Grand Arrivals: Usyk vs Fury 2 Week Gets Underway in Riyadh

Fighters made their grand arrivals Tuesday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, ahead of the upcoming card on Saturday, December 21, featuring the highly anticipated rematch between unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine (20-0, 13 KOs) and former unified heavyweight champion Tyson Fury of England (33-0-1, 24 KOs), live worldwide on DAZN PPV starting at 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT.

Fighters walked a runway from a 747 aircraft turned restaurant, greeted by interviewer Claudia Trejos for a few words. No faceoffs, no trash talk, no acting up today. Everyone is focused and seemingly ready to put on their best performances.

Highlights from Usyk vs Fury 2 Grand Arrivals

Tyson Fury is not used to being the challenger. Photo: Leigh Dawney, Queensberry Promotions.

Tyson Fury finds himself in the unusual position of the challenger. It didn’t affect his self-confidence.

“I’m the only show in town,” declared Fury. “It’s the biggest event of my life, so in that regard it’s pretty much the same. From one biggest event to the next biggest event. I’m looking forward to putting on a show as always.”

Asked what would happen in round 13, Fury promised, “I’m going to knock him out. I’m going to give Turki what I promised him in May, a cooked rabbit in his kitchen. That’s my promise!”

Oleksandr Usyk greets Turki Alalshikh. Photo: Leigh Dawney, Queensberry Promotions.

Usyk, wearing a custom suit and cape created by a Ukrainian designer, brushed off Fury’s comments. “It’s only talk. We will see. Whatever happens is God’s will.”

Usyk said he felt good at his current weight, 222 pounds. “I don’t feel too heavy, I don’t feel too light. I feel perfect.”

Usyk said his fans can expect a similar performance as in the first fight, but perhaps with a few changes. “My team and I have a few secrets for Saturday,” said Usyk.

“This is a big opportunity for me, for my country, and for the young people that look up to me and Tyson. This is history! I want people 15 years later to remember when I fought and beat Tyson Fury twice in Riyadh.”

While Usyk says he believes he is an all-time great champion, he deferred to Terence Crawford as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world today.

Bohachuk Gets New Opponent in Co-Main Event

Serhii Bohachuk, long based in Los Angeles, is the closest thing to an American fight on Saturday’s card. Photo: Leigh Dawney, Queensberry Promotions.

In the co-main event, former WBC 154-pound interim titleholder Serhii Bohachuk of Los Angeles (24-2, 23 KOs) now faces British boxer Ishmael Davis (13-1, 6 KOs) after Israil Madrimov was forced to withdraw due to illness.

Bohachuk promised a “Big show, big fight coming up for me. I’m ready. It will be interesting. I’ll show my fans, the Ukrainian fans, and the industry some very interesting boxing.”

British heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma returns to Riyadh as his young career progresses. Photo: Leigh Dawney, Queensberry Promotions.

Rising heavyweight star Moses Itauma of England (22-0, 10 KOs) takes on Australian Demsey McKean (22-1, 14 KOs). Asked about being compared to a young Anthony Joshua, Itauma said, “Obviously, I haven’t proved nothing yet. It’s nice to hear these things, but everybody’s on their own path, and I’m here to set my own path also.”

Johnny Fisher walks the Boulevard Runway in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Leigh Dawney, Queensberry Promotions.

Popular British heavyweight prospect Johnny Fisher of London (12-0, 11 KOs) squares off against former Commonwealth title challenger Dave Allen of Yorkshire (23-6, 18 KOs).

Fisher is never at a loss for words. He said the only pressure on him is the pressure he puts on himself. “All the rest of it is enjoyment, it’s exposure, and all I’ve got to do is my job and listen to the people in my corner and that’ll be good.”

Fisher predicts victory at all costs against the veteran Allen. “My job, I’m the fighter, and one thing I can deliver is action, adventure, and I try to get the knockout every single time I fight so I’ll be looking for that, no doubt.”

Can Dylan Colin score another upset win in a week for France? Photo: Leigh Dawney, Queensberry Promotions.

Daniel Lapin of Ukraine (10-0, 4 KOs) faces Dylan Colin of France (14-0, 4 KOs) in a battle of unbeaten light heavyweight prospects.

French fighters are on a roll. When asked about the upset performances of Bruno Sarace and Leonardo Mosquea the weekend prior, Colin said, “It’s good to be here and a good opportunity for me. Thank you very much to all organizations, my promoter and I’m ready for Saturday.”

Lapin replied, “I feel that very soon, one of the fighters will have one loss and that will not be me.”

Former Commonwealth Games gold medalist Peter McGrail of England (10-1, 6 KOs) gets a last-minute replacement in Rhys Edwards of Wales (16-0, 4 KOs) in a super featherweight bout.

Isaac Lowe of Lancaster (25-2-3, 8 KOs) will face former IBO Super Bantamweight title challenger Lee McGregor of Scotland (14-1-1, 11 KOs) in a featherweight bout.

Heavyweight Andrii Novytskyi of Ukraine (14-0, 10 KOs) takes on Edgar Ramirez of Mexico (10-1-1, 4 KOs)

Saudi fighter Mohammed Alakel (1-0) returns after a successful pro debut against Joshua Ocampo of Colombia (8-33-5, 6 KOs), a durable opponent who forces prospects to go some rounds. Alakel said, “I’m very happy and excited, I can’t wait. I got my pro debut over and done with. It should be light work now.”

Reignited: Usyk vs Fury 2 airs on DAZN Boxing in the U.S. The PPV cost is $39.95.