The world heavyweight title rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury has been confirmed for late 2024.
When the respective fighters agreed to put their world titles on the line in an undisputed fight earlier this year, it came with a rematch clause included in the contract.
An initial mid-February date had to be postponed courtesy of a cut above Fury's eye, with the showdown in Saudi Arabia being rearranged for May 18.
While many anticipated a largely-tactical battle, the bout proved to be one of the most entertaining world title clashes in many a year, with Usyk edging a split-decision.
In a back-and-forth fight, Fury was leading on many people's scorecards at the midway stage before Usyk, who looked fatigued in round six, launched an incredible comeback to dominate and drop Fury in the ninth.
That moment proved pivotal in the Ukrainian sealing an historic win, becoming the first undisputed world heavyweight world champion since 2000.
However, with Fury feeling that he should have got the decision and the money involved in a second chapter, a rematch - which could be activated by Fury - felt inevitable.
What date has been set for rematch?
In the hours after the fight earlier this month, it was widely suggested the second encounter would take place in Saudi Arabia on October 21.
On Wednesday morning, though, Turki Alalshikh revealed on X that a date of December 21 had been set.
Why rematch will likely not be an undisputed bout
Given the regularity that mandatories get called, having the IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO belts on the line at the same time is a rarity in any division.
Upon a request, the IBF granted Usyk permission to put his title on the line against Fury earlier this year, but it came with the condition that it would be relinquished if a rematch took place as expected.
Usyk has since requested permission to keep his title for the second fight, yet it was never likely to be granted even with an October date, never mind two months later.
Filip Hrgovic - the long-time mandatory - and Daniel Dubois had hoped to have the vacant title on the line on Saturday night for their own showdown in Saudi Arabia.
As it stands, though, the winner of that bout may go on to face Anthony Joshua - also high in the IBF rankings - for the belt at Wembley Stadium in September. body check tags ::
