Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk Prediction & Picks: Heavyweight History Awaits the Victor in Riyadh

One of the most anticipated heavyweight matchups in recent boxing history will finally take place today, as Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will duke it out in a rare unification bout at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The fight was originally planned for December 23 of last year but was postponed after Fury suffered injuries in his October 28 win over Francis Ngannou. It was then scheduled for February 17, but on February 2, it was postponed once more after Fury suffered a cut in training.

Now, the big day has finally arrived without any further disruptions, and it will be a historic occasion.

This matchup marks just the third time ever that two undefeated heavyweight champions will meet with undisputed honors at stake, following Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier’s 1971 bout (a Frazier victory by unanimous decision) and the 1988 bout between Mike Tyson and Michael Spinks (won by Tyson via knockout 91 seconds into the first round).

The winner will become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 2000, when Lennox Lewis lost his WBA belt in court due to his refusal to meet mandatory challenger John Ruiz.

Will it be WBC champ Fury, who comes in with a record of 34-0-1? Or will it be Usyk, who holds the WBA, WBO, IBF, IBO, and The Ring belts and a 21-0 record? Years of hype and animosity have built up to what should be a memorable matchup in Saudi Arabia’s capital city.

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk Odds

Moneyline

• Tyson Fury -120
• Oleksandr Usyk +100

Total Rounds Over/Under

• Over 10.5 Rounds -280
• Under 10.5 Rounds +220

Method of Victory

• Fury by decision or technical decision +210
• Usyk by decision or technical decision +210
• Fury by KO, TKO, or DQ +310
• Usyk by KO, TKO, or DQ +450
• Draw or technical draw +1100

Will Fury vs Usyk Go the Scheduled Distance?

• Yes -250
• No +170

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk Betting Analysis

Both Fury and Usyk are well known for their knockout prowess. Of Fury’s 34 professional wins, 24 have come by way of knockout. Of Usyk’s 21 wins, 14 have come by knockout.

According to Fury vs Usyk fight odds, however, such an outcome is not the expectation.

That is certainly understandable, given what’s up for grabs as well as the skill level of the two boxers.

An altercation between John Fury, Tyson’s father, and members of Usyk’s camp on Monday has added an extra layer to an already tense buildup, but don’t expect that to have an impact on how things play out tonight in Riyadh.

Fury has a significant advantage in height, weight, and reach, but will any of that factor in? He is six inches taller (6’9″ to 6’3″), almost 40 pounds heavier (262 to 223), and has a seven-inch reach advantage (85 inches to 78 inches).

Usyk was also at a disadvantage in all three areas against Anthony Joshua, who is 6’6″, has an 82-inch reach, and weighed in at 240 and 244.5 pounds for their two fights. However, he emerged victorious both times, winning by unanimous decision in September 2021 and split decision in August 2022.

Usyk took the fight to Joshua on both of those occasions, connecting on more punches in both bouts and landing a higher percentage in the first fight. Doing the same against Fury will be a more difficult task, but it certainly isn’t beyond Usyk.

That said, it is worth noting that Fury has taken a rather serious approach to this fight, opting not to engage in his trademark trash talking or referring to Usyk in the derisory terms he has referred to other opponents.

That doesn’t guarantee that he will come out on top tonight, but it does instill a lot of confidence that he will do so and further etch his name in the annals of heavyweight history.

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk Prediction & Picks

Fury vs Usyk Prediction: Fury to win

Fury vs Usyk Picks: Fury ML (-120 at BetOnline)

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk Fight Information

Where is the Fury vs Usyk fight taking place?

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are facing off at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

What is the start time for Fury vs Usyk?

The fight will likely start sometime after 5:00 pm ET (12:00 am local time).

How can you watch Fury vs Usyk?

Viewers in the United States can catch the action via ESPN+ PPV.

Where to Bet on Boxing

Below are some of the books that we highly recommend for boxing betting:

• BetDSI
• BetOnline
• BetUS
• Bookmaker
• Bovada
• MyBookie
• Sportsbetting.ag

If you don’t have an account at a book on this list, check out our reviews to help you determine if it is worth your interest and your betting funds.