This Saturday, two of boxing’s best will meet for the second time. The first time they met, back in May, they were both champions with zero career losses. But at the end of that fight, one man went home with all four titles, becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion, while the other went home with their first career loss. 

Now, Oleksandr Usyk (22-0) and Tyson Fury (34-1-1) are ready to go again; Usyk seeking to retain his title and show why he deserves to be regarded as one of the heavyweight legends; Fury is attempting to regain his lost WBC title plus two more while showing the world that his May loss was simply what it was – a mistake. 

The May bout lasted all 12 rounds, with Usyk winning on points. But Fury has since told Usyk that he always knocks out in his rematch, warning the Ukrainian that the next meeting won’t be as easy as the first. The winner of this fight could potentially face the winner of the upcoming Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker match to become the undisputed champion. 

While the first right had a lot at stake, this rematch is not without its hype. Usyk has the chance to solidify his championship status, finally being the man to hand Tyson Fury not just his first but his second professional defeat. He also gets a shot at being undisputed champion for the second time. 

For Fury, this fight is all about revenge. The defeat in the hands of Usyk, a newcomer in the heavyweight division, must have been too much for the man who defeated Wlaimir Klitschko and gave Deontay Wilder his first two professional losses. Defeating Usyk, possibly by knockout, is the surest way possible to recover his lost prestige and sort of undo the blemish caused by the May defeat. If this chance passes him by, there’s no telling when next the 36-year-old will have a title shot. 

There’s enough motivation for both fighters to be at the top of their game, and fans will get to witness that this Saturday when they take to the ring in Riyadh.