Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk (R) fights against Britain's Tyson Fury during a heavyweight boxing world championship fight at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on May 19, 2024. Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury by split decision to win the world's first undisputed heavyweight championship in 25 years on May 19, 2024, an unprecedented feat in boxing's four-belt era. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP) Photo: FAYEZ NURELDINE / AFP
Undisputed heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury are set to meet in a rematch on 21 December, according to the chairman of Saudi Arabia's general entertainment authority.
Usyk beat Fury by split decision to become the first undisputed champion of the four-belt era on 18 May.
A rematch was said to be in the works for October but Turki Alalshikh said the date had been pushed back to December.
"The world will watch another historical fight again," Alashikh added on X.
"Our commitment to boxing fans continues. We hope you enjoy it."
Usyk, the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999, added Fury's WBC belt to his WBA, WBO and IBF collection when they fought in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia earlier this month.
The 37-year-old Ukrainian has won all 22 of his professional fights.
Alashikh did not name a venue or destination for the rematch but stated it would take place "during Riyadh Season".
Riyadh Season is an entertainment festival held every winter since its launch in 2019 which has hosted a number of high profile boxing events.
The contest would give Briton Fury, 35, the opportunity to gain revenge after tasting defeat for the first time in his 16-year professional career against Usyk.
It is unlikely that all four belts will be on the line in the rematch with the IBF planning to strip Usyk as he will not be facing its mandatory challenger next.
However Usyk has requested an "exception" to keep hold of the belt for the rematch.
The IBF told BBC Sport their "board of directors" would meet to discuss the request.
- BBC
