Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will renew their rivalry on Saturday night as their highly-anticipated unified world heavyweight title rematch takes place in Saudi Arabia.

The first chapter was a compelling affair, Usyk getting the nod with the judges, and the Ukrainian will now be bidding to defend his WBA, WBC and WBO belts.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at the highly-anticipated clash, as well as the fights that will precede the main event.

OLEKSANDR USYK VS. TYSON FURY

Ahead of the first instalment, the general consensus was that Fury may simply be too big for Usyk. At 15cm taller and 39lbs heavier, it was difficult to dispute that opinion.

The first six rounds suggested that the majority would be proven correct. Fury's showboating contributed to Usyk taking the first round, yet the Briton grew into the fight and established firm control.

However, the tide turned in the second half of an absorbing contest, Usyk building momentum in rounds seven and eight before landing a left hand in the ninth that left Fury hanging on.

Fury deserves credit for finishing the fight, partially helped by Usyk not continuing at the pace that he had set in the previous three rounds. Fury was also awarded the 12th round by all three judges, yet the vast majority of observers felt Usyk had prevailed before the scorecards were revealed.

Although Fury received a 114-113 verdict with one judge, the other two gave it 115-112 and 114-113 to Usyk, leaving him as the IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO champion.

Usyk has since vacated the IBF belt, with Daniel Dubois now champion having knocked out Anthony Joshua in September, but one fewer title on the line takes nothing away from the rematch.

As well as having six months to deliberate over what went wrong during the first defeat of his professional career, Fury has been left to consider what adjustments that he needs to make to build on the encouraging signs from rounds three to six.

If rumours are to believed, the 36-year-old will be coming in heavier than the 262lbs that he weighed prior to the first bout. That also leaves a fighter like Usyk, who relies on his movement, needing to ponder whether he should respond.

The decision-making further adds to the storyline ahead of an occasion that features a stacked undercard, albeit with late adjustments.

UNDERCARD

The withdrawals of Israil Madrimov, due to bronchitis, and Dennis McCann, courtesy of a failed VADA test, from their respective bouts have dealt a major blow to the card.

Nevertheless, Ishmael Davis has stepped in to take on Serhii Bohachuk at 154lbs, the Englishman deserving another chance on a Riyadh Season card having pushed Josh Kelly all the way as a late replacement in September.

Unbeaten Welshman Rhys Edwards is also a worthy opponent for Peter McGrail at super-bantamweight and that remains one of the more intriguing contests on the card.

As well as the main event, there is plenty of heavyweight action down the schedule. Johnny Fisher will be attempting to extend his unbeaten record in an all-English clash with Dave Allen, while highly-rated prospect Moses Itauma will be making a statement of intent if he can overcome Australia's Demsey McKean.

Andrii Novytskyi and Edgar Ramirez also meet for the WBC international title, while British duo Liam McGregor and Isaac Lowe both need a win to move back up the world rankings at featherweight.

Saudi Arabia's Mohammed Alakel will take on Joshua Ocampo in the fight that will kick off the card.

PREDICTIONS

If Fury does come in heavy, it brings a new dynamic to the fight. Although his movement may be impacted, the extra weight could help him withstand the accurate shots of Usyk.

Furthermore, Fury could inflict greater damage on the Ukrainian if he is able to connect. However, when you consider that the bigger-punching Anthony Joshua barely made a dent in Usyk across 24 rounds, you have to question whether any alterations in weight can benefit Fury.

From that perspective, we are backing Usyk to prevail on points, this time wider than the first fight to potentially set up a rematch with Dubois in 2025.

Davis may just fall short against Bohachuk in a super-welterweight fight where he expect him to win rounds, but Fisher could make light work out of Allen and effectively end the veteran's career.

Itauma could get McKean out of there between rounds three and five, further enhancing his stock, while we expect McGregor to have too much quality for Lowe in what may prove to be the Englishman's last fight at this level.

McGrail and Edwards have the potential to steal the show in terms of technical ability on the undercard. Edwards carries as much momentum as his opponent, yet we feel that McGrail will get the nod with the judges in a close fight. body check tags ::

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