembered for the fan-man incident, which bizarrely saw a hang-glider crash into the ring in round seven, causing a 21-minute delay.

Read More: August 12, 2000: Evander Holyfield’s Victory Over John Ruiz Secures Historic Fourth Heavyweight Title

“The Real Deal” did enough at key points to win via majority decision (114-114 115-114 and 115-113 for Holyfield).

Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns 

Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns met for the second time on June 12, 1989, eight years after Leonard rallied to win their first meeting by TKO in round 14. Hearns again showed his power, knocking Leonard down in rounds three and 11. Despite these knockdowns a strong last round for “Sugar” somehow saw him pull even on the scorecards and earn a draw. Show me someone who thinks Leonard deserved a draw, and I will show you the biggest “Sugar” fan.

Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Erik Morales 

The first fight between Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales ended in a split decision win for Morales. The rematch on June 22, 2002, saw “El Terrible” press forward and outwork his opponent in much of the early fight. Barrera rallied as the fight progressed, but Morales had a strong end to the fight, which appeared to be enough for him to get the verdict. Barrera was ultimately given the victory unanimously with the judge’s scorecards reading 115-113 x2 and 116-112.

Juan Francisco Estrada vs. Roman Gonzalez

On March 13, 2021, Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez met in a rematch at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. “El Gallo” picked his shots well early – but the pressure from Gonzalez ensured he was always still in the fight.

“Chocolatito” continued to apply pressure and unsettle the slicker Estrada. Gonzalez was picking his shots well alongside the relentless pressure. The fast hands from Estrada became more of a telling factor as the rounds went on. As the fight ended it was more a question of what you like with the pressure fighting of “Chocolatito” against the cleaner punching of “El Gallo.” The verdict from the judges was a split decision, with one scoring 115-113 to Gonzalez, while the other two cards for Estrada read 117-111 and 115-113, giving El Gallo the split decision win.

Usyk Fury 2

On December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Usyk Fury 2 will take place. Despite this not being for the undisputed crown, a win will seemingly put them in a position to face the winner of Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker which will then be for undisputed glory. Dec. 21 will enhance one fighter’s legacy, while leaving the other unsure of their future in the heavyweight division.